“For generations, families have made matches to ensure the survival of their line, they paid no mind to what either party desired. That is how we have survived and thrived as a nation.”
“I do not believe the paupers would agree with you regarding the thriving portion of your statement. Our class has done so perhaps, but how many of us are miserable being trapped in marriages based on nothing but whom it benefits the most.”
His parents looked at one another with quiet contention, neither wanted to say out loud what the entire household, and most of the village, had known for years. They were miserable with one another.
At last, his mother broke the stalemate.
“We need an heir. Lord Cragshade is already skulking about, waiting for Kenneth to decline the match so he can be one step closer to being the heir presumptive.”
“There are two eligible young ladies present at Goldclaw Manor, if I am not mistaken,” the Duke said as Kenneth smiled. He grew more convinced by the moment that it was Ruth he was meant to be with. That she was his destiny. His mother did not agree with the notion.
“Lady Ruth? You cannot be serious. We all know it was Lady Sophia who was the one intended for marriage. Not her sister. You cannot be serious. You’d take her to Court with you? With the way she looks? Disfigured?”
Oddly, for a moment, Kenneth did not know what she was talking about at all. Then it came back to him. The scar.
Have I grown so close to her, so fond of her, that I don’t even think of her scar anymore? We’ve spent so little time together and yet I feel drawn to her. If only my mother could see Ruth is so much more than her scar.
“Now, Judith. She is a lovely lady with many accomplishments. You must admit that.”
“I admit no such thing. She plays the pianoforte and the harp passably, but she cannot hold a polite conversation and she certainly does not have what it takes to be a Duchess.”
“She does not hold a conversation with you because she knows you do not care for her,” Kenneth snapped. “She has no trouble speaking with me.”
“And when, pray, have you had occasion to talk to her?” His mother crossed her arms so suddenly the riding-whip created an audible woosh. Fortunately, he was saved from having to answer by his father.
“She is indeed a capable young woman and I find her a delight to talk to. She is witty and intelligent. She has every attribute her sister has.”
“Except one, George. I will stop my attempts at making a match between Lady Sophia and Kenneth this very moment, if you can honestly look me in the eyes and tell me that you can see Lady Ruth as the Duchess of Goldclaw. Walking into an assembly, a ball at Almack’s, or the opera looking as she does.”
Kenneth looked at this father and saw the truth in his face. He could not. And he was right. Kenneth could not either. He hadn’t considered what it would mean to Ruth to be exposed the way she would be if she were Duchess. She hardly liked venturing out of her own home. And yet, he could not picture himself with Lady Sophia by his side either.
“Kenneth,” his father said. “Perhaps you haven’t given Lady Sophia a fair chance after all. She is in her own right a true delight. Why don’t you take her for a carriage ride? Show her the paddock? She likes horses, her father tells me.”
Kenneth’s shoulders dropped. “If it pleases you, I shall. However, I will declare here and now that I will not marry by force. I’d rather not marry at all, as I have said.”
His mother was about to reply when Kenneth spotted Jack riding up on Lottie.
“As much as I enjoy this delightful debate over my future happiness, I must excuse myself as I’ve made arrangements to see Jack.”
He bowed to his parents one by one and rushed away just as Jack jumped off his horse and handed the reins to a footman.
His mother huffed and returned to the house when his father’s voice called out.
“Wait up, son!”
He stopped in his tracks just as Jack made his way around the manor and toward the gazebo where they’d planned on meeting. He’d sent for Jack earlier in the day to discuss the latest developments and to seek out his advice, as he so often did.
Alas, his friend would have to wait.
“Yes, Papa?”
“Do not vex your mother so, I beg of you. It is I who must contend with her nerves and tribulations.”
He shrugged at this. “I do not mean to. As you know, Mother is vexed easily, particularly when it comes to the matter of my marriage.”
“Then you know it is best to give in to her demands as much as you can. And Lady Sophia is a truly lovely young woman.”
Kenneth found himself entirely aggravated.
