His father chuckled. “Well, Lord Caster does have an impressive collection of spirits, that must be said. Perhaps you might not mind sharing with your father once you collect.”
“Of course not. perhaps over a game of chess?”
Father and son were in pleasant conversation when his mother cleared her throat.
“You went on a horse race? Today of all days?”
“Why not, Mother? It is early yet, and our visitors are not expected until much later in the day.”
She shook her head. “Still, you ought to have prepared yourself better.”
He shook his head, not quite sure what she was talking about. Luckily, his father kept him from having to reply.
“What was he to do? Read a dossier on each of the ladies? Judith, let us not be silly.”
This was enough for his mother. She turned from the piano and faced her husband with such venom in her eyes, Kenneth felt compelled to take a step back.
“Silly? You call me silly because I care about the future of our only son?”
“I…”
His mother stood now, one hand on her hip. “All I care about is the reputation of this family and its future. Kenneth must wed unless you would rather your title revert to the crown upon his death because he has no heirs.”
“I will have an heir mother. Please, stop pressuring me. I have not once voiced an objection to the visit of the Duke and his daughters, even though I am in fact highly opposed to the whole idea of a proposed courtship. I have done what you asked, is that not enough?”
She turned to him, her eyes softening. “Kenny…” She shook her head, the use of his childhood nickname causing him to drop his defenses.
“I just want what is best for you, even if you do not always see it. I want to see you secure and happy. Will you not at least promise me to try to like the Duke’s daughter?”
He frowned at the singular use of daughter, as he’d been sure there were two, but he did not want to argue further. He nodded.
“Of course, Mother. I will promise to try to find common ground. But if I do not care for the match, I will turn it down. And I expect my decision to be respected.”
His mother took in a gulp of air, ready to argue once more, but his father stepped in and put an end to the discussion.
“Your decision will be respected. Now, Judith. Ought you not check on the rooms of our guests, to ensure they have been properly prepared? We would not want another mishap as we did when the Countess of Weaverling visited.”
The Duchess’ eyes grew wide, and she turned at once, departing the room without further discussion.
“It is quite unkind to bring up the Weaverling visits,” Kenneth said as he slid into the seat beside his father. He could not help but chuckle, however.
“Ah, it gets her to stop whatever it is she is arguing about whenever I mention it.”
Kenneth shook his head. Some years ago, during a visit from the rich and influential Earl of Weaverling, the maids had accidentally sprayed the room of the Countess with rose essence, a scent the countess despised, even though it had previously been communicated to the staff. The day had gone down in infamy, at least if you took his mother’s word for it.
To his surprise, his father suddenly grew serious. “I will say, she is right about one thing. Marriage is something you must consider for your future.”
“I know, Father. I only wish that she could understand that I do not want to marry by arrangement, but for love. Why is that so hard for her to grasp?”
The older man grimaced then. “It is so hard for her because she never had the good fortune of marrying for love. She was chosen for me and I for her. She never had any happiness in this marriage, neither did I. Our characters are simply too different to ever make a good match. Thus, she does not believe in the notion of love.”
“But you do?”
He chuckled then. “I believe it is possible, yes. For others of course, not for me. You might find a kindred spirit in the Duke, he loved his wife very much, and she him.”
“Well then, I will have a perfect example of true love present to point to,” Kenneth grinned but his father’s visage darkened.
“There is no Duchess of Twilightfare anymore, I am afraid. The poor man’s wife died in a tragic fire. Best not to mention it as it brings back terrible memories, I imagine.”
