“You needed new things,” her mother insisted. “It’s not enough for you to capture the attention of any old baron, Esther. This is what your father is trying to explain to you. You must set your sights on someone truly advantageous, someone who can help us salvage Cliffdall from the dire straits we’re in.”
“Someone very wealthy, in other words,” Esther said.
Her father nodded. “I’m pleased to see you’ve understood the situation so quickly,” he said. “I do regret to ask this of you, Esther, but at the same time—”
“Don’t regret it, Adam,” her mother said firmly. “She’s a part of this family, is she not? She’s always benefitted from the money we’ve had. And now that we’re struggling, she’s in a perfect position to do her part to help us.”
Esther nodded. She had always known that this was the role she would play in her family—to marry well. And though she hadn’t known of the Earldom’s financial troubles, she had always imagined that she would want to seek out a wealthy match when the time came for her first Season.
But of course, if Father could be in such terrible financial trouble, any gentleman could be. She would have to do her best to assess the gentlemen she’d be meeting to make certain their wealth was intact.
But Esther knew she would be able to do that. She was clever and alert, and she knew it. She would gather the information she needed from any gentleman who took an interest in her before returning his interest in any way.
“Don’t worry, Father,” she said confidently. “You can count on me.”
“I know I can,” her father said. “You’re charming, clever, and beautiful—everything a gentleman could want. I have no doubt that you’ll be able to capture the attention of the most eligible gentlemen this Season.”
“Just make sure the one who courts you is the right one,” her mother said. “The most well-off, and the one with the best reputation. You mustn’t trust your aunt to help you when it comes to this. She doesn’t have your best interests in mind.”
“Unfortunately, I have to agree with your mother,” her father said. “Tabitha will be out to procure an advantageous match for her own daughter at any cost, and if that means misdirecting you, I don’t doubt she’ll be willing to do so.”
“You don’t have to worry, Father,” Esther said. “I won’t be misled. I know what I’m looking for in a gentleman.”
“Tell me, then,” her father said.
Esther nodded and recited the qualities her parents had reinforced to her for the past several years. “A gentleman with a high rank,” she said. “An earl, ideally.”
“An earlcertainly,” her father corrected. “Nothing less will suffice.”
“Or a duke,” her mother put in.
“Or a duke,” her father allowed, making it clear in his tone that he was only humoring his wife. Esther wondered what that meant. Did he not believe there would be any dukes available for courtship this Season? Or did he simply think her incapable of attracting their interest?
If that’s what he believes, he’s in for a surprise. I'll bring back the most eligible gentleman, no matter what title he happens to hold. They’ll see.
“You must find out about his land,” Esther’s father went on. “If someone takes an interest in you, ask around at balls and parties and discover what’s being said about him. Your mother is right—donotlisten to your aunt. Tabitha will steer you wrong. She’d love nothing more than to see my daughter married to a baron while her own daughter married well.”
“She knows it won’t happen unless she manipulates the situation,” Esther’s mother put in. “Eugenia could never capture the attention of a gentleman who had any other options.”
Esther frowned. Though she knew her cousin was awkward and not particularly engaging or charming, she had always liked Eugenia. They were the same age, and they had been friends throughout their childhood. Aunt Tabitha was scheming and conniving, just like Esther’s own parents, but Eugenia had always been kindhearted. Esther didn’t like to hear her parents speak ill of her.
“I’m sure Eugenia will have a successful Season,” she said, hoping to stop her parents from speaking so negatively.
“As long as her successful Season doesn’t get in the way ofyoursuccessful Season, I don’t care,” her father said. “The important thing, Esther, is that you make an advantageous match. It’s time you did your part for this family.”
“I will,” Esther said.
“Remember, it’s your little sister who is really counting on you,” her mother said. “Caroline needs you to be successful.”
Esther understood that her mother was playing on her sympathies. Her younger sister was only ten years old, and Esther doted on her. Her concern for the Earldom and for her parents was real, of course, but her concern for Caroline’s future was much more powerful.
“That's right,” her father agreed. “We’re using the last of our money to finance your attendance at balls and parties this Season, to pay for your gowns and position you to find yourself a husband. When Caroline comes of age, we may not have the money we need to give her the same opportunities—unless something changes.”
Esther felt her resolve solidify. Now she truly understood what was at stake. If she married well, doors would open for Caroline’s future. But if she failed, Caroline might never have a Season of her own. She might never marry. She would become an old maid, with no prospects.
I can’t allow that to happen to her.
“Don’t worry,” she told her parents firmly. “I’ll be successful. I’ll bring home the most eligible man of the Season, you’ll see. Caroline will have all she needs.”
