He didn’t like sitting at the head of the table, as his father used to do. He had always preferred his old spot, the same chair he’d sat in since he was a child.
He motioned for the footmen to remove the covers from the plates that had kept the food warm, revealing an array of dishes that boasted the season’s flavors—roast pheasant, buttered turnips, and crisp bread.
“I wanted to apologize for my behavior the other day. It was not right,” he said as he placed the napkin on his lap.
His mother looked up at him, her eyes softer than before. “Thank you, Kenneth. You always had the ability to see the error of your ways—unlike your father.”
Kenneth was about to reply when a knock sounded at the front door. Leonard rushed into the room a moment later, his hair slightly disheveled.
“I beg your pardon…” he panted as he dropped into his seat.
Kenneth pressed his lips together. He’d planned to tell his friend his news before his mother arrived, but as always, Leonard hadn’t managed to be on time and thus would hear the news at the same time as the Dowager Duchess.
“Leonard, my dear, punctuality is a virtue. You must learn to appreciate it,” the Dowager Duchess chided.
Leonard chuckled nervously. “Indeed, Duchess. I’ll make a note of it for next time.”
The trio engaged in civil whiskers as the dinner progressed, savoring each bite of the meticulously prepared dishes. Kenneth, however, found it hard to get anything down because no matter how delicious the food was, the task at hand had robbed him of his appetite. In fact, the sudden change in his life had not just affected his appetite but also his sleep. He’d tossed and turnedthe whole night, thinking again and again of his promise to Joanna.
Had he been hasty? Yes. But then again, he felt confident he’d done the right thing.
“… any promising developments in your pursuit of matrimony?” His mother’s voice drew him out of his thoughts, but to his relief, her query had been aimed at Leonard, who shifted in his seat like a scolded schoolboy.
“Well—” Leonard started, but she was not finished.
“The Season is upon us, and I do hope you find a suitable match soon,” she pressed, her gaze intent.
Leonard delicately cut a piece of pheasant before replying, “I’ve yet to find the right woman, but I believe she’ll make herself known in due time.”
The Dowager Duchess raised an eyebrow. “I am pleased that at least you are not opposed to the idea. Perhaps a gentle nudge from you wouldn’t hurt, Kenneth. After all, I’m not growing any younger, and the prospect of a grandchild would bring me immense joy.”
This was it. This was his moment.
Kenneth took a sip of wine to calm his nerves and then cleared his throat. “Well, actually, Mother, Leonard, I have an announcement,” he began.
The Dowager Duchess leaned in, her curiosity piqued. “Oh, do share, my dear. Have you secured a date to give your first speech in Parliament?”
Kenneth shook his head. “No, not yet. The news I have to share is more personal in nature. I’ve taken your words to heart and decided that I ought to court with the aim to marry.”
His mother’s eyes widened, and Leonard looked genuinely surprised.
“Court?” Leonard echoed, his eyes narrowed.
The Dowager Duchess beamed. “What wonderful news, Kenneth! Shall I tell the matchmaker you will call on her?”
“No, that will not be necessary. I’ve entered into a courtship,” Kenneth announced, “with Lady Joanna Blackmore, the daughter of the Earl of Carlisle.”
His mother’s surprise was palpable, and she leaned forward, her eyes searching his face for confirmation. “Lady Joanna Blackmore? Truly? How did this happen?” she inquired, her eyes shining with excitement.
“I—”
“Joanna Blackmore?” Leonard coughed into his napkin after almost choking on his wine although he already knew. “Lady Joanna? The… the… Lady Joanna?”
“You know her?” the Dowager Duchess asked while he grew as red as a tomato.
“I heard of her,” Leonard explained once he could breathe again. “But I didn’t know that Kenneth knows her so well.”
Kenneth hesitated momentarily. “We met through her father, but then I saw her again at the park, and our conversation led to this decision.”
