“I do not know what things Lady Yardley speaks of,” Miss Wynch agreed, a small frown between her eyebrows now. “My elder sister did not have any difficulty withherhusband. When they met, they were so delighted with each other they were wed within six weeks.”
“I confess I know very little about Catherine’s engagement and marriage,” Lady Almeria replied, speaking of her elder sister who was some ten years her senior. “But Idoknow that Amanda had a little trouble, although I believe that came from the realization that she had to choose which gentleman was to be her suitor. She hadthreegentlemen eager to court her – all deserving gentlemen too – and therefore, she had some trouble in deciding who was best suited.”
Cassandra frowned, her nose wrinkling.
“I could not say anything about my brother’s marriage, but my sister did wait until her second Season before she accepted a gentleman’s offer of courtship. She spoke very little to me of any difficulties, however - and therefore, I do not understand what my cousin means.” A small sigh escaped her. “I do wish that my sister and I had been a little closer. She might have spoken to me of whatever difficulties she faced, whether they were large or small, but in truth, she said very little to me. Had she done so, then I might be already aware of whatever it is that Lady Yardley wishes to convey.”
Miss Wynch put one hand on her arm.
“I am sure that we shall find out soon enough.” She shrugged. “I do not think that you need to worry about it either, given that we have more than enough to think about! Maybe after our come out, Lady Yardley will tell you all.”
Cassandra took a deep breath and let herself smile as the tension flooded out of her.
“Yes, you are right.” Throwing a quick glance back towards her cousin, who was still standing nearby, she spread both hands. “Regardless of what is said, I am still determined to marry for love.”
“As am I.” Lady Almeria’s lips tipped into a soft smile. “In fact, I think that all of us – our absent friends included – are determined to marry for love. Did we not all say so last Season, as we watched our sisters and brothers make their matches? I find myself just as resolved today as I was then. I do not think our desires a foolish endeavor.”
Cassandra shook her head.
“Nor do I, although my brother would have a different opinion, given that he trumpeted how excellent a match he made with his new bride.”
With a wry laugh, she tilted her head, and looked from one friend to the other.
“And my sister would have laughed at us for such a suggestion, I confess,” Lady Almeria agreed. “She states practicality to be the very best of situations, but I confess I dream of more.”
“As do I.” A slightly wistful expression came over Miss Wynch as she clasped both hands to her heart, her eyes closing for a moment. “I wish to know that a gentleman’s heart is filled only with myself, rather than looking at me as though I am some acquisition suitable for his household.”
Such a description made Cassandra shudder as she nodded fervently. To be chosen by a gentleman simply due to her father’s title, or for her dowry, would be most displeasing. To Cassandra’s mind, it would not bring any great happiness.
“Then I have a proposal.” Cassandra held out her hands, one to each of her friends. “What say you we promise each other – here and now, that we shallonlymarry for love and shall support each other in our promises to do so? We can speak to our other friends and seek their agreement also.”
Catching her breath, Lady Almeria nodded fervently, her smile spreading across her face.
“It sounds like a wonderful idea.”
“I quite agree.” Miss Wynch smiled back at her, reaching to grasp Cassandra’s hand. “We shall speak to the others soon, I presume?”
“Yes, of course. We shall have a merry little band together and, in time, we are certain to have success.” Cassandra sighed contentedly, the last flurries of tension going from her. “We will all find ourselves suitable matches with gentlemen to whom we can lose our hearts, knowing that their hearts love us in return.”
As her friends smiled, Cassandra’s heart began to soar. This Season was going to be an excellent one, she was sure. Yes, she had her cousin’s warnings, but she also had her friends’ support in her quest to find a gentleman who would love her; a gentleman she would carry in her heart for all of her days. Surely such a fellow would not be so difficult to find?
Chapter Two
“Ishould like to hear something… significant… about you this Season.”
Jonathan rolled his eyes, knowing precisely what his mother expected. This was now his fourth Season in London and, as yet, he had not found himself a bride – much to his mother’s chagrin, of course. On his part, it was quite deliberate and, although he had stated as much to his mother on various occasions, it did not seem to alter her attempts to encourage him toward matrimony.
“You are aware that you did not have to come to London with me, Mother?” Jonathan shrugged his shoulders. “If you had remained at home, then you would not have suffered as much concern, surely?”
“It is a legitimate concern, which I would suffer equally, no matter where I am!” his mother shot back fiercely. “You have not given me any expectation of a forthcoming marriage and I continually wonder and worry over the lack of an heir! You are the Marquess of Sherbourne! You have responsibilities!”
Jonathan scowled.
“Responsibilities I take seriously, Mother. However, I will not be forced into–”
“I have already heard whispers of your various entanglements during last Season. I can hardly imagine that this Season will be any better.”
At this, Jonathan took a moment to gather himself, trying to control the fierce surge of anger now burning in his soul. When he spoke, it was with a quietness he could barely keep hold of.
