“I am not.”
Constance knew that she ought not to speak such things aloud, but after what she had endured, it came to her lips, and she did not hold it back.
“Constance!” Her father’s eyes were flashing, his lip curling. “How dare you speak so? Do you have any understanding of what you have done?”
“I have done nothing other than be my true self, Father.” Constance did not raise her voice, but spoke with great fervency. “Think for a moment of what you have placed upon me. Can you imagine what it is like to stand here and have you and a gentleman, whom I do not know, speak about me as though I am entirely absent? That you speak of my training and education but not of my character, as if I am a horse at Tattersall’s or the like, and not a thinking person?”
“And besides which, my Lord, the gentleman almost struck your daughter. I am deeply upset to see your lack of response, for you appeared not in the least bit concerned about that, but instead choose to berate her as though she were the one at fault.” Lady Hayman spoke with the same fierceness as she had towards Lord Dalrymple, her chin lifted high. “Your lack of consideration is both displeasing and concerning.”
“This is foolishness.”
Her father had never been as red in the face as he was at this moment, Constance was sure of it. She had never seen him so angry, so lost for words, and yet there was a confidence brewing within her which had only been encouraged by her mother’s presence.
She wanted to say more.
“You have not given me the same opportunities as my sisters, Father.” Taking a breath, she continued. “I say none of this to anger you, but only to make you realize that I will not be contented with a gentleman you present to me, simply because he is of your choosing. Do you truly think that someone like Lord Dalrymple would be suitable for me? Someone who tells me that I ought only to speak when he asks me to do so?” Softening her voice, she tilted her head. “Is that how you treat Mama?”
Before Lord Hayman could answer, her mother spoke up again.
“Certainly, it is not, so why should you want that sort of gentleman for your daughter? Do you not care about her happiness in the least?”
Lord Hayman opened his mouth only to snap it closed again. His eyes were sparking with obvious anger, but he said nothing, turning on his heel and stalking away.
The moment he did so, Constance felt her mother slump just a little, and turned to her with concern.
“Mother?”
“Forgive me, my dear.”
A little confused, Constance looked at her.
“There is nothing to forgive, Mama.”
“Indeed, there is.” Lady Hayman turned slightly so that she could take Constance’s hand. “I have been speaking to Lady Yardley of late and she has, in her kind way, made some circumstances plain to me. This fresh understanding has made me deeply upset.” With a sigh, she closed her eyes. “It is unfair that your father did not offer you the same opportunities as he did your elder sisters. I can understand your frustration and your upset in that regard. I do not like his choice and I want you to be aware that I do not condone it.” Her eyes opened and she looked directly at Constance. “Your father does not often listen to me, but I will do whatever I can to assist you in finding a good husband. That is why I came to join you when Lord Dalrymple was being presented to you, even though my heart was beating so furiously, I was sure that it would leap from my chest!” Constance smiled softly, tears in the corners of her eyes. Her mother had never spoken to her in such a way before and while she was grateful for it, she did not like the pain she saw in her mother’s expression. “Make no mistake, my dear. I was silent before, but I will be silent no longer. Your father is not right to treat you in this lesser way and thus, I will make certain that you have my voice alongside you. I want you to be happy.”
To Constance’s horror, her mother’s eyes welled up with sudden tears and she quickly squeezed her hands tightly.
“Pray, do not be upset on my behalf, Mama. I have spoken with Lady Yardley too, and she has aided me in my search for a suitable husband who might bring contentment to both Father and myself. That is not to say that I am not grateful for your aid also, but only to say that I have not been friendless these last few weeks.”
“I can see that, but I ought to have spoken up from the very beginning.” Lady Hayman blinked rapidly but, much to Constance’s relief, her tears dissipated without falling to her cheeks. “But I shall be here with you now.”
Constance’s heart filled with both appreciation and love for her mother. Lady Hayman had always wanted the best for her daughters and, while clearly struggling with the strength of her husband, was now willing to do whatever she could to aid Constance. Thus far, two gentlemen of her father’s choosing had been foiled, and his attempts to encourage them toward her had been entirely unsuccessful. She could hope now that such efforts would continue to fail until she finally found a gentleman who would hold her heart, and she would hold his.
* * *
“Miss Millington,might I present Lord Humphries to you.”
Lady Yardley, upon making the introductions, took a small step to the side, looked at Constance, and smiled.
Constance’s stomach dropped. Lord Humphries was not the sort of gentleman she had expected. He might very well be seeking a love match, but she knew at once that she would not be able to fall in love with him. He looked more suited to spending time with her father than with her, given his age. Yes, she recalled, Lady Yardleyhadinformed her that he was a little older, but she had not expected him to be so very much so.
“It is very pleasant to make your acquaintance.” Lord Humphries inclined his head, smiled, and then looked to Lady Yardley. “And how does your husband fare, Lady Yardley?”
“Very well, thank you.” The lady smiled back at him. “He returned to the estate for a short while, but will come again to London soon. I know that he has greatly benefited from your advice about crop rotation.”
“But of course! Have you heard of such an innovation, Miss Millington?”
She shook her head no and what followed was a long and seemingly inexhaustible explanation of crop rotations. Constance listened as best she could, attempting to take in all that was said and show, at the very least, a little interest. Thus far, Lord Humphries was not the sort of gentleman she would be able to consider. She had to hope that the next gentleman would be a little improved.
