“Well, perhaps if he met someone else. He doesn’t seem overly particular about who he marries. If we could push him in someone’s direction... someone who wouldn’t mind marriage being more of a transaction... then, if my parents could see his interest, I would be able to break the courtship without feeling like I have disappointed them.”
“I didn’t think your parents were the type to push you into a loveless marriage.”
“They aren’t. But, well, heisa duke.”
Penelope nodded again. Mercy’s life would be much simpler if she shared the same sentiment as most of London.
“So we need to find a match for the Duke of Harrington.”
“Other than the woman having an influential position in Society, he isn’t particular. He chose me without much of a thought.”
Penelope looked at her as if she had said something ridiculous, but then shrugged. “What are his likes and dislikes?”
Mercy thought long and hard about the question. She had spent several afternoons and evenings with him; she should know something about him. “I think he dislikes singing and chess. He saw me crying once, years ago, and I think that may have left an impression on him. Mama thinks he is impressed by my jewelry, but I’m pretty sure that isn’t the case.”
“What do you mean?”
“The night I first met him, I was wearing the family emeralds. Mama thinks that is why he noticed me.”
“Why do you disagree?”
“He’s never mentioned my more elaborate necklaces or earrings. In fact, the only piece of jewelry he has ever commented on was Kate’s silver bracelet.” Mercy paused. “And Mama didn’t know that he and I had had a conversation alone in the corridor that night.”
Penelope’s eyebrows rose.
“What were you doing alone in a corridor with a duke?”
“I didn’t know he was a duke then. He was listening in at the cardroom, and I happened to come up behind him.”
“What did you say to him?”
“Nothing of consequence. I didn’t know who he was, and he didn’t know who I was. The men inside the cardroom were talking about him finally looking for a bride. He turned and looked at me, and I suppose that was it. He needed a bride, and I walked into that corridor at exactly the wrong moment.”
“Or the right one,” Penelope murmured under her breath. Mercy narrowed one eye at her, and Penelope threw her handsup. “All right. I will ignore the obvious romance of that moment and help you with your quest.”
“I thought, perhaps, getting him alone in a corridor with a different woman might work.”
Penelope nodded. “Are you certain he has no interest in you personally?”
“Nothing that can be too enduring. He’ll forget about me very quickly.”
Again, Penelope gave her that look, as if she were saying something improbable. But Penelope didn’t know the duke like she did. His feelings didn’t run deep. He felt the need to get married, and she was a convenient match. There was nothing more to it than that. They simply needed to find him either a more convenient woman or, perhaps even better, someone for him to actually fall in love with.
“All right.” Penelope nodded and looked toward the crowded ballroom. “For tonight, we shall simply keep our eyes open. Look for someone who catches his eye more than anyone else. We need to make a list of possible candidates and work through them to find the best match for him. Then you will be free, and you can go back to waiting for your Prince Charming.”
“I’m not waiting around for a prince.”
“Maybe not.” Penelope laughed. “But if a duke wasn’t good enough for you, who else is there?”
“A good man who loves me. That is all I have ever wanted. It is that or nothing at all.”
“Good for you.” Penelope winked at her. “Now let’s get to work.”
Mercy spotted Mama near a window with another group of her friends. “I should return to Mama.”
Penelope nodded. “I’ll talk to Yolty. He is certain to have some ideas.” Mercy had no doubt that Penelope would tell her husband at least a portion of their plans, and as foolhardy asthose plans may be, he wouldn’t stop them. Mercy had seen him go along with much worse for his wife’s sake. Penelope gave her a quick embrace, and they parted ways.
Halfway to Mama, Lady Bryant stepped out of a group of gruff-looking men and reached for her arm. “Are you a friend of Lady Yolten’s?”
