Page 5 of Lord of the Lost

“Your Grace, forgive me for my presumption, but I rather thought that you might appreciate tea and cakes at this point.”

“Thank you.”

The maid set the tray down, and curtsied, then both servants left the room. The Duchess regarded her daughter, then gave a shaky laugh.

“At least the staff are loyal, and care for us, even if the villagers still struggle to forgive my French birth. Let us compose ourselves, and drink this tea. Though it brought us both to tears, you were right to ask the question. We must think of the future, and plan. It is now, more than ever, necessary that we find a good man for you to marry. It is something we should have done long before now – but with Devlin away, and your father ailing the last two years, a Season in London was just not possible.”

Gabrielle poured the tea, and considered her mother’s words for a moment before saying anything.

“I do not need a Season in London, necessarily, Mother. perhaps… perhaps I might find a suitable gentleman closer to home?”

The Duchess fixed her daughter with a piercing look.

“Did you have anyone specific in mind, Gabrielle?”

“Not… not exactly. But perhaps, in another month or three, when it might be acceptable to come out of mourning a little, we might attend some assemblies or other events nearby?”

“We shall see. But I suspect that we must do a year of full mourning, no less, or those who whisper about me will whisper all the harder. But think about it, think about who might interest you, for, if the worst is true, and Devlin never comes home, then you marrying may be the only thing which keeps us with a home to live in.”

“I cannot believe him dead, Mother!”

“Neither can I. But still, we must be practical, and plan for the worst, while hoping for the best.”