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Grandmother’s eyes became as wide as saucers. “If you found yourself a wife, you wouldn’t have to keep meeting new ladies.”
Henry recognized the truth in what she was saying, and as he couldn’t argue the point, he decided to approach it from a different perspective. “The problem is, Grandmother, that I cannot find a woman who appeals to me.”
His Grandmother scoffed, “I highly doubt that to be the case. Many attractive ladies have danced with you this evening alone. Miss Stephens was very fetching, and she comes from a nice family, too.”
Henry shook his head. He rubbed a hand over the back of his neck, as he tried to think of the best way to explain his predicament to his grandmother. “The ladies are lovely. I won’t deny it. And if I only wanted to marry a beautiful woman, I am sure someone like Miss Stephens would be acceptable.” When Henry paused, his grandmother’s eyes brightened, so he held up his hand to stop her from jumping to the wrong conclusions.
“The trouble is . . .” Henry said slowly, “when I was traveling, I found companionship with many different women, but then, a few days later, I was back on my own again. I find a necessary reprieve in that kind of solitude. I crave space. . .” Henry broke off and glanced around the crowded ballroom, “. . . and I wish for a wife who will appreciate the same sort of tranquility.”
“Tranquility?” the Dowager Duchess repeated, as if the word were foreign to her.
“Yes,” Henry said, “I wish to marry a lady who will have her own interests and will wish to pursue them at her leisure. I don’t want to feel tied to a woman whose every happiness is intertwined with my own.”
“I see,” Henry’s grandmother said, tipping her head to the side. “Your grandfather possessed a similar independent streak.”
“He did?” Henry asked, feeling shocked to learn that he and his grandfather had anything in common. He had not known his grandmother’s husband well, as he died when Henry was but seven years old, but he also thought of the man as being stern and domineering.
“Of course,” the Dowager Duchess said with a haughty laugh, “But I broke him of that.” She gave Henry a tight-lipped smile, but he could see the mirth dancing in her eyes.
“Now, if you will excuse me, Grandmother,” Henry said, bowing his head toward her, “I will take my leave.”
“You’re just going out into the garden?” His grandmother asked, arching her eyebrow. “You won’t leave without telling me?”
“I’ll be right here. I’ll take a quick walk and gather my thoughts.” Henry reached out and patted his grandmother affectionately on the hand. “Take heart, what could possibly happen while I’m taking a short walk through the gardens?”
