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“She was the daughter of an Earl. She was perfectly pleasant, even quite charming at times,” Marcus said, uncertain how to describe the bond he had with the lady.
“Did you love her?” Mr Blake asked in a small voice.
“At times, I thought I did,” Marcus said, turning his eyes out to the estate as the wind rustled up the valley and played in his hair. “Other times, I felt we were too different. I was just beginning to believe in what we shared. The bond became something greater when she…she lost interest altogether.”
“I am sorry.”
“Oh, wait, it gets worse,” Marcus said, holding up a hand and turning his focus back to Mr Blake, who was watching him with curious eyes. “The moment James died, and I became the heir, her interest in me dramatically renewed itself.” He watched as Mr Blake’s eyes widened in realisation.
“You mean she was only interested in courting you because she wanted to be the next Marchioness?” His voice pitched high in surprise.
“That is one way to say it—”
“God’s wounds!” Mr Blake said in abrupt anger. “For all that is high and mighty, what an appalling thing to do!”
“Ha! Your response is almost as angry as my own was.” Marcus half laughed, watching his friend in surprise.
“It is just so absurd! So selfish!” Mr Blake said, moving forward in agitation. “I am so sorry for you, my lord.”
“Think nothing of it,” Marcus said, trying his best to brush off his friend’s concern. “Consider it my rude awakening to the true motivations of young ladies.”
“I beg your pardon?” Mr Blake asked, stiffening. “You think all ladies walk through life with such motives in their heads?”
“I did not used to think so, but I have little experience of women in truth. My recent experience has suggested my current thinking is right.”
“It is wrong, my lord.”
“What?” Marcus sharply jerked his head toward his friend, amazed at the strength in his tone. Mr Blake cleared his throat before carrying on.
“What I mean to say, my lord, is that I have a sister. I perhaps am lucky enough to be better placed to know what is in a young lady’s heart than you do,” he said with a kind tone. “Believe me, my lord. Not all women are as cruel intentioned as the lady you speak of. Some would do anything to marry for love, and I believe even more would go further in order to avoid marrying a man for money and position alone.”
“You speak with such conviction,” Marcus said, resting his elbows on his knees as he watched Mr Blake.
“That is because I am certain of this.”
Marcus smiled a little, intrigued by his friend’s words, though perhaps not wholly convinced.
“Well, something you have persuaded me to believe, my friend, is that you certainly know more about ladies than I do,” Marcus said, gesturing to himself. “Because of that, I believe I have a plan.” He made a point of scratching his chin as if hard in thought about this plan.
“What is that?” Mr Blake asked, tilting his head to the side.
“As I must marry, and Lady Helen certainly has more charms than a lot of ladies I have met,” Marcus said, aware that Mr Blake flinched at his side but uncertain as to the reason. “Perhaps you could do me the favour of helping me in my pursuit of her?”
“What do you mean?” Mr Blake’s voice had turned quiet and strained.
“You could approach Lady Helen for me,” Marcus said, becoming more and more delighted with his own idea. “You could persuade her of my affection. With your superior knowledge of a lady’s mind, you are much more likely to have a better effect than I ever could.”
“My lord, I could not do that—”
“Please, my friend,” Marcus said, leaning forward in agitation. “I am so hopeless in this regard. Please say you’ll give me your help?” He had to wait quite a while in silence as Mr Blake considered his answer, shifting on his knees more than once and ruffling the hair under his hat before turning back to Marcus.
“If that is what you wish, of course, I will help you.”
***
“Have you lost your mind?” Sherborne said as Violette got ready to leave the chamber.
“For the first time, I’m tempted to answer yes to that question,” Violette said with a sigh as she moved to the door. Before she could get close though, Sherborne stood in the way of the door, blocking off her exit. “Sherborne, I do not have time for this. The Duke will be back home soon. I only have a few minutes to speak to Lady Helen and let her know of Lord Northrive’s intentions.”
