AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Everyone was silent as Parsons spoke. They all knew that Mr. Turner intended to allow his daughter to choose for herself whom to marry, provided he was an honorable man of some standing who could comfortably provide for her and any children. Parsons matched all the requirements in Isaac’s mind; he was respected by all, was master of no fewer than four estates, and clearly adored Miss Turner and would see to all her wants.
“However,” Parsons continued, “he stopped me part-way through and explained that Mrs. Turner is not doing so well as everyone believes. Her illness which first brought the entire family to the country has not abated. Indeed, Mr. Turner insists that his daughter is quite overwrought.” Parsons paused there.
After a minute, Robins prompted him with the single word, “And?”
Parsons cast his gaze heavenward. “He said something about now not being a suitable time for me to speak to her on the subject.”
That was a blasted shame. Isaac and Robins shared a look—they both seemed to be thinking the same thing. Robins shook his head sadly and returned to eating. There seemed nothing left to do except the same, so Isaac picked up his fork once more and stabbed at his beef.
“Now wait just a minute, you three,” Aunt Margarette said.
Isaac glanced up to find her staring them all down.
“I’d hate to think that not one of you has been taught any more persistence than that,” she said with a petulant turn to her lips. Placing a hand on her armrest, Aunt Margarette twisted around and faced Parsons. “Do you love the young woman?”
Parsons glanced at Isaac and then Robins as if trying to judge what he’d just landed himself in. “I do,” he said at length. “Most decidedly.”
“Then cheer up. Mr. Turner didn’t say you can’t offer for herever, he only said notyet.”
Parsons bowed his head, appearing quite lost in thought.
“Think of Miss Turner,” Aunt Margarette continued. “The poor girl is no doubt quite upset about her mother’s failing health. Though she might be ready to accept you, how can she possibly make such a life-altering decision when she doesn’t even know how long her mother with be with her? Instead of proposing just now, continue to be kind and attentive. You know her far better than I do, but I’d suggest if she’s the kind of lady who enjoys getting out of the house now and then, you call on her often and give her the opportunity to go riding in the snow or visit the shops in town. If she enjoys staying in, bring her new threads to embroider with or some new Christmas carols you might sing together.”
Parsons was slowly returning to the excited man he’d been that morning. “Do you think it would work?”
“Of course,” Aunt Margarette said. “Once things are...settled with her mother, one way or the other, she’ll only love you more for having had you by her side all this time.”
“You’re right.” Parsons sat up straight. “I can do that. I’d do anything for her.” He angled himself toward Aunt Margarette. “I know she dearly loves a dinner party.”
“Then we shall host one,” Aunt Margarette agreed without hesitation.
Rogers nearly jumped from his seat. “And we should invite Lady Nightingale.”
“Good heavens, why?” Isaac blurted out. The idea of a dinner party at Cresthearth Manor had sounded enjoyable, that was, until Robins opened his mouth and altered the guest list.
“We can’t inviteonlyMiss Turner and her father,” Robins said. “The men would far outnumber the ladies.”
He had a point. “Then why not the misses Bennett and their mother? That would be three women and very nearly round us out perfectly.”
“That would push us too far the other way, leaving us asfivewomen and only four men,” Robins countered. “I say we invite the Turners, Lady Nightingale and her cousin Mr. Allen, and...Mr. and Mrs. Dowding and their two daughters. That would be perfect.”
Perfect in terms of numbers, but hardly the guest list Isaac wished to entertain.
“Didn’t you dance with Miss Dowding at the assembly last week?” his aunt asked Isaac.
Had he? He didn’t remember much from after Lady Nightingale had shown up, other than how much he hadn’t wished to remain aware of where in the room she stood or who she danced with. And yet, he’d had a hard time focusing on anything else.
Still, the name Dowding did sound familiar. “I believe so.”
“The Dowdings moved here many years ago,” Aunt Margarette said, her tone overly innocent. “Miss Dowding is an especially sweet girl.”
Isaac eyed his great aunt. Was she attempting to matchmake?
She looked back at him with innocent eyes that fooled no one.
“Very well,” Isaac said at length. “I suppose I can abide being in the same room as Lady Nightingale for an evening.” He turned toward Robins. “But I leave it up to you to keep her entertained.” He could be in the same room as her, but he didn’t trust himself to stay civil if forced to speak with her.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Robins said, leaning back in his chair.
