His grandmother raised an eyebrow doubtfully. “Fine then, but at least have the good sense to not scare the lovely maidens away tonight.”
Gerard grinned, showing the dimples on both cheeks that he knew from experience had a devastating effect on women. “Oh, I promise to be nothing less than perfect.”
“A person of nobility honors his word, Gerard. Remember, a man is only as good as his word.”
“Lesson number one. I know, Grandmother.”
The Dowager lowered the gazette and sighed. “I just want to know that you’re well settled, so I can finally be at peace.”
“Despite my wishes not to be tied down in marriage?”
“We’ve been through this, Gerard. You have to sire an heir.”
“I have no desire to put a child through what I went through, Grandmother,” he said, his tone hard.
“And what exactly did you go through?” the Dowager asked.
“You know how sickly I was as a child. You know how I suffered. I will not bring an innocent child into this world to suffer the same fate.”
“We’re here,” the Dowager said, dismissing the topic. “Remember to be on your best behavior.”
ChapterTwo
Ellen was worn out. She still hadn’t danced with a single bachelor. At first, she was pleased, but she soon began to grow distressed. Her dance card had been empty from the start of the evening until now, what with Andrew hovering around. She stood at a corner of the room, cracking her knuckles nervously, when a voice startled her.
“Why is the Diamond of the Season standing all by herself?”
“Marjorie! I would not call myself a Diamond, but you look positively stunning.”
“As do you, but it would not do for the most eligible lady of the Season to be looking so nervous now would it?”
Ellen laughed. “Oh Marjorie, if only you knew how much pressure I am under. Mother and Andrew expect me to find a husband, and yet, Andrew keeps chasing away every suitable bachelor that approaches me! I wonder how I am supposed to find a husband then.”
“Oh, poppycock! Why is Andrew always being such an—?”
Ellen giggled. “Mama, gave me a list of don’ts; can you believe that?”
“Let me see.” Marjorie plucked the list from her hands and read through it with an amused smile.
“Well, it doesn’t matter now, does it?” Marjorie said with a wave of her hand.
“It does! Besides, I have seen you dancing with a lot of admirers. Pray tell, how is it possible that my beloved cousin has so many names on her dance card?”
“Why, I asked them of course,” Marjorie laughed.
Ellen was appalled. “Marjorie! That isn’t the way things are done, and you know it!”
“I wasn’t going to stand around like some weakling waiting for someone to rescue me and sweep me off my feet. Trust me, I have had two Seasons out to figure out how this works.”
“Even if I could be brave as you, there’s nobody here that catches my fancy.”
“Not even our dear Earl of Ridlington? I hear he has quite the reputation,” Marjorie whispered sneakily.
“Really? I hardly noticed,” Ellen replied, and the girls both laughed. “I am sure all the Mamas of thetonwill thrust their daughters at him. He is positively handsome if I may be so bold to admit that.”
“Ellen, I have got a wicked idea.”
Ellen tried to stifle a giggle under her fan. “Whatever it is, I am certain we’ll get into trouble, and Mother will have you arrested for making her sweet Ellen an accomplice.”
