AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I spoke with him at the museum. He seems…nice.” Nice was too tame of a description considering her attraction to him.
“Poor dear. He didn’t seem comfortable at the few functions where I’ve seen him. He had a difficult childhood, you know.”
“Oh?” Norah knew she shouldn’t encourage the lady to gossip but dearly wanted to know more about the marquess.
“He never thought to inherit since he was third in line. He was an only child, and his parents died when he was young, so he lived with an elderly aunt and uncle on his mother’s side. A few years later, they died as well. Quite tragic.”
Norah’s heart squeezed at the thought of a younger version of Vanbridge alone in the world. “That is terrible. So much loss.”
“Another uncle, the previous marquess, took him in after that. But the marquess and his only son died when their boat sank while crossing the Channel.” Her gaze narrowed as she stared across the crowd. “It must’ve been nearly ten years ago that the current marquess inherited.”
“He has no other relatives?” Norah couldn’t imagine life without her sisters.
“A female cousin, the daughter of the late marquess. But I don’t believe they’re on speaking terms. She was aghast when Vanbridge turned the family home into a museum.” Lady Havenby studied Norah. “I do believe you’ve met the Countess of Mendenhall.”
“Yes, I have.” Norah refrained from saying she didn’t care for the lady. How terrible to think she was Vanbridge’s closest relative. She often wore a bitter expression, as if someone put too much lemon in her tea. But she had reason to be unhappy if she’d lost her father and brother so unexpectedly.
Grief was difficult to bear. Norah knew from personal experience, having lost both her mother and father, though at different times. At least she’d had her sisters to help endure the pain.
“I shall try to be more understanding the next time I speak with her.” Only too late did Norah realize what she’d said. “I didn’t mean—”
Lady Havenby chuckled. “If you found her abrasive, you’re not alone. It’s difficult to act kindly toward someone like her. But she has endured her share of tragedy. She’s older than Vanbridge by several years and was already married before he inherited. That didn’t keep her from expressing her unhappiness about the museum, along with his letting the entire staff go and hiring his own.”
“With her already settled, the decision to turn the house into a museum must’ve been easier,” Norah said, then deliberately changed the subject. “I’m surprised more people don’t visit. The exhibits are unique.”
“Not everyone shares your appreciation for history, my dear.” Lady Havenby patted Norah’s arm. “You and your sisters are unique in that.”
“I suppose we are.” Norah enjoyed learning about the past and thought much could be discovered from it. But she didn’t have any desire to immerse herself in it like her father or Vanbridge. Life was meant to be lived and enjoyed in the present.
“There’s Ella,” Lady Havenby said with a smile. “She looks so happy, does she not?”
Norah turned to look at her sister, who approached with the Earl of Marbury. Ella truly glowed with joy and was even more beautiful because of it. Norah’s heart lifted at the sight. “Indeed, she does.”
For well over a year after their father died, Ella had been worried over their future. Norah hadn’t realized just how worried until the pinched expression had eased from her face.
Norah hadn’t understood the burden Ella felt to make the right decision for the three of them until later. Coming to London to knock on the door of their estranged grandfather, the Duke of Rothwood, had been a huge gamble.
“Lady Havenby. How lovely to see you.” Ella pressed a kiss to the older woman’s proffered cheek.
“And you, my dear. I was just telling Norah how happy you look.” She nodded at the earl. “Marbury.”
“Good evening.” He bowed in greeting.
“Do I?” Ella glanced at her betrothed with a smile, her eyes full of love. “It must be because I am.”
Marbury tightened his arm where her hand was tucked beneath his elbow and shared a private look with her. “We both are,” he said.
Norah smiled, pleased they had found their way to each other. It hadn’t been an easy path. Especially since Marbury was the son of the man their mother had jilted at the altar when she’d eloped. Life was often complicated.
“Norah, I thought you’d be dancing.” Ella glanced at the gentlemen standing nearby as if she intended to find someone with whom Norah could partner.
Norah bit back a sigh. Her sister had been relentless of late, trying to push her toward one gentleman or another. Norah’s suggestion that she was in no rush to end the freedom she was just beginning to explore had been ignored. She supposed she needed to try to explain again at some point.
“Perhaps I will later,” Norah said. “For now, I’ve been doing my best to spread the news of the unveiling.”
“Does Vanbridge have the exhibit prepared?” Marbury asked with interest.
“I wish I knew for certain. He hasn’t answered my messages.”
