AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What good weather finally,” the marchioness said when we were inside the carriage. I had only just noticed she had banished her husband to the other carriage to sit with Devana, Hector, and Abena. “The park shall be lovely.”
“Mama, is the Duke of Alfonce still in town?”
“Hathor.” She gave her a stern look.
“What?”
I looked at Hathor. “Is that who has caught your eye?”
“He is quite dashing, very tall, and—”
“And has shown zero interest and has actually avoided you, I do believe,” her mother replied, making Hathor’s shoulders drop. “This is a lesson for you as well, Verity. Ladies of your stature can never be seen as too eager or, heaven forbid, desperate. Suitors are meant to call on you, and not the other way around—ever.”
“But we should at least hint that we are open to—”
“A simple smile,” she interrupted her daughter, “a short conversation, and multiple dances at a ball are more than enough to establish willingness. Should he be a man with even half a brain, he would understand clearly and waste no further time beginning a courtship. You need not exert any further pressure or effort. That is beneath you. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Mama,” Hathor grumbled.
The marchioness glanced over to me as well, and I was taken aback but quickly said, “Yes, Godmother.”
“Good.” She exhaled and glanced out of the carriage window. “Which reminds me, Hathor, Lady Fancot has expressed interest in seeing you attached to her son, Henry. I do not think it a poor possibility.”
“On the contrary, I do. Mama, even if you do not see me with a duke, do you not believe you are aiming rather low?”
“Do not be so obviously materialistic, Hathor.”
Hathor huffed. “Oh, well then, in that case, let me just marry Dr. Darrington.”
“Do not be ridiculous either!”
She was determined to stress her mother and so turned to me smiling. “Well, Verity, I must admit Dr. Darrington is quite handsome, intelligent, and pleasant, do you not think so?”
“I do,” I admitted. While Hathor giggled at her mother’s deep sigh, I found that I actually did think all of those things. He was rather handsome.
“I know you speak in jest, but you ought not to,” her mother replied. “There is no need to make a mockery of him. While he may be a wholly inappropriate suitor, I have heard he has done a great deal of good, so he still deserves some modicum of respect.”
“Yes, Mama,” Hathor replied, though her attention was greatly occupied by the view outside.
I looked as well, but my mind was on her words, wholly inappropriate suitor. Yes, in the days since he had taken to avoiding me he had become an even greater topic of conversation. This was because he had rejected a great many calls for his services from other lords and gentlemen in order to take care of the poor. Even the marquess was baffled to hear his invitation earlier in the week had been left unanswered. Instead of being affronted, however, it seemed to make the ton even more curious about him. I was sure he did care for those in need, but also sure he sought to keep himself from me.
“Finally, we are here,” Hathor said joyfully as the carriage came to a stop. She once more adjusted her hat as her mother stepped out first.
As I exited, I noticed the whole park was filled to the brim with people.
“Why are the third Wednesdays of the month so popular?” I asked as the coachmen moved to bring our horses.
“Parliament, of course.”
It was not Hathor who answered but Henry Parwens, who stood behind us in a coat of light blue and gray, with a white horse beside him. At that moment, I found myself quickly looking around him. If Henry was here, he would not have come alone. Sure enough, coming up behind him with a dark horse of his own was Theodore.
I noticed Theodore’s eyes widen and jaw tense at the sight of me.
“Ladies.” Henry bowed his head to us.
“I sense a plot brewing,” Hathor whispered beside me, her attention glued to her mother speaking to Lady Fancot.
“Do you ladies also plan on riding?” Henry asked just as our coachmen brought the reins of our horses forward. “Do you mind if we join you?”
“Will both of you be joining?” I asked, looking to Theodore.
“Yes—”
“Forgive me, ladies, I have other patients—”
“I am sure they can wait, Theodore.” Henry grabbed the reins of his horse, giving Theodore a stern glare.
“The ill should never be forced to wait,” Theodore grumbled back.
“If that were the case, doctors would be akin to slaves, or do you simply not desire our company?” I asked him directly.
His lips tightened into a thin line.
He said nothing more as the coachmen aided us onto our saddles rather gracefully. Though upon seeing Hathor seated as though she were a princess, a part of me slightly regretted not applying greater effort.
