Page 37 of A Marquess to Save Her

“They look lovely, don't they?” Louise said.

“Indeed,” Callum responded, “if anyone told me that my grandfather would be so relaxed and happy, I would have called their bluff. I have never seen him like this before. It is almost like he is a new bachelor now.”

“Oh,” Louise said, “I am certain he was the same way with your grandmother.”

Callum scoffed. “Not even in the least. My grandfather is the most severe person ever and even his relationship with my grandmother had no warmth. This is why I am surprised at how pleasant he is around your aunt.”

Louise shrugged. “I suppose there must be something special about my aunt, then. I have heard that men change when they meet the woman that they love.”

“Is that so?” he asked.

“You do not believe it, do you?” She asked.

“I do not quite know what to believe. I have seen men change when they meet a woman and I have met men who continued to be cold even after. I suppose you can never tell,” Callum said.

There was a moment of silence before Louise finally blurted out what had been eating at her.

“Your grandfather spoke to me today,” she said.

“Is that so?” Callum asked, looking down at her, worry etched on his face, “I do not suppose that the interaction was a pleasant one.”

Louise sighed. “He told me in a few words that your family is an affluent and untainted one hence, a lady like myself could not possibly be your Duchess.”

“He said that?” Callum asked as he glared toward where his grandfather was dancing with Aunt Theodora.

“Not in those exact words but I could tell what he was saying,” she said.

“I apologize for my grandfather's unruly conduct,” Callum said, “I will be telling him to keep himself out of my business. After all, I have steered clear of his matter.”

Louise chuckled. “You know that is impossible. Your grandfather loves you and this is probably his way of showing you that.”

Callum shook his head. “I will have a conversation with him,” he said stiffly.

“It does not matter regardless,” Louise said.

“What do you mean?” Callum asked.

“It is not as though you are truly courting me. He does not have to be so guarded,” Louise said.

“Oh,” Callum replied in realization, “it does not matter. I would not have him talk to you in that way. Whoever I decide to court is not his concern.”

“Well, it is, especially since you would be the next Duke,” Louise said.

“If he persists, it would only make it easy for me to stay a bachelor forever,” Callum said.

Louise faltered at Callum's words and had to take a moment to compose herself. “What do you mean you want to remain a bachelor forever?” Louise asked him.

“I decided a long time ago to never marry,” Callum said.

“Is that so?” Louise asked, as the reality of what he had just said hit Louise. If Callum did not want to ever get married, then she really did not stand a chance at ever getting married to him. Even if he were ever to change his mind, Louise could not possibly wait till then when she had a duty to her family.

“What is the point of getting married anyway? To live like most of the married people here where most of them are deeply unhappy with their spouses? I would hate to ever have to live like that,” he said, “now, being a bachelor forever is the best thing for me. I would be free to do anything that I want to do without being unhappy.”

“But you would be the only living Callum when you become the Duke,” Louise said.

Callum shrugged. “It does not matter.”

“Your bloodline would die with you if you do not take a wife and have children,” Louise said.