Page 4 of An Unforeseen Kiss (Captivating Kisses #4)

“Hah!” Tia said. “I am usually the one eavesdropping and not you, Lia.” She looked to him. “Is that true? Will you leave and go to town without us?”

“No,” he assured them. “I have far too much to learn and do to go gallivanting about at balls and Venetian breakfasts. Besides, the Season is the same each year. I have attended it before and will not miss it. Millvale and my other properties and investments will keep me busy.”

“Until next year’s Season,” Lia said. “Then you must go and find a bride on the Marriage Mart, Val.”

“We will all three do next Season together,” he declared. “Ariadne has already conquered Polite Society. It will be time for the rest of us Worthingtons to do the same.”

He couldn’t help but think as the daughters of a duke, the twins would be in high demand. As much as he had scrutinized gentlemen seeking Ariadne’s favor, he would be twice as busy, responsible for his unwed sisters, as well as perusing the Marriage Mart for a bride for himself.

“I do want to go see Ariadne and Penelope,” Lia said. “Is it possible to visit family while we are in mourning?”

“Yes, but her loyalties now lie with Lord Aldridge. She may grieve for Father some, but most likely, she will go to the Season with the marquess. Perhaps you can visit her and meet Penelope sometime this autumn. We might even ask her to come and spend a quiet Christmas with us.”

“I like that idea,” Tia said. “You should go see Mama before everyone arrives.”

“I will do so now.”

Val made his way upstairs and entered the drawing room. He saw his mother and aunt in quiet conversation. They rose as he approached.

“Oh, Millbrooke, how did the service go?” Mama asked.

He had already tried to convince her to refer to him by his Christian name, but Mama was a stickler for protocol. She had told him he was Millbrooke now and would forever be Millbrooke.

“Everything went smoothly, Mama,” he said, kissing her cheek.

“I am glad to hear that. Mr. Clarke wasn’t too longwinded, was he? He has a tendency to wander with his words.”

“No. It was a lovely service.”

“If you will excuse me, I must go and freshen up before the other mourners arrive.”

He watched her go and then turned to his aunt. “How is she?”

“Lost,” Aunt Agnes said. “Alice’s entire world revolved around your father. I fear it will be some time before she finds her footing.”

“I cannot thank you enough for coming to Kent with us. I do not wish to impose upon you, but do you think you could stay a while? Mama is going to need you. As her closest friend, you know her the best.”

“I am glad you brought that up, Millbrooke.”

“Val,” he insisted.

She smiled, her eyes bright. “Val,” she corrected. “I was going to ask you if I might stay for an extended period. I agree that having my company will help your dear Mama.”

He took her hands in his. “You are always welcome at Millvale, Aunt. For as long as you wish.”

“I do not want to impose upon your hospitality, but if I am to be here for any length of time, I wonder if you might allow me to bring Justina and Verina here.”

“I have not seen my cousins in a good many years. Of course, feel free to have them come and stay. I believe it will be good for Lia and Tia to have their cousins’ company.”

“I will write to them and let them know. I had previously written to tell them of your father’s death.” She paused. “Would you mind if their governess accompanies them?”

“Millbrooke is a large household. I think we can find room for my cousins and their governess.”

Aunt Agnes looked relieved. “Miss Snow is a gem. She has been with us for almost five years now. It will be good for the girls to continue their studies while they are here. It would also give them—and my nieces—a chaperone, in case they wished to go riding or call in the village to have tea or do a bit of shopping. I do not know how long it might be before Alice wishes to get out and about.”

“Send the letter at once to inform them we are expecting them at Millbrooke with open arms.” He paused. “Is this Miss Snow chaperone enough to see them here, or should I send someone to accompany them?”

She thought a moment. “Miss Snow is five and twenty, the same as you, Val. Though gently bred, she has a maturity about her. I believe that Miss Snow, along with a maid, would be good enough. I will write to her separately and convey my expectations.”

“What about the cost of undertaking such a journey?” he asked.

“Since I go to town every year for the Season, I have always provided adequate funds if for some reason I might need the girls brought to me. Kent is not that much farther than London. Miss Snow has enough to see to transportation, staying overnight at inns, and the cost of meals.”

“That is good to know.” He had always thought Aunt Agnes both practical and nurturing, and he was happy to have his two cousins join them at Millvale.

Smiling, she enveloped him in an embrace. “Thank you for allowing my girls to come and be with me. It is one thing to leave them behind during the Season, but it is something else altogether to leave them alone for months while I am at Millbrooke.”

Val thought of Ariadne’s idea of bringing children to town.

His sister had voiced this to Con and him.

All of them had felt neglected, being left in the country each year while their parents left for town for several months.

Ariadne said she wished for the Season to be not only about attending social affairs.

She wanted it to be time spent with family.

The ten cousins had only come together once in all these years, about a decade ago, and Ariadne was of a mind to be close to her own children and have those children be raised, in part, alongside their cousins.

He had thought it a unique idea, and he had readily gone along with it.

Now, Ariadne already had her first child, and Val would be looking for a duchess who would give him heirs.

Their lives were rapidly changing, but he agreed with Ariadne that family was of utmost importance.

He would enjoy spending time with his children.

Having watched how little women were valued in Polite Society, he wanted more for his own girls.

The first mourners arrived. Soon, the drawing room was filled with people he had not seen in years.

It still seemed odd to hear everyone address him as Your Grace .

His carefree bachelor days were at an end.

It was time to become a responsible duke and take up the mantle as head of the Worthington family.

Val only wished he had a better grasp on his duties and finances.

When their guests left in a few hours, he would write to his father’s solicitor.

He wanted a clear picture of where he stood.

If he must wed for a dowry—or if he might have the chance to wed for love.

He had not been raised in a household where his parents loved one another.

Marrying for love was almost unheard of in the ton , but his sister had done that very thing.

She and Julian were madly in love, and seeing their happiness made him want the same for himself.

Of course, being a duke, every unwed woman in Polite Society would set her cap for him.

He would need to fight off the eager mamas thrusting their daughters into his path.

Val hoped his solicitor—and even banker—would have good news for him. He would rather wed a woman of his own choice than be forced to go after the largest dowry available.

He would make his plans on the morrow—and then begin this new chapter in his life.