Page 2 of The Duke’s Bride (The Duke’s Alliance #6)
‘I did not mean they were missing your husband any more than you do yourself; what they are missing is the firm hand of a gentleman. You spoil them both and it is doing them no favours.’
‘I worry about my son, Mama. He has his head in the clouds and no aptitude for figures at all. He would spend all day sitting at the piano if I would allow him to. Whereas Elizabeth is normally studious and well behaved. Indeed, she would make a better Earl of Fenchurch. I fear the good Lord made my daughter best suited to the duties of a title and my son to live a life of idleness.’
‘From the way you are gazing across the park you must think they have gone outside despite the inclement weather?’
‘I am certain of it. They were determined to take Brutus for a long walk but I said it was too cold.’
Her mother laughed. ‘As usual they have ignored your orders. Did you know that a single gentleman called Edward Sheldon has taken residence at Elveden Hall? He has recently returned from travelling overseas and arrived yesterday.’
‘How in the world do you know this?’
‘Do not forget that I was visiting my dearest friend at the vicarage yesterday. News travels there first and is then spread widely around the neighbourhood by dear Sarah. Being the wife of the vicar is the perfect position for someone who is an inveterate gossip.’
‘I am intrigued to know more about this new arrival. Is he a handsome man? Is he old – young? Tell me more.’
‘I would if I had anything else to tell you. I do know that he arrived yesterday but that is all. I assume you will send your card in the next day or two?’
‘I shall certainly do no such thing. If he sends his then I will receive him, but I have no intention of initiating our acquaintance.’ She shuddered.
‘The only good thing to come from my marriage to Rupert was my children. I did as you and Papa wished, but if he had not broken his neck riding to hounds I would have disgraced the family by running away from him. He was a brute, a drunk and a bad landlord.’
‘That’s as may be, my love, but you are now a wealthy widow, the Countess of Fenchurch, and have complete control of your life and that of your children. It is fortunate indeed that your dear papa insisted that your brother would be guardian if you were widowed.’
Viola blinked back tears. ‘I miss Papa every day. It must be so much worse for you.’
‘The good Lord saw fit to take him back too soon, but we had thirty wonderful years together. The only regret I have is that he did not live long enough to see you free of that monster.’
‘Richard is doing a splendid job of running the businesses. Papa would be proud of him. Our fleet has grown in size and his investments have paid dividends. I suppose I should be grateful that my obnoxious husband was not a gambler or no doubt he would have run through the fortune Papa gave him upon my marriage.’
‘It was always his dearest wish for the family to be part of the aristocracy. Now his daughter is a countess, his grandson is an earl and his granddaughter Lady Elizabeth. Although if we had known that man’s true character we would never have accepted his offer for you.’
‘He was a handsome man, charming and witty, everything a young lady could wish for in a husband before we were wed. I thought of myself as a fairy-tale princess and was happy to marry him. I never loved him, but I thought those feelings would come with time. In fact, what came was the opposite.’
‘Your brother would have torn him apart with his bare hands if he had known that man was beating you.’
‘Then it is fortunate I kept it to myself until after I was widowed. I believe that is why my brother is leaving me to run the estates and bring up my children without his interference.’
‘Did I tell you he is about to make an offer himself? Not for the daughter of an aristocrat, but for Amy Frobisher, his childhood sweetheart.’
‘They are perfectly suited and have been in love with each other for years. I cannot think why he has taken so long to propose.’
‘Silas Frobisher had the same ambitions for his daughter as we had for you. He was hanging out for an earl, for someone higher up the ladder than your brother. However, even he has been forced to admit that it would be better to have his daughter married to Richard than remain a spinster.’
Viola had been staring across at the woodland that edged the park.
‘Look, Mama, I have just seen Brutus emerge from the undergrowth so the children cannot be far behind. I thank God every day that Richard gave them that dog, as at least I can be sure they will remain unharmed with him at their side.’
Her mother came to join her at the long window. ‘Yes, I can see the children. That dog is even bigger than his sire. I swear they could ride on him if they so wished.’
‘Rupert would never have allowed them a puppy and certainly not one that size. Neither would he have countenanced such a huge animal living in the house with us.’
She continued to watch until the twins were close enough to see her and their grandmother standing in the window.
The children waved frantically and then broke into a run.
They were both such delightful offspring that she found it impossible to discipline them with any enthusiasm.
However, as she had absolutely no intention of ever being married again she would just have to hope that her lax approach to their upbringing would not ruin them entirely.