Luke gritted his teeth in annoyance as his mother and her sister Lady Amelia Hulsbury went on and on about wedding preparations.This morning his mother had got up from her bed and announced that there shall be no rushed wedding.Obviously a rushed wedding clearly meant there was a story behind the betrothed persons and keeping every bit of scandal in check was necessary.Luke had tried to argue and had been scowled at.A coach had been sent to fetch lady Hulsbury while Luke had penned a letter to the Fensworths.
Another letter had been penned to his man of business to collect all the family jewel and baubles and bring them over.Miss Fensworth was going to need an allowance to replace all .those silly , frumpy , outdated dresses. she had.The engagement would be announced in the papers and the bans read.A long engagement period will follow with walks through the park, drives, outings, house parties , balls, soirees, public show of affection.Then an end of the season wedding.
A honeymoon in Paris and Italy .
A formal return to show the happiness of the couple .
Currently his mother and aunt were exclaiming over a fashion magazine with the latest Parisian styles.They were also matching colors of jewels with silk materials Lady Fensworth will need.
He wanted to marry her and be done with it.Keep her in the country where she wouldn't embarrass him and come back to London and resume his business affairs.
The little chit didn't deserve anything from him.But his mother was right.A rushed marriage when the whole ton had been waiting for a match between him and lady Rogers will set tongues wagging and that was the least thing he wanted.
He thought about lady Rogers.Poor , beautiful lady Rogers.Blue eyes , pale blonde hair , mild mannered, reserved Catherine.He didn't have the stomach to face her.She'd be going through a lot of heartbreak.Or emberassment.He wasn't sure which .Her poker face was nearly as good as his .
"Chadwick.Where would you like to have the wedding?"his mother asked
"Whatever you think best"he deferred knowing whatever he answered would be disapproved of.He knew too well to leave matters that weren't business to mother.
"we will have a ball tomorrow night .You make sure to dance with that girl.And acknowledge her at the opera .The announcement of engagement will come a little later"she said
"Very good mother"
"oh I wonder what colors of dresses she might wear"his aunt sighed like it was the biggest puzzle in the world "her hair crashes horribly with everything"
"and her skin is so pale.Do you think she's sickly?"The dowager asked
Luke held his tongue
"perhaps.I do wish she was a little younger .Not so old"his mother added,her mouth pinching at the corners.
"Her step sisters are so much more disciplined than her.I don't blame the step mother.I hear the girls mother was a street tart.Oh Chadwick, she'll ruin us!"his aunt cried flinging her hands so dramatically he was tempted to applaud.
"pull yourself together Amelia"his mother snapped
Lady Hulsbury huffed and sat back , rigid and proper.
"I'll have to take the girl in hand"The dowager nodded wisely as she spoke "perhaps I will retire to the country with her and teach her some mannerisms.She'd be perfect when she returns to London.What say you Chadwick?"
"Very good mother"he said again wishing they'd stop talking so he'd leave .
"Lady Fensworth is an acquaintance of mine.I will introduce you"Lady Hulsbury said
His mother sniffed "you are acquainted to so many commoners Amelia.No one would believe you are related to us"
Lady Hulsbury's shoulders dropped.Luke had always known she was always trying so hard to gain approval from her sister and behave as loftily as her .Luke didn't think anybody in England had his mother's lofty carriage .She was elegant and perfectly poised and composed always.One couldn't find a fault with her ever.
He was sure his mother could mold Missandrei into such a
perfect lady.He smiled a small grateful smile.What would he do without his mother?
If he couldn't have Lady Rogers at least he wasn't going to be married to a wild , embarrassing wench.