"I certainly do not. I stay as far away as possible from the maidens. I require more experience in my women, and no danger of being trapped into marriage," Jonathan quickly replied.
"I'm sorry, but I don't have any help to offer in that arena either. I haven't paid much attention to any of them, and their mothers are not encouraging them to acquire a relationship with me," Greyson replied, his mouth twisted with bitterness.
"Well, it matters not. I imagine I shall be able to locate a suitable candidate in a relatively small amount of time."
"Are you so anxious to return to Stonemede? Is there a problem you are not telling us?"
"Only that my father didn't find it necessary to hire a suitable steward. I have no confidence that everything is being handled properly in my absence."
Richard found his father's choice of steward both a blessing and a curse. The man was incompetent, but it was from his lack of knowledge about Stonemede, as well as his lack of self-initiative, that made him thus. The late Marquis had handled the estate by himself, and, therefore, had little use for a steward.
Now that he carried the responsibilities, Richard knew he didn't have to compete with the steward or cater to his ideas, since this one had none. However, it was difficult to stay away without someone he trusted to take care of matters. It had also left him with no guidance in his father's absence.
"That is one good thing my father did for me. He hired and trained the best steward around. I don't have to worry about Merrick for the most part," Greyson said.
"Lucky for me, I don't believe my father will ever die, so I will not have to face all the troubles that you two must. So, do you plan to meet and marry this girl all in one day?"
"As delightful as that sounds, I plan to allow myself a little more time than that. I hope to find her quickly, and then learn everything about her before I divulge my plans."
"To what purpose?" Greyson asked, with more interest than Richard would expect, considering the subject of their discussion.
"As I have seen in the past, some men marry their ‘perfect bride' only to take her home and discover all of her imperfections. It can drive a man from his home to avoid his wife. I have no intention of becoming one of those unfortunate men."
Richard had seen those miserable marriages many times, and he would not allow his life to turn out in the same manner. He was not looking for a foolish concept like love, but he was hoping for a marriage similar to what his parents had shared.
The marriage between Hamilton and Adora could never have been described as a "love" match. It began as an arrangement between the two families to combine properties, but had turned into a perfect partnership. Growing up, he'd noticed how his parents interacted, and it was obvious they cared for and respected one another. Adora was not soft spoken or obedient, but his father dealt well with her, and Richard could tell they were happy. He always admired his mother's intelligence, but he would be content to pass up that quality in preference to obedience.
"That sounds like a reasonable plan, and I'll gladly assist you in your efforts," Greyson said.
"I suppose I will offer you my assistance as well," Jonathan said reluctantly. "It's conditional, as I must stay away from the matchmaking mothers."
"I do appreciate your help. It will certainly expedite matters."
"So, when do we start this bride hunt?" Jonathan asked, the corners of his mouth twitching.
"In two days Lord Minor is hosting a ball, and I plan on being in attendance," Richard said with a sly smile.
Brianna Denton once again adjusted her place on the sofa, trying to find a more comfortable position. She had been lying under a blanket in the back of the drawing room for what seemed like hours. Where were they? Her mother, Lady Rachel Denton, Countess Ransley, had scheduled a meeting with another potential governess this morning, and Brianna was tired of waiting. At eighteen, she was past the age that required a governess, and her fourteen-year-old sister was nearing that age as well, but their mother had insisted on hiring another.
After Hilda, the most recent governess, left, Grace and Brianna decided to listen to the interviews to discover exactly what their mother told these women. So here Brianna was, anxious and growing crazy with boredom, hiding in the drawing room. She decided to wait five minutes more, for regardless of what they were to discuss, she would once again cause another governess to run screaming from the house.
Having a governess was not all bad, but Brianna was not one to accept what she was told. She had a wild spirit. Nothing would please her more than to be free to go where the wind took her. Although her wildness tended to get her into trouble, and many times she was only barely able to get herself out of a compromising predicament, it didn't stop her.
Before the five minutes passed, she heard the sound of footsteps and petticoats rustling. Quieting her breathing, she waited as her mother entered the room.
"My lady, Miss Ashley Grant is here to see you," Newton, the butler, announced shortly after her mother arrived.
"Send her in."
"Good morning, my lady. My name is Ashley Grant. I have been sent by the agency to see you about a position as governess."
"You seem much too young for the position. How old are you?"
"I celebrated my twenty-fifth year last month," Miss Ashley responded, much calmer than Brianna would have managed.
"So young? Then you must have no experience. I can't have an inexperienced girl guiding my children at such a crucial time. Does this agency have no respect for me?"
"I only have a few years experience as a governess. However, the agency believes I have a better chance with your daughters than the others."
"How could you possibly be better suited?" her mother demanded.
Brianna repressed a shudder. Having heard that tone before, she could imagine the look Miss Ashley was receiving.
"My predecessors have been much older than your daughters, but I'm closer to their age and therefore more able to relate to them on a different level. Since I have recently gone through that stage in life, I can better help them through it," Ashley replied, her voice dripping with confidence.
There was a brief pause and Brianna held her breath, waiting for her mother's determination. On one hand, Brianna admired the girl for appearing to stay calm in the midst of her mother, but on the other hand, she could prove to be more difficult to dispose of than the others. Brianna could not decide if she wished her mother to accept this girl or not.
"The agency does have a valid argument, so I shall allow this interview."
Although slightly surprised by her mother's response, she felt happy for Ashley making it thus far. As she listened with half an ear, they discussed Ashley's qualifications and what would be expected of her as governess. Brianna began to feel her eyelids droop and was disappointed at the waste of time this was turning out to be.
"Now, before we go any further, I need to explain the problem with my eldest daughter, Brianna." At the sound of her name, her eyes shot open and she resisted the urge to sit up. "She is beautiful, and that alone should ensure her a chance at securing a suitable match. However, she does not act at all like a lady should."
"In what way does she act, my lady?"
"She is a stubborn and disobedient child. At times, I feel as though she waits for me to tell her something only so she can defy me. We have been attending balls and gatherings for over a month now, and she has not received special attention from any gentleman to indicate interest. I'm determined to see my daughter wed to a viscount or higher, and her wild ways are frightening off any acceptable prospects."
"At such an age, I'm not sure I would be able to help much in that regard. She has obviously made a decision regarding her actions, and I'm not sure it can be changed."
"You were telling me how you could relate better considering your age, and now you will have your opportunity to prove it. I believe you are wrong about Brianna. My daughter can change, and I feel that you are the one to help facilitate her transformation." After a pause, her mother added, in a superior voice. "If you don't wish for the position, or the reference you shall gain from it, then desist wasting my time. I need a strong woman who can discourage my daughter's wildness and keep a close eye on her."
"My lady, I can be strong when the occasion arises, and I do wish for the position. If you allow me this chance, I'll assist you with your daughter."
"Very well, you will start immediately. Brianna and I will be attending Lord and Lady Minor's ball this evening, and I expect her to be ready to receive some suitors."