The Last Duchess (The Lennox Series)(44)
“No, thank you, and you shouldn’t feel awkward, for all’s well that ends well, and I suspect Jane and Blixford may wind up with a dashed fine marriage, after all. Sometimes adversity isn’t a bad thing, wouldn’t you agree?”
Lucy gazed at him thoughtfully. “I believe it requires a great deal of distance to see what strength adversity may bring. In the midst of it, there seems no end in sight, no other manner of living than misery.”
The brothers began yet another song, and she realized she and Sherbourne were quite intimate, in a manner of speaking, with all the others disengaged from conversation. He kept his gaze on hers and asked quietly, “What of your life now? Do you still go about in misery?”
“No, I am actually quite content. I like living somewhat reclusively at Margrave Park, raising my son. There are neighbors, of course, so I’m not a true hermit. And Blix is very good about visiting. He’s been a great help to me with the estate, although by now I believe I’m perfectly capable.” She smiled fondly. “Far be it from me to say so, however. He does appear to take pleasure in looking after me.”
“But you feel you don’t require looking after?”
“Not from a business standpoint, no. On the other hand, he is my only family, and we’re quite close, so I do look forward to his visits.”
Sherbourne appeared confused. “What of your aunt? Lady Reid?”
Lucy’s smile stayed in place, but it was not nearly so sincere as before. “Yes, Aunt Reid, my father’s sister.”
“You don’t consider her family?”
Lucy floundered about in her mind, seeking an answer. At long last, she said bluntly, “Not unless absolutely necessary, I regret to say. You may think me vulgar and unkind, but there it is.”
He was thoughtful before he said, “Never did mind one speaking the truth, and she is a difficult woman to like. She’s a few years older than me, but I remember her from my salad days as a young man about town. Remember she gave the cut direct to Constance and I wished she were a man so I could call her out.” He reached for his teacup, realized it was empty and handed it to her as he continued. “She’d married a marquess, a step down from her position as the daughter of a duke, but she carried herself as a princess, demanding respect, even from her peers. Constance was the daughter of a Scottish sheep farmer turned merchant, and far beneath Lady Reid, so when she was introduced to her, Lady Reid refused the introduction and gave her the cut. Connie didn’t care, but I was incensed and insulted on her behalf, as you can imagine.” He accepted the filled teacup with thanks, then settled back and asked, “Didn’t you and Blixford live with her for a time?”
Lucy decided to be honest, to avoid further discussion. “Yes, Sherbourne, we did. If you don’t mind, I’d prefer not to talk about Lady Reid. It’s certain to ruin my happiness of the day, and it is, for me, a very happy day.”
“Beg pardon, ma’am, of course it is a depressing subject, and you’re correct.” He sipped his tea and smiled again. “You’re pleased, then, that your brother has married Jane?”
“Oh, very happy, indeed. I thought she was the perfect bride for him the instant I met her and discovered her interests, as well as her personality. I believe they will suit marvelously.”
As though her words had conjured him, Blix came into the drawing room just then. Lucy was glad to see him smiling, and more glad when Sherbourne stood and welcomed him, as did Jane’s brothers. Miriam was not mentioned, and all appeared to be comfortable, the earlier tension having dissipated.
She was a bit surprised, however, to realize she was disappointed her conversation with Sherbourne was at an end. It had been a very long time since she felt the kinship of a new friend. It had been a much longer time that she’d felt any manner of attraction to a man, and that she did so with the Earl of Sherbourne seemed almost funny. Why, then, did she feel no urge to laugh? He truly was an impressive looking man, and quite a happy soul. She was undeniably drawn to him, and thus she explained her disappointment that their tête a tête was at an end.
It was just as well. As soon as she returned to Blix’s townhouse in Cavendish Square and packed, she would be en route to Margrave Park in nearby Sussex. She’d not brought William to London, since she was only to stay one night and did not wish to disrupt his routine. He’d been sad, but she assured him she would return the very next day. Because she was to go directly home, it would be impossible to pursue a new friendship, so she put it out of her mind and concentrated on speaking to Blix.