The Redemption of Julian Price(37)

Please know that I will ever remain— Your most faithful, humble, and obedient servant, Nicolas





CHAPTER ONE


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"For they conquer who believe they can."

John Dryden

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Bedford Square, London—One Year Earlier

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"MY DEAR GIRLS, I have quite the surprise for you." Smiling, Lady Russell poured steaming hyson into three delicate cups of the finest Chelsea porcelain. They were seated in the morning room with sun streaming in through the tall windows, spreading its golden fingers of light across the richly patterned Aubusson carpet. "Lord Marcus has just sent us an invitation to a house party at Woburn Abbey."

"Woburn Abbey?" Mariah repeated blankly.

Lady Russell paused with her hand on the sugar bowl. "It's the country seat of the Dukes of Bedford. Do you take sugar, Mariah?"

"No, thank you, my lady," Mariah answered. "Cream will suffice."

"And you, my dear?" she asked her goddaughter, Lydia.

"Yes, please," Lydia answered, "but no cream."

Lady Russell handed the first cup to Mariah and the second to Lydia before continuing. "After spending a king's ransom on renovations to the house and gardens, the duke is most eager to show it all off."

Lydia's brows met in a frown. "But I am not even acquainted with the duke and duchess. I don't understand why we would be invited."

"Because Marcus wishes to make the most favorable impression, of course," Lady Russell replied.

"I still don't understand what that has to do with me," Lydia said. "Has Marcus not told you that I wish to end our betrothal?"

"He has mentioned it, of course," Lady Russell replied dismissively. "But he also assured me that this rift between you will soon be repaired."

Mariah observed the two women while quietly sipping her tea. Philomena, Lady Russell, was a force of nature, and very accustomed to getting her way, but Lydia could be stubborn to a fault. While Mariah admired her cousin's courage in standing up to such a grande dame, it was clear that the lady was not about to give up either her political or matrimonial ambitions for her son, Marcus.

"I am sorry he has misled you, my lady," Lydia replied, "but Marcus is quite mistaken, as I have no intention of becoming his wife."

"But, my dear, you act in such haste!"

"Six years is hardly haste," Lydia remarked wryly.

Mariah's sympathies were wholeheartedly with her cousin. What self-respecting woman would wait six years on a man?

Lady Russell heaved a martyr's sigh. "I suppose I must shoulder some of the blame for not prodding Marcus. He was so single-minded to establish himself with the diplomatic service that I feared pressuring him to marry would only have caused resentment. But I fear breaking with him at this critical juncture would irreparably damage his prospects. Although Marcus is fortunate enough to have the Duke of Bedford as his uncle and chief patron, he cannot presume wholly upon this family connection. At this juncture in his career, my son must forge his own alliances. In this endeavor, a beautiful and charming wife will be an invaluable asset."

"That may be," Lydia sniffed. "But Lord Marcus's career is no longer my concern."

"My dear girl, could you not wait just a short while before making your decision known? At least until the delegates are chosen for the forthcoming peace treaty? He is my youngest son, and I wish him to secure his future." Lady Russell continued in a cajoling tone, "Would you truly refuse me this small boon when your mother and I were so very close?"

Uncertainty marked Lydia's face. "My lady, I cannot carry out such a ruse purely for Marcus's gain."

"But Marcus is only half the reason for you to attend. You and Lady Mariah must go for your own benefit as well. The exposure to such influential people can only do you both credit and elevate you in society."

"I suppose that much is true." Lydia's gaze flickered to Mariah. It was clear her will was faltering. Although she continued to fight, it seemed the dowager was about to win her way. "Mariah could certainly benefit. She has never even had a proper come out."

"No, I did not," Mariah said sadly. Her London season had been all arranged, but then her father suffered a sudden apoplexy. She wistfully considered the invitation but then shook her head. "I could not go, Lyddie. You know I cannot leave Mama alone to manage Papa. She frets so when I am not at home."

"Aunt Eustacia can certainly manage without you for a few more days. She has a veritable army of servants. Don't you think it's time you considered your own marriage prospects? You will never meet anyone suitable while buried at Morehaven."

"Lydia is right," Lady Russell chimed in. "This is the perfect opportunity for you to mix with good society without the pressures of a London season."

"Please, Mariah. You must come with me," Lydia cajoled.

Although her conscience bade her to return home, the more Mariah considered it, the more she wanted to go. Lydia needed the moral support, and Mariah's life had become so incredibly dull since her father's illness. Outside of attending her parents' needs, her idle hours were filled with reading, needlework, and long walks. Only occasional visits with Lydia broke the monotony. What harm could there be in enjoying herself for a few more days? Mariah capitulated with a sigh. "You make it impossible for me to refuse."