A Wedding In Springtime(60)
“So I need to hope someone else will have an even greater fall from grace?”
“And someone will. By tomorrow there will be a new topic of conversation.”
Genie sighed and wrapped the strings of her reticule around her fingers, a nervous twitch she had never experienced before coming to London. “I know my aunt says it is quite important that I marry soon because of my disaster at my presentation, but—”
“You do not like being pressured into marriage?”
“No, indeed, I do not.”
“And yet, I imagine that you came to London with the idea to find a husband.” Penelope’s straightforward manner of speaking and plain brown eyes peered through the social niceties to get at the heart of the matter.
“Yes, it is true,” admitted Genie. “But there is a difference between being open to falling in love and agreeing to wed the next man who enters the room.”
“I agree, and I must say I am relieved to hear you say it. I know the dowager and your aunt feel differently, but I feel a marriage is not a decision to enter into lightly, nor should you necessarily wed the first man who asks.”
“Yes, thank you for understanding.” Genie let out a big breath in relief. She did want to get married. What unmarried female did not? But to be forced into marriage with the first person who could be coerced into asking, just so she could preserve her aunt’s pride, that was not appealing. “I also am concerned that my aunt has offered to pay this matchmaker a horrendous sum should I somehow manage to become betrothed.”
“Yes, I admit I was surprised by that turn of events too. However, before you decline an offer you would otherwise like just to save your aunt’s pocketbook, you might wish to consider what your aunt would prefer. If the dowager is to be believed, your aunt has the money, so it will not come as a hardship. I believe she would happily part with the blunt if it meant having her protégée respectfully wed.”
Genie considered the argument and nodded slowly. “I know you are right, but still I cannot feel easy with this arrangement.”
“Indeed, I should not like it either, but marrying you off early may be a cost savings to her, what with the cost of gowning you. I understand from the dowager that Lady Bremerton is paying the bills.”
Genie blinked at her friend’s forward comment. Even though she was raised in the country, Genie knew speaking directly of money was not an acceptable topic of conversation, but now that the topic had been raised, she was interested. “Yes, my aunt is supporting me. I had never considered the cost of the gowns. Do you think they are very dear?”
Penelope surveyed the lace and silk beauty Genie wore. “Quite dear, I should say.”
“Oh, I was not aware. Now I do not know what to think.”
“Forget about the pressures. It simply will not help you to dwell upon it. Perhaps you will find a man with whom you will fall in love. If it comes to it, I will support you if you need to decline an offer.”
“Thank you, Pen. Truly, that is very kind.” The weight Genie had carried since her grave error before the queen was lightened. Penelope Rose, in her simple muslin dress, was a friend and ally. One she dearly needed and was grateful to have.
“What of Mr. Grant?” asked Genie, feeling reassured enough in Pen’s friendship to speak of matters that were close to her heart. “He was the only one who was brave enough to speak with me several times at the ball, and I suspect he may have arranged with his aunt to invite me.”
“To be sure he did,” replied Pen. “I heard he garnered that invitation for you by promising to dance with all the young ladies at his aunt’s ball.”
“That was extraordinarily kind of him,” said Genie, her pulse increasing. Mr. Grant had indeed inconvenienced himself on her behalf.
“Mr. Grant is quite capable of making large grand gestures. He is well liked by his friends and critics alike.”
“Why do I have the feeling you are about to tell me something of him that is not good?”
Pen took a sip of her tea and shook her head. “I do not like to revisit the past, particularly in regards to my sisters, but I would not like to see you make the same mistake. It was several years ago when we first came to London. One of my sisters became well-known for her beauty, but our connections were very low, and we were snubbed by more exacting members of the ton. Mr. Grant was very attentive, very courteous. He even helped us gain entry into society in a way we could not have done without him, and for that I am thankful. My sister was quite taken with him, and we held hopes that the rumors about him were untrue. Surely such a charming man could not be the rake they described. We hoped for a proposal and at last one did come.”