The Marquis' Mistake by Giselle Marks

Author:Giselle Marks [Marks, Giselle]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2017-04-18T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Seventeen

Madelaine reassured the ladies and her father of Jemima’s capture when he finished the piece he was playing. He returned to the dining room where the other men except Sebastian were enjoying a glass of port.

“Sebastian, why are you suddenly abstaining?” Edward asked as he refused to join their consumption of the port.

“Alicia says I am a rake and a drunkard and therefore not fit to marry her. My not drinking irritated her. I am doing my utmost to destroy her objections.”

“I don’t think I can remember seeing you drunk, Farndon. You are always held up as an example of moderation. Rake is another matter, she’s got you there,” remarked Lord Overton.

“If she objects to you so much, son, then you had better choose another bride,” declared the Duke of Langsdown.

“I’m not sure why she is determined to refuse me. But I intend to persuade her she will be happy with me. You should pray I succeed. The Foreign Office has offered me Copenhagen. If Alicia won’t have me, then you’ll have to accept I won’t marry and will take the post.”

“We will discuss your marriage later, son. Comte, you mentioned hearing about my son in France. I have recently discovered I know very little about him. I’d be interested to know what you’ve heard.”

“Nothing but good was said of him in diplomatic circles. I understand he was considered a crucial mediator in a number of challenging political discussions. Wellington himself sang his praises. Said his fluency in all the languages involved prevented a number of awkward disagreements. He also informed me Farndon bravely saved Lieutenant General Graham’s life, after the surrender when some idiot took a pot shot at him with a pistol.”

“Did his Grace say how I saved Graham?” enquired Sebastian.

“I was informed you heroically put your body between the shooter and pushed him out of the way. Wellington maintained you took the ball yourself. He wanted to mention you in dispatches, said you were the only member of the diplomatic staff who could be guaranteed not to run away at the first sign of action.”

“Sebastian, I’ve seen you stripped to box and your skin is unblemished. Where exactly did the ball hit you?” badgered Edward.

“Stupidest thing I’ve ever done. I received a minor flesh wound, very ignominious. I have no intention of displaying my battle scar. I couldn’t ride for a month,” Sebastian laughed and most of the other men joined in declaring it a courageous action on his part. His father however was appalled.

“You could have been killed, Sebastian. I never thought you’d been at any risk!” protested the Duke.

The gentlemen joined the ladies to find Alicia the centre of attention. Lady Henderson had begun the attack.

“There’s been no mention of your engagement to my grandson and you’re not wearing his ring. I was looking forward to welcoming you to the family. Has Sebastian not proposed yet?”

This question several of the ladies were very interested in hearing answered.

“He has proposed and I have told him I don’t think we would suit.

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