The Master Matchmakers Complete Collection: The Courting Campaign ; The Wife Campaign ; The Husband Campaign by Regina Scott

Author:Regina Scott [Scott, Regina]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781488099908
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2018-01-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Ruby spent the rest of the afternoon in her room, her maid hovering at the ready. She’d hoped it to be a time for thinking, for planning, perhaps for pursuing this habit the Lord had of answering prayers willy-nilly. Unfortunately, some of the occupants of Fern Lodge had other ideas.

First it was Lady Wesworth demanding entrance, drawing her daughter along with her.

“We are making you a tisane,” she announced as she stopped beside Ruby’s chair and waved at her to keep her seat.

Such condescension was no doubt meant to be praised. “How very kind of you,” Ruby said with a smile to the ever-suffering Lady Amelia, who stood just behind her mother.

“It’s licorice,” Lady Amelia confided, returning Ruby’s smile shyly. “It smells delightful.”

“I find it wise to ensure one’s good health after such an ordeal,” her mother said, noble chin as high as her generous chest in her creamy muslin gown. “And I think you were equally wise to refuse Lord Danning’s misguided offer of marriage.”

Lady Amelia paled and bit her lip as if to keep herself from commenting. Ruby had no such trouble.

“I didn’t consider it misguided,” she told the marchioness, shifting on the armchair to get a better look at her. “It was very chivalrous of him. I simply have no need to marry.”

Lady Wesworth drew herself up. “It is every young lady’s duty to marry and carry on the line. England advances through its sons.”

“Through its daughters, too,” Ruby corrected her. “Otherwise I fear there’ll be no more sons born or married.”

Laughter twinkled in Lady Amelia’s blue gaze before she looked away.

“You are entirely too outspoken,” Lady Wesworth declared, brown eyes narrowing. “However, I gave Lord Danning my word that we would support you, and I intend to keep it. Come, Amelia.”

“One moment, Mother,” she promised, lagging behind.

Her mother was so used to instant obedience she didn’t notice. Lady Amelia watched her out the door, then took a step closer to Ruby, lowering her platinum head and her voice, as well.

“Please excuse my mother, Miss Hollingsford. She has strong opinions about the place of marriage in a woman’s life.”

“Obviously,” Ruby drawled, pulling her dressing gown closer.

Lady Amelia eyed the fire as if unable to meet Ruby’s gaze. “I suspect it’s because she married above her station. No one in her family had a title, you see. She doesn’t like to be reminded of the fact.”

“I would think that would make her more in charity with others in the same position,” Ruby argued.

“Ah, but if she approves of them, Society might remember her more humble beginnings. No, her only hope is to pretend disdain.” She reached out and squeezed Ruby’s hand, meeting her gaze at last. “Only know that I admire you, Miss Hollingsford. We’ll be back shortly with the tisane.” With a smile, she pulled away and glided out.

Ruby shook her head. So Lady Wesworth had married up and now could not condone anyone else doing so. Small wonder she pushed so hard for Lady Amelia to marry a title.

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