Clarion’s ambition to be Home Secretary has enabled well meaning friends–and his determined family—to convince him to host a house party. Lady Danbury, for one, also thinks he needs a wife, a well bred girl with impeccable bloodlines and skills to be a successful society/political hostess. Delia counts herself ineligible on both counts. Besides she is does not wish to remarry. Neither does Clarion! It is one of many things they agree on. Meanwhile, Lady Danbury is pushing the Marquess of Wilbury’s granddaughter.
***
Danbury scanned the notes again. This time he chuckled. “Wilbury accepted. Of course he did.” David glared into his drink. “You asked Henrietta’s help, Clarion. Regretting that?”
“Yes. Or perhaps no. I understand your point about a wife enhancing my chances. I just— A wife is more complicated than a political ally. I don’t know that I have the patience for some miss barely out of the schoolroom.” David drained his glass.
“I’ve met the lady. Poised and proper, but not forward. Intelligent but not clever in her manner. She’s past first blush. She has a few seasons behind her,” Danbury said.
“Failed to take?” David groaned.
“Perhaps. Perhaps unwilling to be rushed and careful in her choices. She’s no flibbertigibbet.” Danbury set his glass down and leaned forward. “Wilbury is a Whig, and has no say in Tory appointments, however, his support could be enormous help once you secure the appointment. You do not want to make an enemy of him.”
“And expectations have been raised,” David said.
“I fear so. Meet the lady. Give her a chance. Perhaps she will suit very well.”
“I promised I would,” David said. He felt the jaws of a trap slam shut, and his resulting resentment rise. It was going to be a difficult week.
Note: excerpts from works in progress may have not yet been edited, will likely undergo change, and may not even make it into the final work!
Note: excerpts from works in progress may have not yet been edited, will likely undergo change, and may not even make it into the final work!
Oh dear. Poor David.