Chapter Four

M alcolm escorted Mama and Ada to the carriage, intrigued by Lady Euphemia. Effie, as her mother had referred to her.

She was even prettier than he had thought when he had seen her from a distance. Ada was obviously taken by her, as well. The only thing that worried him was that Lady Euphemia had been so quiet. He'd already had one wife who had barely spoken before they wed and rarely spoke after they did. This time, he was looking for someone he could carry on a decent conversation with. To be fair, he was a duke. That might have inhibited conversation. Most likely, she had been in awe of him.

Ada was extremely chatty on the way home, which was most unlike her. Usually, his sister was very reserved, and he wondered if Ada's loquaciousness was due to having made a new friend today. If the two were truly to become friends, then it might be possible for Malcolm to know more about Lady Euphemia before the Season even began. If fortune were with him, he might have already found his new bride, which would make the Season more tolerable.

Then again, he knew not to rush into anything, with Lady Euphemia or any other woman. Malcolm hoped his second marriage would be one which would last—and bring him some peace of mind.

"While it is good you have met someone your own age," Mama cautioned Ada, "you do not have to be overfriendly with Lady Euphemia and her family."

Ada frowned. "You sound as though you disapprove of her and Mrs. Andrews, Mama. I do not see why you would. After all, Lady Euphemia is the daughter of a duke and duchess."

"And that duchess was unwise enough to wed again and forgo her title," Mama said accusingly. "Who would do such a thing? Give up the highest rank in Polite Society to wed a man of absolutely no social standing? If the mother has such little common sense, I fear the daughter might also lack it."

Wanting to smooth things over, Malcolm said, "Mama, let Ada make her friend. It is good that she is not worried about where Lady Euphemia ranks in Polite Society." Smiling at his sister, he added, "You are correct. Her bloodlines are good since she is the daughter of a duke and duchess. That alone makes her appropriate company for you."

"She just is so... kind and refreshing," Ada declared. "Why, we took to each other from the start as Madame Dumas and her assistants measured us. I like her quite a bit, Waterbury. I could not be more pleased when she suggested that we come for tea tomorrow." She smiled sweetly at him. "Thank you for agreeing to escort us."

Then his sister said something which Malcolm wished she would have kept to herself.

"Who knows? You and Lady Effie might also enjoy one another's company. Why, she might not only become my friend—she could become as a sister to me if the two of you wed!"

Seeing the sour look appear on his mother's face, Malcolm quickly said, "You are putting the cart before the horse, Ada. It is simply tea between new acquaintances. Whether I decide to wed again this Season is not what you should be thinking about. We must focus on you and the match you will make."

"Waterbury is right," Mama said. "I need to find out more about Mrs. Andrews and her situation. Something about Seaton is nagging at me. I will recall it sooner or later."

Pouting, Ada said, "Or you could find out at tea tomorrow, Mama. Just come out and ask what you wish to know."

His sister's outburst earned a sharp rebuke from their mother. "I simply do not know what has come over you, Ada. You are never this outspoken. If this is the poor influence Lady Euphemia and Mrs. Andrews have had upon you, perhaps I should beg off from tea tomorrow."

Immediately, tears filled his sister's eyes, and she pleaded, "No, Mama. Please do not do that. You know how much I have wished to make friends my own age. I have truly had no one before now. It is something I have longed for as this Season has drawn near."

"You should be focused upon finding a husband, Ada. Not friends. And especially not unsuitable friends." Mama paused. "Still, Mrs. Andrews was once a duchess, and she continues to live in the Duke of Seaton's household. I suppose since we are already committed to going to tea, we should keep our appointment for it."

"Oh, thank you, Mama," gushed Ada. "You will see. Lady Effie is wonderful. She will make a good friend for me. Mrs. Andrews is quite respectable. After all, Madame Dumas has kept her as a client, even after she remarried, and Madame still dresses all of Mrs. Andrews' daughters."

They rode home from the modiste the rest of the way in silence. Malcolm could still feel the waves of disapproval coming off his mother. She had always been conscious of rank and social standing within the ton , and it had been her—even more than his father—who had drilled into him what his duty would be when he became the Duke of Waterbury.

He knew that his mother had been the daughter of a viscount, so it had been quite a leap up the social ladder for her to have wed a duke. He realized now how much his mother clung to her title and position and all they afforded. Since he had been born into it and destined to become a duke, Malcolm had never really given the matter any thought. Even when he had wed Imogen, he had not thought of her being the daughter of an earl, but he was certain Mama had been aware of that, which would have made Imogen more suitable in Mama's eyes. Perhaps he should be more aware as he selected his new wife from the eligible ladies in Polite Society, keeping in mind the family she came from and their connections within Polite Society. After all, certain expectations fell upon a duchess. She was to be a leader within the ton , as Mama had proven to be all these years.

All Malcolm knew was that he had to be the one responsible for choosing the right woman to be his duchess. He had left the task to his mother the first time around, and those results proved disastrous. Yes, Imogen had been gently bred, was an earl's daughter, and quite pretty. Part of him thought Mama had gravitated toward Imogen as the perfect choice because of her youth and inexperience. Instinct told him his mother had wanted to mold Imogen into what she considered the ideal duchess. His bride had proven to be too timid and unassertive. Frankly, she had bored Malcolm.

This time, he would be much more involved in the hunt for a bride. Perhaps instead of one of the girls making her come-out, he might look for someone slightly older, a woman with a bit more maturity about her than Imogen had possessed.

Not every girl wed after her come-out Season, so he might look to those who already had a bit of polish on them. He might even consider a young widow, preferably one without children. While he knew he must provide an heir and hopefully a spare, he was not fond of children and did not see himself spending a great deal of time with any of his own offspring. He would leave the raising of them to his duchess and the servants designated to aid in that.

They arrived home, and Malcolm retreated to his study. He wanted time to himself.

Time to consider his future.

*

They rode in the carriage to the Duke of Seaton's townhouse, which was located less than half a mile from Malcolm's own townhouse. As they pulled into the square, he saw it was even grander than the residence he owned. He would need to learn all he could today about this duke and his sister. Not only would Lady Euphemia be under consideration to become his duchess, but he wanted to make certain she was the type of woman his sister should be friendly with.

"Calm yourself, Ada," Mama cautioned. "You appear too eager."

"Well, I am eager, Mama," Ada said defiantly, shocking him.

Where was his docile sister?

If this was the result of being around Lady Euphemia for a few hours, Malcolm had to agree with his mother in questioning the budding friendship between the two girls.

"You never want to appear the way you are now," Mama warned. "What I tell you goes for Lady Euphemia, as well as any gentleman you meet during the Season. If you appear too eager, the other party will realize they have the upper hand."

"Pish-posh," Ada said breezily. "I do not believe you have to hide your feelings in such a manner."

Mama glared at her daughter. "You will do as I say," her sharp tone even giving Malcolm a chill. "You are to be polite to all and remain distant. Even unapproachable. You are the daughter of a duke , Ada. Others are to come to you, not the other way around. Never display your true feelings to anyone. Appear aloof at all times. Even uninterested. That is what will attract others to you."

"But Mama, I think—"

"That is where you are wrong," Mama snapped. "You are not to think. You are merely to do as I tell you. I will be the one making the decision for you, Ada, in regard to your husband. Along with Waterbury's input, of course. Your brother knew enough to allow me to select his wife. I will do the same again. For him—and now you."

Tears misted Ada's eyes. "What if I do not like the gentleman you choose for me, Mama? I thought the Season was for me to get to know all the eligible bachelors and then choose the one I would be happiest with."

Mama snorted. "You have stars in your eyes, girl. Liking has little to do with choosing a husband. We are looking for a match that is suitable for our family, not simply for you. Marriage is a business arrangement, Ada. You are a duke's daughter. I wish for you to wed a duke. A marquess, at the very least."

"But... what if there are very few of these titled men available?" Ada asked, a stubborn set to her mouth.

"You leave that to me," Mama said briskly. "The same is to be true for the girls you befriend. You want to keep to those near your station, and I can help you do so. Oh, be polite to all as I have taught you, but you will wed a gentleman with a lofty title, and you will only make friends with the wives who hold a similar position to yourself. Be glad that Lady Euphemia is the daughter of a duke. For the present, that is the only thing in her favor. If you continue these outbursts and remain pouting, as you have, I will forbid you to even speak to her, much less see her."

Ada dabbed her eyes with the handkerchief which Malcolm offered her. "Yes, Mama," she said, and even he heard the resignation in her voice.

Wanting to stand up for her, he said, "There is no need to dash Ada's hopes, Mama, much less break her spirit even before the Season begins. Let us go to tea now and see if Lady Euphemia is a suitable companion to our Ada."

His sister flashed him a grateful look.

"Very well, Waterbury," Mama said. "I will try not to judge anyone before we become familiar with the Duke of Seaton and his family."

The carriage had come to a halt several minutes ago, but no footman had opened the vehicle's door. Malcolm tapped on the ceiling with his cane, indicating they were ready to exit. Immediately, the door opened. He handed down Mama and then Ada, and they approached the front door. They were greeted by a butler who showed them to the drawing room, announcing their arrival.

His eyes immediately went to Lady Euphemia, who smiled brightly at Ada.

As they crossed the drawing room, Malcolm took in the space, seeing it tastefully furnished, with a bit of homeyness about it. His own townhouse looked as if it were a museum, the lavish decor not welcoming in the least.

"How good of you to come today, Your Graces," Mrs. Andrews said graciously.

"Thank you for your kind invitation," he replied, greeting her, then looking to the man standing next to her, recalling him as being the one who had exited the carriage yesterday.

"Your Grace, may I present to you my husband, Mr. Andrews."

He shook Andrews' hand, the man's grip firm, his gaze assessing Mr. Andrews' dress and demeanor.

"Thank you for having us, Mr. Andrews."

He then introduced his mother and Ada to the man before turning his attention to Lady Euphemia.

"It is good to see you again, my lady."

"Likewise, Your Grace," she said pertly, immediately turning her attention away from him and back to Ada.

Mrs. Andrews asked them to take a seat as the teacart was rolled in. Their hostess poured out for the group, her manner elegant and graceful.

"How did you and Mrs. Andrews meet?" Malcolm asked Mr. Andrews, knowing it was something his mother was curious about.

"My best friend is the Duke of Seaton," Mr. Andrews replied. "My wife was his very young stepmother."

"I was Seaton's second wife," Mrs. Andrews explained. "His first had passed away, and His Grace was looking for someone who might give him sons." She smiled. "I happened to present him with four wonderful daughters instead."

"And do not forget Allegra and Lyric," Lady Euphemia prompted.

"Yes, I also raised my two nieces. My sister-in-law passed away after giving birth to the twins, and her husband was not quite certain how to raise girls. It was left to me to bring them up alongside my own. Five of the girls are now wed. Effie is my youngest, and I have high hopes she will find her husband this Season."

Mrs. Andrews took a sip of her tea and added, "Mr. Andrews and I are also parents to a son. Jamie. He is named after my stepson."

"We call him Jamie so as not to confuse him with my brother James," Lady Euphemia offered. "It would be difficult calling them both James and having them respond each time someone did so."

"His Grace is gracious enough to allow us to live here while we are in town," Mrs. Andrews said. "It is convenient since my husband helps run Her Grace's business, Neptune shipping."

Malcolm saw his mother's reaction to this statement and from her eyes, he could tell she had recalled what she wished to remember about this family.

"Oh, I do recall hearing about this," Mama began. "His Grace's family owns Strong Shipping, and he wed the widow of the man who owned Neptune Shipping."

He had heard of both shipping empires since they were the two largest in England.

"That is correct," Mr. Andrews said. "His Grace and I both used to be ship's captains for Neptune Shipping."

Malcolm found that incredibly odd, a duke serving as a ship's captain, especially since it was for a rival line.

Lady Euphemia spoke up, pride on her face as she said, "James loves Sophie so very much that he insisted that she maintain ownership of Neptune Shipping. Their marriage contracts specified this, and Sophie continues to have an active role in Neptune Shipping. Of course, since she has given birth to George and Ida, she has turned over more of the day-to-day running to the captain."

Mr. Andrews chuckled. "My girls insist upon calling me the captain."

"Your girls?" Mama asked pointedly.

"All my wife's girls," the man said, now beaming. "I look upon her four daughters and two nieces as my own flesh and blood. The men who court my Effie will have not only me to answer to—but Seaton, as well."

Lady Euphemia chuckled. "The captain is all bark and little bite," she shared. "He and James pretend they will chase off men who try to court me, but the fact is I will probably chase off most of them myself."

Her statement intrigued Malcolm. "How so, my lady?"

"I am quite finicky, Your Grace. Actually, I suppose I am the only girl making my come-out this Season who is not seeking a husband."

"Not wishing for a husband?" Mama asked, her shock evident.

"No, Your Grace," Lady Euphemia said. "I lead a very full life at Shadowcrest, our family's country estate in Kent. I have a great many animals I care for, and I also assist my cousin Caleb. He is steward of the estate."

Now, Malcolm was the one who tried to hide his own shock as Mrs. Andrews smiled fondly at her daughter.

"Effie is known for bringing home all kinds of strays and injured animals and caring for them. She is under no compunction to make a match this Season or any other."

Mr. Andrews slipped his hand around his wife's, their fingers intertwining, causing Malcolm to be stunned by the public display of affection.

"This family is known for making love matches," Mr. Andrews explained. "Effie knows that. She has seen her brother, along with all her sisters and cousins, also make love matches. If her heart is not whispering to her to give a certain gentleman proper consideration, then she will simply wait until she is moved by her heart in the right direction."

"I am greatly relieved because of this," Lady Euphemia said. "This way, I can go into the Season and simply enjoy it for what it is—a time to be with loved ones—as well as make new friends." She grinned at Ada. "I was so pleased to meet Lady Ada at Madame's yesterday. Mama has promised that she will take us on a few outings together before the Season starts. I am quite familiar with places in town because I came here every year when my parents did each spring. I have several places I wish to show Lady Ada. Mama will chaperone us, of course, and James and Sophie will be happy to do so once they arrive in town next week."

"That is quite unnecessary," his mother said cooly. "My daughter and I have a crowded calendar leading up to the Season. Perhaps you will be able to visit at those social events when the time comes, Lady Euphemia."

He saw how Mama's words crushed Lady Euphemia, and his heart went out to her, as well as his sister. Glancing to Ada, he saw her sitting stiffly, trying to hold in her emotions, a blank stare upon her face.

Though Mama would make certain Malcolm regretted it, he said, "I am certain at least some time might be carved out for an outing or two, Lady Euphemia. What did you have in mind?"

She gazed at him, tears glistening in her eyes, making her look both fragile and appealing at the same time. "I had wanted us to ride and walk in Hyde Park. Do a bit of shopping for ribbons and new bonnets. See the British Museum." She swallowed. "And most definitely go to Gunter's."

He frowned. "Gunter's? I am unfamiliar with that."

Lady Euphemia brightened. "It is simply the best place to go in town," she declared. "They serve the most marvelous ices."

"I have never heard of such a thing," he said, baffled by the term.

"Then you must accompany us to Gunter's, Your Grace," the young lady said. "You will fall in love with it. And then you can take a woman you might court to eat there. It is the only place in town where a gentleman may escort an unchaperoned lady."

Her hands flew to her mouth, her eyes growing large. "I am sorry, Your Grace. I am being presumptuous. You mentioned being a widower yesterday. I assumed with you being a duke, you would wish to wed again so that you might have your heir."

"I will be looking for a bride on the Marriage Mart this Season," he confirmed.

But Malcolm now knew Lady Euphemia Strong would make for a most unsuitable duchess. She was far too talkative, and despite being the daughter of a duke, her family was certainly questionable. He would strike her from his list of possibilities.

"At least come to Gunter's with us," she said. "Could we go tomorrow, Mama?"

"I have appointments throughout the day, Effie. Perhaps the day after?"

Malcolm saw the disappointment flash across his sister's face. He knew how hard his mother was on Ada. How little time she devoted to her only daughter, despite this being her come-out Season. More than anything, he wanted his sister to be happy.

But he even surprised himself when he said, "If it is all right with you, Mrs. Andrews, I will take my sister and Lady Euphemia to Gunter's tomorrow in your stead."