Chapter Five

"P erhaps I should accompany you to Gunter's," Mama said.

Malcolm looked up from the newspaper he read at the breakfast table, his gaze connecting with that of Ada's. For a moment, he saw the panic in them. Then Ada swallowed, and he saw resolve instead.

"If you would like to accompany us, Mama, I think it a lovely idea," his sister said calmly.

He knew that was the last thing Ada wanted—and yet she was agreeing to Mama's suggestion. He started to protest and then decided to let it play out as he watched his mother contemplating her daughter's response.

Finally, Mama said, "I actually have other things to do, Ada. Waterbury will be chaperone enough for you. Although I must voice again that I am not entirely comfortable with this new friendship of yours and ask that you limit your time with Lady Euphemia."

Though Malcolm thought forming a connection with his family and Lady Euphemia's undesirable, he couldn't see the harm with Ada seeing the girl a few times before the Season's start, and came to his sister's rescue.

"I know you said you had qualms, Mama, but Mrs. Andrews comported herself with such grace and dignity at tea yesterday. It is obvious she is the daughter of a gentleman and her many years of being the Duchess of Seaton is evident in both her speech and actions. She also seems quite happy in her second marriage with Mr. Andrews."

Mama clucked her tongue. "It is hard for me to understand how His Grace allows everything to go on that he does. Then again, Seaton has done some questionable things himself."

Malcolm knew exactly what she meant, but he played along in order to soothe her. "What upsets you, Mama? What are you concerns about Ada's new friendship with Lady Euphemia?"

"Obviously, I do not know these people personally, but I do recall what a scandal it was when Seaton wed the Grant widow several years ago. Why, everyone knows that a lady does not own anything. That when she weds, everything in its entirety goes to her husband. The fact that the duke specifically wished for his wife to maintain ownership of a large company—much less soil her hands by running it? It simply isn't the done thing, Waterbury."

Ada finally spoke up. "I think it is a good opportunity for the duke's children."

"What do you mean, Ada?" Mama asked sharply.

Meekly, his sister continued, saying, "If the heir apparent is to take on Strong Shipping as his legacy, it only makes sense that his brothers would be able to do the same at Neptune Shipping. It must be very hard to be a second, third, or even fourth son and not have a true role to play within your family or in Polite Society. This way, His Grace's other children have a true place and can contribute."

Mama sniffed. "Second sons are destined for the military, Ada," she said brusquely. "Third sons almost always go into the church and God's service. As to others, they either earn their own living or get by thanks to the largesse of the brother who holds the title in the family."

"I think it a good thing they are keeping both shipping empires within their family," he said. "It makes good business sense. I have read a bit about both these companies in the newspapers. How in recent years, they are not truly competitors but voyaging along different trade routes and bringing back varying items which the other does not. The thoughtfulness and planning which went into that idea, each company moving along trade routes in different parts of the world, is brilliant."

His mother shrugged. "I know nothing about business affairs, and you should not pursue this line of discussion, Ada. Do not encourage her in these matters, Waterbury," she said sharply. "As for today? No talk of business at Gunter's," she instructed. "You may discuss your come-outs. That is all."

"Yes, Mama," Ada said submissively.

But Malcolm caught the fire in her eyes before she lowered her gaze and continued eating.

They left at a quarter past noon. It had been arranged to call for Lady Euphemia at half-past twelve so that they might arrive at Gunter's by one o'clock or shortly afterward.

The moment they were in the carriage, Ada let out a huge sigh.

Malcolm praised her. "You handled Mama beautifully. When you asked her to accompany us today, I do not know who was more surprised—Mama or me."

Ada grinned shamelessly. "It was Lady Effie's idea. She told me as we walked out to the carriage yesterday that Mama would most likely decide to come along and that I should not react adversely when she suggested doing so. She told me to smile sweetly and agree that it was a lovely idea for all of us to be at Gunter's—and then most likely, Mama would choose not to come along with us."

"You two are quite the conspirators," he noted. "Mama is right, though, Ada. We do not know much about these Strongs. Or at least what we do know, Mama is not pleased with, despite the fact Lady Euphemia is the daughter of a duke."

When Ada frowned, he added, "I am not saying you cannot continue this new friendship. You simply need to make friends with other girls, as well." He paused. "But I do like this new you."

She frowned. "What do you mean, Waterbury?"

"You have always been so quiet. So reserved. I know that Mama is quite strong in her opinions, and that probably has stifled you at times. You are growing up, though, Ada. It is time to think for yourself, and I believe you are beginning to do so."

"I do want to be more like Lady Effie," she admitted. "Oh, not that I could ever truly be her, but Lady Effie is not shy around anyone. She speaks her mind without even being asked to do so."

She most certainly did. Malcolm recalled how the girl had discussed how she wasn't truly interested in finding a husband this Season and if she did, she and her family all expected it to be a love match. He did not want to clip Ada's wings, nor did he want her to think the idea of a love match was usual.

"I do hope you are interested in finding a husband this Season, unlike Lady Euphemia."

"Oh, I simply must find a husband, Waterbury," she said passionately. Then, smiling shyly, she added, "I am ready to be out from under Mama's thumb." Her face softened, and she quietly said, "Yes, I have felt stifled all these years. Yes, Mama. No, Mama, Of course, Mama. Whatever you say, Mama ."

Malcolm was amazed how quickly she slipped into both docile posture and tone, so it didn't surprise him when she became the new, fiery Ada in the next moment.

"I want to start a new life, Waterbury. My own life. I certainly want to run my own household, and I am looking forward to having children."

Ada gazed out the window a long moment and then turned back to him. "Do you believe Mama even wanted children?" she asked. "I know it was expected because she had to provide an heir for Papa. It was the only thing he married her for, and I know she was happy to have had a son that first time so that she had done her duty to the Ware family."

She shrugged. "But I have always seemed like an afterthought, Waterbury. I realize females are not valued in Polite Society, and Mama has treated me not with loathing... but indifference. I almost think I would rather have had her hate me than be indifferent to me."

Resolve filled his sister's eyes. "That is why I am determined to find my husband this Season. I want to leave your household and go to my own. I will always love you, Waterbury. You know that. You have constantly looked out for me, and I appreciate that more than I can ever convey to you. But it is time for me to stop being smothered by Mama. Time for me to begin anew. I vow I will never treat my children the way she has treated me.

"Look at Mrs. Andrews and Lady Effie and see how close they are. Not only mother and daughter, but they seem to be true friends and enjoy one another's company immensely. Though I have yet to see Mrs. Andrews with her other children, she seems most loving and protective toward them. That is what I want," Ada declared. "I simply wish to love my children unconditionally."

Malcolm had to ask. "What of your husband, Ada? Do you intend to love him?"

The question seemed to startle her. "Why, I suppose I will respect him. It would be nice to actually like him." She shook her head. "Love, however? I have never assumed I would love my husband, Waterbury. I know the topic was mentioned at tea yesterday. How Strongs wed for love." She smiled ruefully. "Apparently, Wares do not—as do most of Polite Society. I realize you did not love Imogen. That Mama picked your bride because Imogen was beautiful and would not challenge you— or Mama. Let's face it, Waterbury. Imogen was never mistress of your household. Mama was the entire time the two of you were wed. I liked Imogen. I liked spending time with her simply because it was someone new to be around, but she had to be the most dull person I have ever encountered."

He couldn't help but laugh aloud. "I would agree wholeheartedly with you about that, Ada. Imogen was lovely to look at, but she had no substance to her. No depth."

"I hope you will not let Mama select your next wife, Waterbury. You are a grown man of eight and twenty. A duke, for goodness' sake. Of all the things you do in your life, choosing your duchess is, without a doubt, the most important decision you will ever make."

Malcolm had never thought of it in those terms. He understood that he wished for a woman who would be suited to become a duchess. He wanted one he might converse with. It would be marvelous if he actually liked her, as Ada had mentioned when speaking about other future husband.

"It will be our secret for now, but I will be selecting my own wife," he told her. "I was not pleased the first time with Mama's choice, and I had already determined I would be making this decision on my own, with no help from her."

"I am delighted to hear that," his sister said, rewarding him with one of her sweet smiles. "I do hope you might share with me if you are interested in a particular lady. I would like to get to know her, see if the two of you might suit. Why, she might tell me things she would never tell you," Ada declared.

He laughed. "Then we will agree to you helping me shop for a bride on the Marriage Mart, and I shall see if I can find you a proper husband. I will get to know the bachelors in town for this Season and see if they are worthy of my beloved little sister."

They arrived at the Seaton townhouse, and Malcolm said, "Wait here. I will collect Lady Euphemia and return shortly."

He stepped from the vehicle and went to the front door, again being greeted by the butler. What surprised Malcolm, though, was that Lady Euphemia was already in the foyer without being summoned.

She smiled brightly at him. "Good morning, Your Grace. Or I suppose I should say good afternoon now that it is after noon," she said, laughing. "What? You seem surprised to see me? Do you not recall I was to come on this outing with you and Lady Ada to Gunter's?" she teased. "After all, you have shown up here at the proper time."

He was certainly not used to being teased by anyone and found he rather liked it.

"I was merely surprised to see you ready and waiting, lady Euphemia. When escorting my mother and sister anywhere, I used to linger in the foyer many minutes before either arrived. Frankly, I finally figured out not to show up until a quarter-hour after our designated departure time—and then I still am the first one in the foyer."

She laughed, a deep, rich laugh. One which sounded genuine. He recalled the false titters of women of the ton from the Season he had attended, deciding he liked this woman as a friend for his sister, despite his previous misgivings.

"I think you will be good for Ada," he told her. "For your punctuality alone." Offering her his arm, he added, "Shall we go?"

Lady Euphemia slipped her hand through the crook of his arm, and a warm, glowing feeling settled over Malcolm. He told himself to ignore it because he had already decided that Lady Euphemia Strong would not be a candidate to become his duchess. Still, he was growing to like her more by the minute.

In the carriage, Lady Euphemia immediately sat next to Ada, and the two women embraced enthusiastically. Malcolm sat across from them and did not have to contribute anything to the conversation. He observed how alive Ada came in this woman's presence, and he thought the change a good one. Lady Euphemia brought out the best in his sister, and that would be apparent to other gentlemen when the Season began. He promised himself that he would not let Mama dictate to Ada as to who her husband would be. Malcolm would make certain he had several, long discussions with Ada and would insist her wedding the man of her choice.

Not Mama's.

"The unique thing about Gunter's is that you may dine indoors or outside," Lady Euphemia told them.

Ada's eyes grew round with surprise. "Dine outside? I have never heard of such a thing beyond a picnic, and I have never been on one of those."

"It is too brisk for us to eat outdoors today, and usually it is only ices and sorbets they serve outside, not a full meal," Lady Euphemia explained. "There is a place on Berkeley Square in which you may pull up your carriage. It is shaded by numerous trees, which makes it comfortable to sit under during the heat of summer. Someone who works from across the street at Gunter's comes out to greet you, dodging traffic along the way. He will write down what you request to have and then return with it minutes later."

"I am so interested in these ices," Ada said. "Might we try one even though we will dine inside today?"

"It would not be a trip to Gunter's if we did not consume an ice," Lady Euphemia declared. "Mama always took us to Gunter's when we came to town. It is the place we all adore."

Lady Euphemia told them about various flavors of ices and sorbets, and he found himself growing hungry.

"We must return another time when the weather is warmer so we can pull in and eat from our carriage."

She turned to Malcolm. "Might you have a barouche in your mews, Your Grace?"

Startled to be address by her so suddenly, he said, "Um... yes. I do."

"Excellent," she declared. "That is the best way to go to Gunter's. Sitting in a barouche, you can see all the others who come to eat their ices. You can even converse with them from your carriage. It is ever so much fun. Perhaps we can bring Mama and the captain with us the next time we come. Mama has a sweet tooth, and the captain is sweet on her. He would be happy to bring her here."

"They seem... very much in love," Ada remarked.

"They are," Lady Euphemia said, her smile radiant. "It is lovely to see Mama so very happy. She was my father's second wife for many years. He was much older. He did not get the sons off her which he desired, but Mama was a wonderful mother and hostess. I can recall so many events held at our house during the Season. Even simple dinners changed under Mama's elegant hand into lavish affairs."

"You said that Strongs wed for love," Ada said. "Is it true that all your sisters are in love with their husbands?"

Lady Euphemia nodded enthusiastically. "It started with James and Sophie. I cannot wait for you to meet them. Here they were, the heads of rival companies, and yet they fell madly in love with one another. Ever since then, everyone in our family has wed for love."

Malcolm listened intently as she ran through a list of her sisters and cousins and the circumstances in which they had met their future spouses, and how one set of twins even became betrothed at a house party held at Shadowcrest in their honor.

"A house party sounds like ever so much fun," Ada said. "I wonder if I will ever be invited to one."

"I think you would enjoy attending one," Lady Euphemia said. "You go for rides and walks in the country. Boating, if you have a lake nearby. There are outdoor teas and pantomimes. All kinds of lawn games, from archery to bowling. In our family, music plays a tremendous role. Georgie and Mirella are incredible pianists, and my brother-in-law Silas has the most marvelous voice. When we get together, music is a focal point, and we all enjoy singing along while Mirella or Georgie take turns playing the pianoforte for us. We had the most wonderful house party of family only this past August and September. Pippa and Seth had returned from their honeymoon. They had been gone for well over eighteen months. During the time they traveled the globe, all my other sisters and female cousins had wed, with most already having children. So it made for a very happy time together for our family."

"Then I look forward to attending a house party someday, "Ada declared.

The carriage slowed, and Lady Euphemia pointed out an area, saying, "This is where you would have our coachman pull into if we were simply stopping for ices outdoors, particularly after driving through Hyde Park during the fashionable hour."

Lady Euphemia took Ada's hand and squeezed it. "I am so glad you were able to come today, Lady Ada."

"Mama almost joined us," his sister confided. "I did exactly as you suggested, though, Lady Effie. "I pretended as if I had not a care in the world and seconded what a good idea that would be." She grinned. "Mama decided Waterbury was chaperone enough for us."

Looking to him, Lady Euphemia said, "Thank you, Your Grace. For being our chaperone. I hope you, too, might enjoy this trip to Gunter's."

Malcolm knew he would enjoy this outing today.

And Lady Euphemia's company.