Chapter 1

"Itrust that I do not have to remind you to be on the best of behaviors today, Jane."

Henry Dowding, the Viscount of Stonehave Manor glanced down at his daughter with a raised brow and a disapproving look in his eyes.

Jane refrained from rolling her eyes. It would only rile her father and send him into a spiral, lecturing her and reminding her why he felt the need to chide her at the age of one-and-twenty

"I should not have to remind you of this but you have managed to grow wings and prove that you can defy me at will…"

Jane tuned him out. She bit back a sigh. She should have known it was impossible for him to not go launch into a tirade as he barraged her slightly veiled insults.

Her lips began to turn down in a frown when Sarah's fingers gently brushed her fingers, offering her a soft smile, her eyes conveying how terribly sorry she felt to have Jane in this situation… once again.

"I'm all right. You do not have to feel sorry," Jane whispered to her sister, returning her smile.

"What are you whispering about? How are you to learn when you find it difficult to pay attention, Jane?" the viscount asked, running a hand across his temple as though chastising her had given him a headache.

"I do apologize, Father. Of course, I am listening to you," Jane pacified, one of the first times she has ever done so.

She refrained from smiling as her father cleared his throat to hide his shock. Somehow, that gave her more satisfaction than going head-to-head with him as usual.

"Well, I suppose it is good that you are in an amenable mood today," he straightened his back, placing both hands on his cane.

Jane tensed as she watched him. He only ever did that when he was about to deliver news he knew would upset her.

"You will find that today, things will be… different," he said, running a hand down his salt-and-pepper moustache.

"How are things to be different, Father?"

She swallowed quite loudly as she waited for his answer.

The viscount cleared his throat before answering her question.

"There is someone I would like you to be introduced to. He is to be your suitor," he said matter-of-factly.

Jane's eyes widened as she stared at her father.

"What?"

"Jane, please be more quiet," her sister said, looking around. She followed her step and found eyes fixed on her as people nearby stared at them with eyes brimming with curiosity and the search for new gossip.

Jane's jaw ticked wildly as she struggled to calm herself. Her hands played with the fabric of her skirts while she waited for everyone to go about their business.

She had been so excited to be at the garden party to dance and laugh with her sister, but now, even as she stared at the colorful decorations with ladies' gowns that matched the beautiful flowers spreading their fragrance in the air, the last of her excitement dwindled.

"Why couldn't we have discussed this before we left the house, Father?" she asked, holding back the anger that threatened to explode if she didn't let it out soon.

This was the last place for an argument with her father. Heavens only knew the scandal they would create if that happened.

"And give you enough time to figure out how to mess this up?" he asked, his eyes showing a glint that proved he thought himself victorious.

"So, you would rather I be blindsided as opposed to having an opinion on whom I choose to marry?" she queried, amazed at his logic.

Her father's eyes held no remorse as he stared her straight in the eyes.

"Perhaps if I trusted that it was a decision you would ever be ready to make, I would have allowed you make it. However, you have proved to be incapable of something as serious as this, so, I will make it for you. I have found the perfect suitor for you and I expect you to impress him."

"Jane, Father, I do not think this is the place for such a conversation."

Sarah placed her hands on Jane's shoulder, steering her away from their father, but she was too riled up to listen to her sensible sister. Not on this. Not when it concerned her future. A future her father was about to trade away.

"How could you do this to me, Father?"

Her heart beat fast in her chest. All along, she had been too angry to think about how she felt. She refrained from rubbing away the sting in her chest. She would not let him see just how much she was hurt by his betrayal.

"Did you know about this?" she turned to her sister who took a step back, staring at her in shock.

"Jane, I-" Sarah started, but was cut off by their father.

"Leave your sister out of this. There was nothing she could have done to stop this even if she knew."

The viscount sighed. "Look here, Jane. Perhaps my methods are too old-fashioned for you to understand and that is why we have continued to clash on things, but everything I have done has been for the good of you and your sister."

She stared at her father. Her lips opened to utter words she wasn't certain of their direction but he spoke before she could.

"Moreover, you could certainly do a lot worse than the man I have found you. The Marquess of Pennington is of good age, powerful, wealthy, and titled. He has the means to care for you and you shall have no reasons to complain."

Jane stiffened. "Ah, I suppose I should have known. This is just another business dealing for you, Father. Did you think of my needs first before you chose him to be my husband or were my needs merely an afterthought as you picked him based on his wealth?"

"Jane Dowding, you will not speak to me in such manner. You might have forgotten your manners but surely you have not forgotten that I am your father," he blustered, his face turning a bright red as he stared her down.

"Jane! Do stop it, please," Sarah chided, her eyes widening as she silently pleaded with Jane to be calm.

"I do apologize for her, Father. Perhaps it would have been best for her to have been more prepared before you sought to introduce them."

Jane glared at her sister. She had always been appreciative of her sister's efforts to take care of her and stand up for her when she was at loggerheads with their father, but now was not one of those times.

She looked around as people milled about them. The curious guests had gone back to their conversations, quickly bored by their inability to acquire the gossip they wanted as a result of their hushed tones.

"I did not realize that I had to consult with my daughter before making a decision concerning her welfare," the viscount snapped, glaring between Sarah and Jane.

Sarah looked away from her father, biting her lips, following the anger in her father's voice, however, the action only angered Jane as she moved closer to her sister, ready to come to her defense if need be.

"She is right. I should not have had to find out about this only moments before it happened, Father, and I will not be a part of this charade. I will choose who I plan to marry."

The viscount looked around, his eyes searching for what Jane could not find. She looked at him in confusion as he turned back to her, wearing a look that made it clear he was not backing down.

"I fail to see the men that are lining up, wishing to court you. Perhaps you would have a say in who you wish to marry if you had even one man coming up to me, seeking my permission to court you," he chastised, his voice low and yet, carrying his ire.

Jane swallowed and looked away, feeling defeated. Her lids blinked rapidly as she struggled to control the angry tears that threatened to fall down her face.

Why can't he just understand that he does not have to control every part of my life?

She dug her fingers into her palm to stop the overwhelming urge to cry out to him and beg him to put an end to his plan. She would not beg, especially when it was clear that he would not be changing his mind on the topic.

"I sincerely hope that you can put an end to your childish antics long enough to see that I am doing this for you," the viscount uttered with a long-suffering sigh.

"Do try to be on the best of behaviors tonight and rest assured that once the marquess asks for your hand in marriage, I will be accepting his suit. My mind will not be changed on the matter," he said.

"Father, I cannot let this happen, I will not-" Jane started after her father as he walked away from her, waving at an old friend.

"Jane, please," Sarah held her hand tightly, stopping her from following their father and causing a scene.

She stopped, distraught. She had known the day would come when her father would no longer be lenient with her and push for her to marry. But she had never expected it to happen so soon, nor had she thought that it would happen with her father choosing a suitor for her, completely disregarding her opinion in the matter.

She smiled a small smile as an acquaintance waved them over, shaking her head politely in refusal. She could not very well indulge in small talks, not when her life seemed to be going down in shambles.

"Jane, I do not think it will do you any good to rile Father up. Perhaps it is best to follow his plan for the night. Let him see that you take his words into account," Sarah suggested as she led her further into the party.

Unlike Jane, she smiled and laughed as she greeted some of the guests she was familiar with, a feat Jane had always marveled at. She had never been able to manage her feelings as her sister quite easily did.

"Oh, Sarah, he should have found a husband for you instead. You would make the perfect wife for such a man if he is as Father described," she said, as the clogs in her head began to turn.

Sarah shook her head at her sister, offering a small laugh. At the age of four-and-twenty, Sarah remained unwed herself, now a spinster according to the ton, and yet, Jane knew any man would be lucky to have her as wife.

She should not have said it aloud. She knew that her father had no regard for Sarah, and called her ugly and useless since 3 seasons had passed with her sister failing to catch the attention of any man.

It was not that Sarah was ugly… it was that her quietness extended even to situations with suitors. The very thing that would make her a perfect wife had made it hard to hold the attention of suitors long enough to actually become one.

Jane wondered if she could make this man see how much better Sarah would be for him than her.

"Do not get any ideas in your head, Jane," Sarah warned.

Jane grinned. Of course, her sister knew her enough to know she was already entertaining thoughts on how to turn this situation around. If only her father knew her just the same way so there would be no need for conversations as this.

She laced her hand with Sarah's, still wearing her wide grin as her mood started to lift.

"You have to admit, it would be more logical for Father to marry you off first before he thinks to do the same with me," she said.

"Ah, but that would only be true if it were not for one important fact," Sarah said, her eyes filling with a familiar glint.

"What fact might that be, Sarah?" she played along, excited to experience this side of her sister that only she got to witness, especially since she absorbed the role of mother to Jane.

"Father would much rather I remain a spinster than be stuck with you if he married me off," she stated, laughing at the shocked look on her sister's face.

"Sarah, I cannot believe you just said that," Jane said, feigning upset.

She burst into laughter when Sarah only stared at her with raised brows, not buying her hurt act. Jane gently shoved Sarah with her shoulder before pulling her close once again.

"You are lucky I love you, else I would take offence to that," Jane said, intertwining their fingers.

"I could very much say the same to you, dear sister of mine. Only I could put up with you and Father, and your constant bickering."

She put her hand on her chin in a dramatic fashion.

"Perhaps you are right. I should take you up on your offer and set my sights on the marquess so that I could be out of the house before you and Father set each other off again."

Jane's mouth dropped open as Sarah giggled, the action causing her face to crinkle and her eyes to turn into slit, causing her blue eyes to disappear behind her lids.

Jane stared at her as her lips formed into a smile. Her sister was beautiful and even more so when she let go of the need to mother her and allowed herself to be happy and smile.

"Ah, Lord Lewis, I had wondered whether you weren't coming."

Jane startled as she heard her father's voice. She looked at her sister who had returned to her somber mood whenever their father was around and sighed quietly.

"I apologize, Lord Dowding. I was detained by some unforeseen circumstances," he said, bowing slightly.

"That is no matter," the viscount said before pointing at his daughters.

"These are my daughters. My older child, Miss Sarah Dowding, and my younger one, Miss Jane Dowding," he said. "Girls, this is Lord Lewis, the Marquess of Pennington".

Jane curtseyed, as did her sister.

"It is a pleasure to be in the company of such lovely ladies," the marquess said, although his gaze remained fixed on Jane.

Sarah smiled at him while Jane remained silent. There was something about his gaze that set her off. Yet she knew not to mention it to her father as it would only be seen as an excuse and would only make her father lecture her even some more when they returned home.

"The dance is about to come to an end. Might I ask you to join me for the next dance, Miss Jane? That is, if your card is not already full," he asked, offering her a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Jane hadn't truly looked at him until that moment. She regarded him now as he reached up a hand to push an errant strand of blond hair that seemed to be only inches away from poking his dark brown eyes. He pushed the lock into place and smiled at her again.

He was a handsome man, tall and strong. Many women would be lucky to have his attentions focused on them and yet, she wished for it to be anywhere but on her, because regardless of his good looks, there was something about his stares that she found rather unsettling. Something about the way he looked her made it impossible for her to see past that enough to admire his person.

"She has a space in her card for the next dance, Lord Lewis," her father said eagerly, although his eyes shot daggers at Jane.

Jane had not realized that she had been staring at the man without saying a word for quite some time. She nodded, still unable to get her lips to function and speak the words she needed. Perhaps it was because she knew she would only secure her father's ire if she said something.

"Splendid. Shall we?" he grinned, offering her his hand.

"Certainly, my lord."

She placed her hand in his, grimacing before allowing it to melt into a smile she did not feel.

As the dance began, Jane allowed herself to be led, uncomfortable as he pulled her close and yet, not wishing to cause a scene.

"I must admit, when your father broached the topic of securing a match between his daughter and I, I did not expect you to look the way you did. I had only agreed to this out of respect for him but now…"

He paused as he looked her up and down, his eyes lingering on her body in a manner that made her feel like she was naked. Jane bit the inside of her cheek until she could taste blood as she struggled to not rip her hands from his and cover herself up.

"Now, I'm glad that I did," he grinned at her. "I cannot wait to know you better."

Something about the way he said it let her know that he did not mean to have conversations with her. She shivered in disgust and his grin widened, misunderstanding her reaction.

"I fear I am not much of an interesting person," she said, deliberately acting obtuse.

He looked her up and down again, his eyes lingering at the wideness of her hips.

"Forgive me, my lady, but I find that very difficult to believe," he said, emphasizing his words to an annoying degree.

She managed to flash him a faint grin, already tired of this conversation. Jane had not spoken much so she wouldn't say anything that would jeopardize her father's plan. She was, however, about to reply him when their attention was drawn to a man yelling at a woman who seemed to be his wife.

It was embarrassing, but Lord Lewis looked impressed by the man's dominance. Most of the men there did.

"A woman must know her place at all times," he said, turning to face her.

Her brows furrowed as a slight frown appeared on her face.

"But she did not do anything to warrant the embarrassment," Jane said to him, trying to control the annoyance swelling within her.

"Just because you did not see it, doesn't mean that she didn't do it." He clearly saw nothing wrong with the man's behavior.

She was tempted to say what she was thinking, exactly the way she was thinking it. However, doing that would only make things worse.

"A woman should never speak when the man is speaking unless she is told to do so, don't you agree?" he added with an annoying grin, making her wonder what it was that he found amusing.

"I'm a woman and I am speaking with you," she said to him, trying to make a point and also get an insight of the type of man he was even though she already had a clue.

"Indeed, you are. But I am indulging you, am I not?" His gaze pierced through her eyes and he added after her silence. "I'm hoping that you're nothing like that woman, because that would be a shame. I love my women submissive, pleasing only me."

The way he spoke was quite alarming, like he was sending a subtle message to her, a threat perhaps. His expression went blank after his speech and she could see that he was starting to get upset. Maybe the thought of her not being the woman he wanted was the reason for the change in his mood.

Jane pushed her head back, looking at the man that she was going to tie the knot with. Disbelief flickered in her eyes and all she wanted was to get as far away from him as possible. She obviously would not last long in his house with her attitude. Jane was not the type of woman to not talk back and since that was the type of woman he wanted, then there was a problem.

She refrained from shivering in disgust once again as she counted the seconds before the song came to an end.

She ripped her hands from his and curtseyed hurriedly, ignoring the surprise in his gaze as she shepherded him back to her family.

"Thank you for the dance, my lord," she said, standing with her sister.

"The pleasure was all mine," he responded.

I'm certain it was.

She smiled as she waited for him to leave and turned to her father and sister before they could ask her any questions.

"I am quite parched from the dance. I am going to get something to drink."

She slunk off before either of them could stop her, approaching the table set out for refreshment. However, the moment their eyes were off her, she turned away, walking quickly in the direction of the garden, although slow enough to not attract any attention.

Jane walked deeper into the garden, mapping the path she had come through before she got lost in the maze. That was the last thing she wanted to happen. She sat down on a stone-carved seat and pressed her back to the backrest.

Jane breathed in the smell of flowers, allowing herself to relax and her head to body to expel the memories of Lord Lewis. She sat up straight when her ears picked up the sound of someone coming towards her through the trees.

"Oh no… anyone else but him," she muttered under her breath. She had only begun to ease out the dreadful thoughts of him and was not ready for another encounter.

She gasped in horror. What if he had followed her here to compromise her? Had his words been some veiled threat she hadn't caught?

"I would love to hear your thoughts on what you think would be the best way to ensure your husband is well and truly happy, Lady Felicity."

The stunned woman stared at his grandmother as though asking for help, before staring back at him. She masked her nervousness behind a giggle although it did nothing to hide it.

"I suppose I would do whatever he wants me to," she said, unsure of how best to answer the question.

"So, you would lose yourself in order to ensure his happiness?" he asked.

"I- I -" she looked around desperately, relief flooding her as she turned back to him. "I believe my mama is in need of my assistance. It was lovely to meet you, Your Grace."

She hastily hurried off, her retreat almost comical.

"Lady Maisy," Colin turned to the last of the ladies that had surrounded him upon arrival.

"Y-Your Grace."

Her voice no longer held the confidence with which she had addressed him before now.

"How would you care for my children if I already had some?" he asked, his stare a bit intimidating even as he tried to be as free as he could.

"Ah, Your Grace, I suppose I could always get a governess to care for them and ensure that they are well-educated," she replied with a small shrug.

Colin raised a brow, he most certainly was not pleased by her response nor did he find the manner at which she replied without thinking twice wise.

"You would not be involved in their learning?" he asked, hoping she would think this time. His brows knitted and his expression was solemn.

Her eyes bulged as she looked between his grandmother and him. Colin could never understand why they constantly looked at her for help.

"I suppose I would if you wanted me to, however, they stand to learn more from a governess," she replied strongly.

"I see."

"Might I ask, Your Grace…" she requested his permission without a glint of fear in her eyes.

He couldn't rule out the fact that she was an impressive one, beautiful and bold. This was the longest conversation he'd had with women like her so far.

"Why these questions?" she asked.

Now, he was the one who looked at his grandmother before replying.

"Well, I'd like to know the type of relationship my future wife would have with my children if I had any," he replied.

"I'm sure your children would be lovely, Your Grace." She had a smile on her face that nearly prompted him to return the gesture but he didn't.

Colin's gaze was usually devoid of any emotions and most people found that very intimidating, so much so that it made them uncomfortable. Clearly, not this one.

"Indeed." He looked her in the eyes. "Perhaps you can tell me how you would handle the situation should they misbehave."

She laughed lightly.

"There are different ways to discipline children who misbehave, Your Grace."

"And what might those ways be?" he asked, curiosity coloring his eyes.

She walked over to him and leaned forward, not too close but enough to whisper in his ears.

"Marry me and you'll find out."

It came as a shock to him but as usual, he had no expression on his face. She had the boldness to propose that with much confidence and he wasn't sure whether to be impressed or concerned.

She had not been intimidated enough to respond with answers that she believed he wanted to hear which made her different from the other women. However, the woman he would marry needed to play an active role in his nieces' lives and she didn't seem to be interested in taking on such a role.

"Thank you, Lady Maisy."

She curtseyed and walked away, turning back to stare at him with an expression that showed how baffled she truly was by him.

Her face over her shoulder reminded him of a painting and yet, he knew he could not be swayed by any of that.

Colin turned when Prudence sighed.

"What complaints do you have this time, grandmother?"

"Ha! What complaints do I have?" she looked around as though everyone was meant to join in in her laughter.

"Yes, grandmother. I would love to hear it."

"You, my dear grandson, have managed to chase every woman within the vicinity with your weird and intimidating questions. I am beginning to wonder if you truly want a wife or you just say so."

Colin sighed. His grandmother was right.

"I do want a wife, grandmother. I suppose I have come with an expectation that no one can match, but I simply do not have the luxury to marry only for the size of her dowry or the fairness of her complexion."

"Then, what is it you wish for?" she asked him curiously.

"I am being cruel, not because it is in my nature to be, but because I have to be. I cannot marry someone who will not be able to handle my nieces. They need motherly care but they also need someone who is able to draw the line and not coddle them into uselessness."

Colin paused and shook his head.

"I will not do wrong by them by thinking only of my own needs when it comes to choosing a wife."

Prudence sighed once again, but this time, in understanding.

"Thank you for thinking of the girls, however, I certainly hope you will not neglect yourself completely."

Colin smiled but didn't say a word.

Things had not gone the way he expected. He was in dire need of a wife and had hoped to find one at the garden party but so far, none of them had managed to meet up with his expectations.

"If you will excuse me, grandmother," he said, leaving her standing and staring after him.

Although he tried not to think about it, he was extremely disappointed by how things had gone. If it continued like this, he would not be able to find the perfect woman for his nieces to call mother. He could not bear it if he married a woman who would not care for them or be able to take care of them without giving in too much to their demands. There needed to be a perfect balance of both.

Colin walked into the gardens, lost in thought and wanting to be alone. He'd spoken to more than enough women and did not want to speak to any more.

"Lord knows I cannot handle even more disappointment today," he sighed deeply.

His mood had soured and it was seeming like an impossible task to come out of it.

He turned a bend, going around the corner and jerked back in shock when a face appeared in front of him. His hand came up and he grabbed hers just as she raised them to hit him.

He stared at the very strange woman in complete shock, his hand still holding hers as she tried to pull away from him.

"What do you think you're doing?"