A Most Suitable Bride - Rose Pearson Page 0,1

eager for Lady Maria to be courted and, indeed, to wed a gentleman who values her highly. That gentleman will, of course, be aware of her bluestocking tendencies and will either accept them or be glad of them. I should not like Lady Maria to be wed to a gentleman who would discourage her in such things!”

The Duke nodded thoughtfully, although his gaze remained fixed upon her. Lady Hayward resisted the urge to shift in her chair, knowing that the Duke was only considering what was best for his daughter. Despite the fact that he had been less than involved in his daughters’ lives, Lady Hayward knew that he cared deeply for each of them, but expressed it in his own way.

“Might I ask, Lady Hayward, whether or not you believe such a gentleman might be found for Maria?”

Her answer was immediate and she spoke without hesitation or delay.

“I am absolutely certain that Lady Maria will secure a suitable gentleman, Your Grace,” she stated, firmly. “It may take a little longer, but it is, as far as I am concerned, utterly without question.”

This, it seemed, was what the Duke had been waiting to hear. His features began to relax, his brow was no longer furrowed and the questioning look faded from his eyes.

“Then I shall pray that this Season will be Lady Maria’s success,” he replied, rising from his chair and indicating, by doing so, that their conversation was now quite at an end. “Thank you, Lady Hayward. You have calmed my worries a great deal.”

“I am glad to have been able to do so,” she answered, honestly. “If there is anything else, Your Grace?”

He gave her a wave of his hand, only to press his hand to his heart and incline his head. When he lifted it and looked back at her, she was surprised to note a look of embarrassment flitting across his features. Perhaps he had realized just how dismissive the gesture had been, and Lady Hayward found herself rather touched that he would, thereafter, think to silently apologize.

“No, Lady Hayward, that is all,” he said, as she dropped into a quick curtsey. “Good evening.”

“Good evening,” she replied, before making her way to the door and leaving the room.

Chapter One

“There is less excitement this year, I think.”

Lady Hayward nodded in understanding as Lady Maria Forrest looked out of the window once more, her heart no longer as eager nor as delighted as it had been last Season. London was, of course, very exciting indeed, and she was certainly looking forward to all that the Season would hold. However, were she to admit it aloud, Maria would state that she was a little afraid that this Season would prove to be as disappointing for her as the last. She had not made a particular impression upon the beau monde and when she had been in conversation, she had found the ladies less than eager to continue speaking with her and some of the gentleman rather bemused. Yes, there had been dancing and the like, and she had made a good many acquaintances but there had not been any overt interest from any of the gentlemen of London. It had been the very same during the autumn and winter months when she had been in London with Lady Hayward, and Maria was beginning to worry that she would not make a match. Would she become the spinster of the family? The maiden aunt who had to rely on her sisters for grace and kindness towards her?

“You need not worry, Lady Maria.” Maria started violently, looking to see Lady Hayward smiling at her gently, evidently aware of all that Maria had thought, without her having to say a word. “I can tell by your expression that you are concerned over what might occur this Season, but I am quite certain that all will go well.”

Maria’s smile was a little tight.

“It seems I have not done as well as my sisters.”

She did not want to tell Lady Hayward that she had overheard a little of the conversation between her and the Duke, and that now she was fully aware of her father’s concern that she would not find a suitable match – although at least, it seemed that Lady Hayward did not share such a concern - which was something of a relief.

Lady Hayward let out an exclamation and sliced the air with her hand.

“My dear Lady Maria, think not of your sisters and their matches! They have been fortunate indeed