And that is enough for me. I have no intention of this being any more than a flirtation. There will be lots of fun to be had, I'm sure, but it will never go further than that.
While an enjoyable companion with whom to pass a dance set, I do not imagine Lord Cygnus would make a particularly good husband, and that is certainly the minimum I require from the gentleman who will eventually fulfil that role.
Two
Philip
I lean backin my chair, swirling the brandy around my glass and letting the noise of the club wash over me. The only reason I have chosen to come here this evening is to avoid Mother trying to talk to me about which of the newly presented young ladies would be a suitable wife. I'm aware that she means well, and that her main concern is the grandchildren she believes she should have by this point in her life, but that is not reason enough for me to marry.
Someone clears their throat, and I look up, half expecting one of my usual drinking companions tobe waiting in front of me. Instead, Father looks down at me with a combination of annoyance and relief.
"Father, I wasn't expecting you at the club," I say.
"Neither was I, but when you weren't at home, I saw no other option." He gestures for a drink and sits opposite me, leaving no doubt in my mind that he's here to speak with me and not because he wishes to spend time here.
"Is it not something that can wait?" As far as I'm aware, everything is up to date with regard to our properties and assets, and there is nothing more that needs to be done. But perhaps something unexpected has come up and required our attention.
"Your mother is concerned." His drink appears, but he ignores it.
"I don't know what about. I paid her account at the modiste last week, and settled her latest gambling debt with Lady Felsby."
"You are doing well in that regard," Father agrees. "However, she has informed me that you are not giving the proper attention to your search for a wife."
There is a foolish part of me that wants to inform him that is because I do not wish to have one. Atleast, not yet. "I do not wish to rush anything," I say instead.
"Hmm." His expression leaves no doubt that he doesn't believe me. Which would be fair, given the status of my thoughts. "Even so, she would like you to consider several of her suggestions, all of which she believes would make excellent future Countesses."
"Is she so eager to rid herself of that title?" Or perhaps it is him she is eager to be rid of. While there never appears to be any animosity between them, it is clear to everyone that they were not a love match.
Perhaps I should listen to Mother's suggestions after all. If she is choosing based on the criteria she judges herself on, then there is a chance that the ladies she thinks of as future countesses will mostly leave me to my own devices.
"I understand that finding the right wife is an important duty..."
"I am not sure how true that is," Father says sternly. "I have heard rather alarming reports of your reputation from members of the ton. If you are not more careful, it may become difficult for us to procure you a wife of proper standing."
"You're an earl," I point out. "I doubt many ofthose partaking in the Season will be in the slightest bit concerned by my reputation."
A brief hint of anger crosses his face, revealing some of his true feelings about the matter. "Whether you accept it or not, your reputation is important, both to the Earldom, and to your future marriage. You need to take both of those commitments a lot more seriously than you do now." He rises to his feet, not even taking a sip of his drink. "There will be consequences if you do not make reasonable changes to your behaviour and start taking the search for a wife more seriously."
"Yes, Father." The agreement stings, but I'm not foolish enough to think that any other response will be accepted.
"Good. Lady Ferrington is holding a ball on Thursday. You should start there."
"Are there any criteria you have for my future wife?" There's a hint of bitterness in my voice, but there is nothing I can do to avoid it.
"She should be from a good family with an impeachable reputation. Yours is bad enough for the both of you. Other than that, I have no criteria beyond that she exists," he responds, choosing not to engage with my annoyance.
"And her shifter type?"
"I have no stipulations," he says. "Though I dobelieve there are several eligible swan maidens this Season. There is something to be said for keeping to the same shifter type. But in truth, it is of no matter."
"Right." At least that's something. I do not particularly wish to find myself a wife, but being able to choose from a wider range of ladies is something.
"I will see you on the morrow, we need to discuss a business matter," Father says.
Shock rushes through me. "Should we not discuss the matters now? You are here already."
"No."