Page 16 of His Bluestocking Bride

Marianne stood near her and leaned close to whisper near Ellen’s ear. “The gentlemen will arrive shortly. Poor Marcus.”

Ellen bit her lip to keep from laughing and took her usual chair. No sooner did she seat herself than another door opened from the main hall, and gentlemen’s voices drifted in ahead of their owners. Both men sounded to be in good spirits.

Collin entered first, a wide grin on his face, until he saw the company gathered. He sobered immediately, cleared his throat, and bowed. “Ladies. My apologies for our late arrival. I did not know we had guests.” He moved to his wife’s side and bent to kiss her cheek, which was apparently too demonstrative for the sisters as they both blushed and looked away.

Ellen didn’t understand the strictures society placed on married people. A husband could not dance with his wife at a ball, they could not be seen to be affectionate in public, and did not even use each other’s Christian names before people outside of the family.

It struck her as sad, especially in instances like Collin and Marianne’s where the couple truly cared for one another. The whole idea of living one’s life to please other people was most unjust.

Marcus did not appear ruffled by the presence of guests and made his bows with a welcoming smile. “A pleasant surprise to see you both again, Miss Wright and Miss Verity.” He took his seat amid their polite greetings and delicate waves.

He appeared as handsome as ever and when he glanced in her direction, Ellen struggled to stay calm. It would not do to blush from no more significant a thing than eye contact. She maintained her pleasant expression and turned her attention back to her plate as swiftly as was polite.

“Mr. Calvert, it is simply divine to see you again,” Miss Wright said hastily. “It has been an age since the last time, at the Havershams’ ball in London.”

“Has it been so long?” he asked with feigned surprise. “Indeed, but you ladies look as fresh and lovely as you did on that evening.”

Ellen raised her eyes and did her best not to react to his obvious flattery. Did every young woman succumb to his words?

Miss Verity giggled prettily behind her slice of cold ham. “When we learned you were in the neighborhood, Mr. Calvert, we knew we simply had to renew the acquaintance.”

Miss Wright blushed but before she could say a word Marcus turned his warm smile to her. “I must admit, I thought of you both when I accepted Falkham’s invitation. This near the season, one is never sure who is in town and who lingers in the country.”

Ellen caught the slight twinkle in his eye and had to cover her mouth with a napkin to avoid letting out a chuckle. Though the younger women were pleased by his words, Ellen did not think Marcus meant them in a complimentary way.

“Oh, we’re always here until Christmas,” Miss Verity said, tossing her curls. “We leave after Boxing Day, no matter when Parliament opens.”

Talk of London continued between the Miss Wrights and Marcus with Marianne occasionally chiming in. Ellen remained quiet, watching the interaction with interest. Marcus complimented the young ladies in nearly every word he said to them and offered them each his most charming smile when they spoke. The unmarried ladies, for their part, blushed prettily and fluttered their eyelashes at him.

Ellen believed what people said of his ability to flirt. An odd sensation in her stomach discomforted her, and she found herself holding her utensils too tightly. Although she discouraged Marcus’s flirting with her, it occurred to Ellen that he could well continue the practice where other ladies were concerned.

Perhaps Marianne realized the same thing, as she looked from Ellen to Marcus with greater frequency before trying to draw Ellen into the conversation. “Miss Bringhurst, I believe you have a sister residing near London.”

Miss Wright took the bait before Ellen could say a word. “Oh, yes! Dear Miss Dorothea—whom we must now speak of as Mrs. Dalton. What a lovely name. Dorothea Dalton. We came out around the same time, of course, but I believe all the Bringhurst sisters have had their seasons in Bath?” Her single arched eyebrow communicated a vast deal of meaning in that question.

“Indeed, we have,” Ellen agreed with a pleasant smile. “Though it may not be as fashionable as London, nor as large, we have always enjoyed our time there. All three of my sisters married relatively quickly, two settling near my family’s home, so my mother has always been pleased with the town.” To allude strongly to the marriage market in mixed company might be generally frowned upon, but Ellen did not enjoy being slighted for her family’s lack of clout.

Marcus spoke next, his expression as polite and charming as it had been throughout the discussion. “The Bringhursts ought to be pleased. Their daughters are accomplished and lovely. It is no great surprise to me that they did as well in Bath as anywhere. It is likely they could have stolen the hearts of many a London gentleman had they gone there.”

Meeting his gaze, Ellen wondered if his compliment extended towards her and could not decide one way or the other. “That is very kind of you to say, Mr. Calvert.”

He appeared amused with her unaffected response. “It is the truth, Miss Bringhurst.”

Marcus held her with his eyes longer than necessary, causing her heart to flutter. He spoke with more sincerity than she’d heard from him since the Wrights’ arrival. But she tucked that thought away swiftly.

“All this talk of London,” Collin interjected suddenly, “does not sit well with me. We are to travel there soon enough, and then it will be all business and too many social engagements.” He shuddered. “If I could remain here in the country forever, I would. I find it much more pleasant.”

Miss Wright hid a giggle behind her hand. “That is because you are married, dear Lord Falkham. We young, unmarried people must look forward to the spectacle and enjoyment. London is exciting and presents many opportunities to renew acquaintances, attend glorious balls, and possibly—” she glanced towards Marcus, “—partake in romance.”

“I completely agree with you, sister.” Miss Verity turned her attention to Marcus as well. “Do you look forward to your time in London, Mr. Calvert? Your family hosts the most wonderful balls and concerts.”

Marcus’s smile remained, but the light in his eyes dimmed. Ellen saw the change immediately. Could the mention of his family be an irritant because of his mother’s stipulations? Or was something else causing him to lose his cheer?

“My mother enjoys entertaining a great deal, though possibly she does too much on occasion.” They were the first words he uttered without adding a compliment on the end of them. Ellen glanced about but saw that no one else noticed the change in his demeanor.

Miss Verity sighed and fluttered her long, dark eyelashes in Marcus’s direction. “I am certain she longs for the day when a daughter-in-law might take over the role of hostess.”

Ellen saw the knuckles of his right hand go white as Marcus’s hold on his fork tightened, though that perfectly amicable smile remained. “You are likely right. Of course, we all hope my brother finds it in his heart to take another bride, though we yet mourn Lady Abigail in our hearts.” His tone had dropped several degrees in warmth.