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They’d all become accustomed to his sharing historical studies, and for once his excitement about his latest topic of great interest to all three of the women, though, Siobhan mused, for different reasons.
As she lay in bed later that night, Siobhan’s mind was awhirl as she pondered how to get a private moment with Miles. Wavering between asking to speak to him and waiting to see if his family had a prepared excuse, she remained awake until late into the night.
*
The next afternoon, Siobhan watched through the carriage window to see large trees passing by as they made their way down the winding road onto the Johnstone estate. They went by thick, neatly trimmed hedges and onto a widened area that allowed for several carriages to pass at once.
She’d only been to the estate once before, when the duke and duchess had held a huge spring ball. Siobhan had been awed by the wonder of the majestic home with its enormous columned entrance and extravagant marbled floors. It had been the event of the season that year and she’d never forgotten the splendor of it all. Every elite family in society had attended yet in spite of all the people, the massive ballroom had never felt crowded. This time, however, her nerves barely let her appreciate the views of the front lawn with its pond in which swans circled gracefully.
They were assisted from the carriage by uniformed footmen and greeted at the door by an austere butler who spoke in an even tone. “His Grace and Her Grace are expecting you in the parlor. Come with me.” He motioned with his right hand before turning and walking away; they followed.
Interesting that the man had not mentioned Miles being present, but Siobhan figured there was no need to mention it, as obviously, he would be in attendance.
She’d never been in a private, family room at the Johnstone estate. In spite of the fact, it wasn’t a public room, it was still extravagant in its décor. The room was circular with windows making up an entire wall. Thick, rich plum-colored draperies with golden embroidered edges hung from each window’s dizzying height to puddle onto the marble floor. Through the windows, a lush flower garden was visible, and Siobhan stared at it a moment, wishing she were out there instead of in here. Her throat dry, she finally looked at the Duke and Duchess of Spencer.
The duke, Leon Archibald Miles, was a tall, handsome man. His dark skin was smooth and unwrinkled, making him seem as young as Miles. He had dark brown eyes and full lips. His gaze, however, was flat, making it hard to know what he thought.
By contrast, the Duchess Arabella Johnstone smiled warmly, her bright hazel eyes meeting hers. Breathtakingly beautiful, tall, and slender, she had blond hair that was pulled up into an intricate and flattering style.
Seen together, Miles’ parents made a stunning couple; it was no wonder both Miles and his sister Penelope were good-looking as well. Unfortunately, neither of them were present, which bothered Siobhan. Why wasn’t Miles here, as their parents discussed their future?
Not only that, but the fact that he was not there would make it impossible to find a way to speak to him privately. She hoped he was only delayed, and that he would be attending their visit shortly.
Once the greetings were complete, everyone sat. Tea and cakes were brought and although Siobhan could not bear the thought of eating, she sipped the tea to calm her nerves. They exchanged pleasantries, her mother extolling the beauty of their home, while her father interjected historical facts about the estate and the architecture of their house.
Finally, the duchess looked at Siobhan. “I am happy to see you up and about. How do you feel?”
“I am much better, thank you for asking, Your Grace.” Siobhan’s voice sounded hoarse to her own ears, and she took another sip of tea to moisten her dry throat.
“That is wonderful,” the duchess replied, and turned to her parents. “And so…we must discuss the results of my son’s decision to take this lovely girl to his townhouse to recuperate.”
That the duke allowed his wife to begin the discussion about the matter at hand made it obvious that he was going to defer decisions about the current situation to his wife. Siobhan’s stomach fell and her heart began thundering as she searched the room and the doorways in hopes that Miles would appear. There had to be a way to save him from being forced to marry her.
“I apologize for my son’s absence,” the duke stated, as if realizing she sought Miles’ presence. “He is away for a couple of days.”
Where could Miles possibly go during such a time? Siobhan frowned. Unless, of course, he’d gone somewhere as a way for him to get out of marrying her.
“Where did he go?” Siobhan asked.
“England,” the duchess replied quickly. “Only for a few days.”
Her mother gave her a pointed look, silently telling her to be quiet. “As I have stated, because society is aware of what occurred, I must insist they become engaged immediately.”
Siobhan held her breath, waiting for one of Miles’ parents to respond.
“We strongly agree,” the duchess replied. “Once Miles returns, we shall host a gala to announce the engagement.”
“What?” Siobhan blurted, a bit too loudly. Before her mother could stop her, she continued, “You cannot force him into marriage. He will hate me.”
The duchess gave her a knowing look. “Miles will not hate you, dear. In fact, I believe him to be quite fond of you.” Siobhan sat back, her mind awhirl.
“Siobhan, remain quiet, and allow us to discuss the particulars.” Her mother’s eyes danced with excitement, probably at knowing they’d be connected to such a family through the marriage.
“May I ask,” her father interjected, speaking to the duke. “I hear you have a vast collection of ancient artifacts. Is it true?”
Her mother gave her husband a disbelieving look. “Owen, this is not the time for such things.”
“I believe it is best to leave all the particulars of how to get our son and your daughter married up to you and my wife.” The duke seemed relieved to be able to get away and stood, motioning to the door. “I do indeed have a collection, although I would not call it vast.”
