“But that might change if he meets a lady he begins to hold in great affection,” Gwendolyn countered.
Ethel released a sigh. “I’m not convinced he’s capable of that, dear. Walter, again, is exactly like his father. He’s quiet, introspective, and doesn’t enjoy frivolities much. He’s been that way forever. After he became betrothed to Vivian, when I asked him if he was in love with her, he insisted he didn’t believe in that type of nonsense. He then went on to tell me he and Vivian had an understanding. She would become one of the most sought-after society matrons because of her marriage to him, and he would get a beautiful wife who wouldn’t demand much of his time, and who would be content building up their social status, providing him with an heir, and making use of his fortune however she saw fit.”
“That seems like a rather macabre approach to marriage,” Gwendolyn said.
“It’s how we do things in society. Great affection is rarely seen. Although I have been surprised by the two love matches that have already occurred this season—that between Mr. Higgenson and Mrs. Lanier, and then again with Mr. E. J. Boettcher and Miss Frances Bottleworth.” She caught Gwendolyn’s eye. “But don’t get your hopes up you’ll achieve that type of success with Walter. As I said, he’s an exact replica of Thomas, and while Thomas and I have been married thirty-four years, we’re one of those numerous couples who merely rub along nicely together.”
“And you’re comfortable with that?”
Ethel shrugged. “I had no romantic expectations when I married him. Thomas was considered quite the catch, and he and I rarely share a cross word between us, although that’s probably due to the fact we’re rarely in the same city at the same time. He, before you ask, is spending the summer in Scotland, finalizing some sort of wool or sheep deal Walter arranged.”
“Your family is investing in sheep?”
“I’m not certain. I don’t concern myself with the business aspect of the Townsend family. I do recall Walter mentioning something about high-grade wool he thought would be a sound investment.”
“I’ll have to introduce him to my mother, because she raises sheep and produces a grade of wool that’s becoming much sought after.”
Ethel blinked. “Your mother raises sheep?”
“Indeed,” Gwendolyn said. “It’s been her interest of choice for the past several years. She and my father now have over eight hundred sheep on their farm. Truth be told, Mother was rather put out to learn I was coming to Newport for the summer because she wanted me to help with the last of the shearing for the season.”
“You know how to shear sheep?”
Gwendolyn grinned. “When your mother raises sheep for her pet project, yes, you learn how to shear.”
Ethel returned the grin. “You’re an unconventional woman, Miss Brinley, and perhaps ahead of your time. I don’t know many women who would admit to knowing they can shear sheep, or women who don’t hesitate to take charge of situations, as can be seen by how you’re managing Walter’s quest to find a suitable wife.” Her grin faded. “But forgive me. I hope I didn’t offend you by calling you unconventional. That’s not a term most ladies enjoy being labeled.”
“No offense taken,” Gwendolyn assured her. “I decided when I reached my majority that I wasn’t going to embrace the traditional roles expected of women, much to my parents’ concern. They thought, given how I’ve always adored spending time with my younger siblings, I would set my sights on a gentleman and get down to the business of raising a family of my own.”
She brushed aside a strand of hair tickling her cheek. “I, however, wanted to explore more of what the world had to offer. An opportunity to do that presented itself when my cousin needed a change of scenery. Becoming her paid companion allowed me to travel extensively while not having the restrictions placed on most young ladies, since I was, in essence, considered the help.”
“And your parents didn’t object to that?”
“I’m sure they had misgivings, but they also realized my cousin needed me, as well as realized I was being given a chance to chase my dreams. To their credit, they sent me off with their blessings.”
Ethel tilted her head. “Have you ever regretted your decision, especially when you must know that women who reach a certain age are usually considered firmly on the shelf with few prospects of ever forming a match?”
“An interesting question and one I’m not certain how to answer, because there were times over the past year when I felt slivers of discontent with my chosen lot in life. That was another reason I accepted Mrs. Parker’s offer, believing I’d have time this summer to make a few decisions regarding where I should take my life next.”
“You don’t appear to have much leisure time at your disposal.”
“Too right I don’t, especially with Mrs. Parker continuously taking up new gentlemen to sponsor. But speaking of that, allow me to return to the subject of your son. I appreciate your cautioning me against trying to secure him a match steeped in affection, but I’m still going to attempt to accomplish that feat. I was raised in a home with parents who adore each other. Our home was always filled with laughter, and that’s something that would benefit Walter’s children. I’m hoping my time with them today will help me understand what they’d like in a mother.”
“You want to discern their requirements for a new mother?”
Gwendolyn nodded. “Indeed. I’ve realized their opinions matter the most in this situation. I thought I’d take them on an outing to get to know them better.”
“Shall I arrange for the governesses to go with you?”
“That won’t be necessary.” Gwendolyn smiled. “I’ll have no trouble handling your grandchildren. I’m quite proficient with children, and I have no doubt that after spending today with them, we’ll be well on our way to becoming fast friends.”
Ethel’s nose wrinkled. “That’s some optimistic thinking, Miss Brinley. And while I hope you’re right, don’t let your guard down for a second. The twins have outwitted more adults than I care to admit. I’d hate to return home after seeking out Mr. McAllister and discover they’ve done something dastardly to you, such as lock you in a closet and lose the key.”
“I’ll consider myself forewarned.”
Nineteen
“Can you fix her, Oscar?” Gwendolyn heard Priscilla ask as she reached the nursery doorway, the pathetic note in the little girl’s voice prompting Gwendolyn to linger in the hallway instead of walking into the room.
“I can try, Priss, but I’ve never sewn an arm on before. It might not look pretty when I’m done, but at least Susie will have two arms,” Oscar said. “Maybe you should have asked Grandmother Ethel to have one of the maids sew your doll up.”
“I did. She just said she’d buy me a new doll. I don’t want a new doll. I want my Susie,” Priscilla said, her voice quavering ever so slightly.
“That’s because Grandmother doesn’t know you sleep with Susie every night. You could have told her that.”