Romancing the Heiress(19)
Author: Darcy Burke

 

Mrs. Selkirk and Mrs. Dunhill made faces. “Reuben Medford is an heir presumptive. But neither that position nor his wealth makes him suitable for Genevieve.”

 

“He’s suitable for other things, however,” Mrs. Dunhill murmured with a devilish smile.

 

Mrs. Selkirk threw her a quelling glance.

 

Leah wondered what was most important to Mrs. Selkirk when it came to Genevieve’s suitors. Was it position or rank? Wealth? Genevieve’s happiness?

 

“I like Mr. Radford,” Genevieve said.

 

“I like him too, dear, but it’s far too soon to narrow our choices.” Mrs. Selkirk said “our” as if she were somehow going to be involved in her daughter’s union. Drawing on her gloves, she asked, “Are we ready for our promenade?”

 

Mrs. Dunhill stood from the settee. “Quite. Though he may not be a peer, I had a lovely conversation with Mr. Bilson last night, and I said I would look for him today.”

 

Mrs. Selkirk’s brows rose high on her forehead. “You didn’t tell me that.”

 

“You’ve been busy with Genevieve,” Mrs. Dunhill said with a shrug.

 

They left the suite and went downstairs, where the common room was busier than usual. It appeared everyone was on their way out, but then there were a variety of activities going on for the festival. Leah wished she could steal into the brewer’s field. The ale flowed freely and copiously. She and Phin had sneaked into the enclosed area once when she was thirteen. They’d drunk more ale than was wise and had suffered for it later.

 

It seemed everything in Marrywell was tied to memories she’d shared with Phin. And she was making more of those this week.

 

As awful as nearly running into her father had been, Leah had treasured every moment of her walk with Phin. Right up until he’d asked her to tell Genevieve to save him a dance. Not just any dance—the first dance, which was reserved for the May King and Queen and the maidens fair.

 

Since Genevieve had been selected as a maiden fair, everyone had watched last night as she and Phin had waltzed together. Leah still couldn’t believe the first dance had been a waltz. Sadie had said that was the first time ever.

 

Leah had worked to keep her jealousy at bay. The absolute best part of the evening, of course, had been when Phin had asked her to dance. They’d shared a lovely, laughter-filled set with a couple they knew from town.

 

They left the inn and walked along the High Street toward the botanical gardens amidst a crowd of people. Mrs. Selkirk and Mrs. Dunhill walked a few paces ahead of Leah and Genevieve. Leah purposely walked slower so she and Genevieve could speak privately.

 

Satisfied that the distance between them and Genevieve’s mother was great enough for their conversation not to be overheard, she asked, “What is it you’re looking for in a husband?”

 

In all the months Leah had worked for the Selkirks, she’d never asked that question, nor had the answer been apparent from anything Genevieve had said. Leah watched Genevieve’s reaction with curiosity. She was a master at maintaining a placid expression.

 

The only change to Genevieve’s demeanor was a slight shrug. “I haven’t considered specific things. What my mother wants, I suppose.”

 

Leah suppressed a shudder at the answer. She was so grateful not to be beholden to the whims of her mother. “What does your mother want?”

 

Now, Genevieve’s delicate brow furrowed, and she took a moment to respond. “Security, I think. Someone who can guarantee a nice, comfortable life.” She smiled serenely at Leah as if that was the perfect and only answer.

 

Though Leah wanted to point out that nothing in life was guaranteed, she decided not to dampen Genevieve’s foolish perspective. But…wasn’t that Leah’s job as her companion? Shouldn’t she open her charge’s eyes to life’s challenges and disappointments?

 

Probably, but Mrs. Selkirk wouldn’t like that, and at the end of the day, Leah answered to her, not Genevieve.

 

Instead, Leah asked, “What is your idea of a nice, comfortable life?”

 

Genevieve smiled. “A home, children, a pianoforte. I don’t require much. Oh, and newspapers so I can read the latest on-dits.”

 

Leah noticed she didn’t mention the husband she would require and quashed a smile.

 

They’d reached the main gate to the botanical gardens and made their way onto the wide path. It was somewhat like Hyde Park with myriad walking paths, large lawn spaces, a wealth of trees, and, of course, bright profusions of flowers, especially at this time of year. And, as at Hyde Park, people congregated here and there to talk or flirt or gossip. Or all three.

 

A pair of gentlemen who were familiar to Leah from last night—one had danced with Genevieve—greeted them on the path, pausing for a moment. Both bowed and the one who’d partnered Genevieve spoke. “I’m pleased to find you here in the gardens on this fine afternoon, but I’m afraid we’re just on our way out.”

 

Leah noted the other gentleman’s gaze appeared a little bleary. She inhaled deeply and caught the faintest whiff of ale. They must have come from the brewer’s field. Lucky bucks.

 

Mrs. Selkirk put her hand on Genevieve’s arm. “You must look for my daughter this evening, then. She’s already received so many kind invitations to promenade and dance. But then that’s to be expected given her beauty and comportment, not to mention her dowry,” she added in a low tone with the barest flash of a smile.

 

For someone who seemed concerned about the prospect of fortune hunters, Mrs. Selkirk certainly shared her daughter’s financial benefits freely. Did she think Genevieve needed the help? She could be reserved, but she was pretty enough to overcome that—not that Leah found that to be a deficit, but many did. Lady Norcott had even said that her great-niece’s beauty and comportment would see her well wed. Leah realized that Mrs. Selkirk had just used those very words to describe her daughter.

 

Leah wondered at the value of Genevieve’s dowry, not that she had much knowledge as to what would make a good one. Any dowry at all would have been a boon for Leah, but as the third daughter—and one with so little beauty and comportment—she’d been repeatedly told that there would be no dowry for her. So, Leah had taken the first opportunity that had come her way. Thankfully, it had been a beneficial and immensely fulfilling one.

 

The gentleman looked to Genevieve. “Then I shall hope you’ll reserve a dance for me this evening. I do wish we could promenade now, but, er, we’re due back at our lodgings. I look forward to seeing you this evening!”

 

As they took their leave, Leah looked over her shoulder. The other man listed as the first gentleman grabbed his coat and sought to keep him on his feet. Then that man tripped, and they both nearly went down. Leah pressed her hand to her mouth to prevent herself laughing out loud.