"I fought my way out of that crowd, only to see you surrounded by a bevy of rogues and roués."
Desmond chuckled. "I feel I am hearing the outline of a Drury Lane production."
His father gave him a mock glare. "I can only hope you never experience such agony, knowing the woman who has your heart thinks you are merely trifling with her. Though it seems now you have."
"It was only to be expected," his mother said. "With Desmond's reputation."
Desmond winced. He had spent several years being a bit of a scoundrel, a man who could be counted on for a short affair, filled with enjoyment, but nothing beyond a few weeks or months. Now he had met a woman who viewed love in the same fashion—the way he had until he had encountered her.
"I do not think it is my reputation that is the problem," he confessed. "The woman I—uh, Lorelei—she seems to believe love cannot endure for very long. I am unable to persuade her otherwise, though I have done my best to do so."
"Oh, that saddens me," his mother said. "Why does she feel that way?"
"Her own experience with love, as well as marriage. She is a widow, and determined to remain unattached."
"I cannot believe she is able to resist you," his mother said.
His father chuckled. "I doubt she does. Yet it seems she is able to sidestep what Desmond now wants—a long-lasting love."
"Any suggestions for me?" Desmond tried to keep the question light, even though he was eager to hear what they could offer, hoping it would help to change Lorelei's mind.
"I have one or two," his mother said. "But I believe your father has more that will prove beneficial, based on his experience." She stood and walked to where Desmond sat, kissing his forehead. "Do not despair just yet."
She left, and Desmond watched his father gazing at the love of his life as though he could not believe his good fortune. It had always bemused him, their unabashed love for each other, yet now he felt bereft. Would such a love be forever out of his reach?
"Your mother is correct," his father answered. "Do not despair just yet."
"I have a few stages to go before I completely descend into despair," Desmond laughed. "Though I would not mind avoiding it entirely. I much prefer the happier phases."
"Tell me how you came to meet this woman. It will perhaps give us a clue as to how to proceed."
"A chance meeting with Martin started it. I asked if he was still involved with matchmaking, and asked him to assist me."
"That sounds like a promising beginning."
"It was, and then it took a bit of a twist." He explained how Lorelei was not actually the woman he had meant to meet, yet he could not imagine anyone suiting him more perfectly. "I think I lost my heart that very evening."
"I can sympathize. Though it does not tell me what we should do next."
Desmond grinned at his co-conspirator. "Martin will be dismayed that I am relying on a different matchmaker."
"He will not need to know. Besides, I am merely his assistant, working behind the scenes to ensure his matchmaking reputation continues intact." He paused. "Perhaps it might help if we determine how you were able to change your mind."
"That is quite brilliant," Desmond said. "Yet I am not certain I can articulate it. I was slightly predisposed to the notion when I first spoke with Martin. Then I met Lorelei."
"Martin could try to speak with her, I suppose." His father grinned. "Though I wonder if we might have more success if she comes here for a visit."
Desmond pondered that as well. "I like that idea." Everyone was so inspired by his parents' enduring love affair. Surely it would inspire Lorelei, possibly even convincing her it was possible for her, with him.
It was worth a try. He had spent his entire life believing the same as Lorelei when it came to love, yet once she had caught his eye, he had quickly seen how wrong he had been. It gave him hope that she was amenable to change as well.
His mother came back into the room, followed by a servant carrying a tea tray. "I thought you might need some refreshment while plotting."
Desmond grinned. "I believe we have finished our plotting and have moved now into the execution phase."
"I am delighted to hear it! We shall meet this paragon soon then?"
"Yes, quite soon. I propose we invite her sister, as well as her niece and nephew."
"Oh, that would be wonderful," his mother said. "It has been too long since there have been young children here, especially at the holiday season."
"They are a delight," Desmond answered. "It has been a joy to spend time with them recently."
His mother raised her eyebrows, giving his father a knowing look. "Then yes, they must be included in the festivities."
His father grinned. "At least let us have the party before you send notices to the papers, my love."
She clucked her tongue. "Silly man. I plan to invite the vicar instead."
They all laughed, and discussed the plans for the upcoming party, everyone's heart lightened by the thought of ensuring Desmond's future happiness.
"I swear you are fidgeting more than the children," Beatrice said.
Lorelei clasped her hands piously in her lap. "I was merely adjusting my gloves—"
"And your bonnet, and the buttons of your pelisse, and a stray tendril of hair," her sister teased. "Why are you so nervous?"
She came close to confessing she was anxious about seeing Desmond's family. She would have declined the invitation, had he not insisted his mother was eager to have young children in the house again. It would have been churlish to refuse her, and Caroline and Henry would have been so disappointed.
Yet it all seemed too momentous. How could she continue to believe her brief affair with Desmond was simply that, when he was including their families, expanding the number of people she would likely disappoint when she called an end to their holiday amour?
"I am not nervous," she fibbed, pasting a big smile on her face.
Her sister gave her a mock glare.
"Fine, I am nervous at the thought of meeting his family. It has been a long while since I have done something similar, and I am a bit out of practice."
"It is a simple holiday gathering, not a prelude to a marriage settlement. Though if that is required," Beatrice added with a grin, "I will be happy to assist with the negotiations."
Lorelei did not have a chance to reply, for they were turning onto a long gravel driveway, heading towards Mayfield Manor.
"Mama, is that where we are going?" Caroline's eyes were wide with amazement.
"Yes, it is."
"I want to live there!" Henry exclaimed.
"I do, too!" Caroline added.
"Let's not pack our valises just yet," Lorelei said with a laugh. "Or at least wait until you have been introduced to the Mayfield family."
Her words fell on deaf ears, for the children were making all sorts of fantastical plans, merely from seeing the outside of the building. She had to admit it was impressive. It was likely hundreds of years old, the stone face a lovely golden color, the entire thing sitting in the midst of rolling hills. It was meant to display wealth, yet it also exuded stability, and longevity, and family.