“I see no reason to,” Athena’s mother said.
“How about the fact that Sarah was allowed to wait until she was two-and-twenty before she married?” Athena asked. In truth, she wouldn’t mind finding a man with whom she could fall in love sooner rather than later, she simply didn’t believe it was likely to happen and had no desire to suffer the torture of being paraded about. “I should be permitted to do the same.”
“All things considered, I think it would be best if we began showing you off to your best advantage as soon as possible,” her mother argued. “You’ve many excellent qualities, Athena. I’d like to remind people of that so they can start viewing you in a different light.”
In other words, her mother expected her road to the altar to be a lengthy one involving a shift in public opinion. No time to waste then. She allowed herself an inward groan and took another sip of her tea.
“Mama has the right of it,” William said. “And a ball would be a great deal of fun.”
“There’s just one catch,” Lord Foxborough said, cutting a stern look at his wife. “Protocol would require us to invite the Marquess of Darlington, and I’m not sure how any of you would feel about that.”
Athena’s hand shook in response to the name. Hot tea fell against her thigh. Robert Carlisle had been the Earl of Langdon when she’d last seen him. Although things had ended badly between them, she’d been sorry to hear of his father’s passing. Athena darted a look in Charles’s direction. He and Bethany had both gone utterly still.
“I forgot he had property in this area,” Athena’s father finally said.
“I’ve not spoken to him in six years. Not since I left him at that inn where I found him after...” Charles cleared his throat and clasped his wife’s hand.
Athena returned her teacup to its saucer with a clatter. “I should like a chance to apologize to him.”
“No.” The word was unanimously spoken by her parents and siblings alike.
“But—”
“Darlington was furious after what happened.” Charles’s voice was strained with regret. “He made it very clear to me there was nothing more to be said between us.”
“Nevertheless, I would like a chance to explain myself to him directly.” What she was truly after was his forgiveness. Darlington had been Charles’s friend. She’d known him most of her life and while he’d been wrong for Bethany, she could not deny the guilt she still felt over how she’d upended his life. “It would mean a great deal.”
“I’m sorry,” Charles said. A brief silence followed before he confessed. “I made repeated attempts to apologize to him on all our behalves. I wrote him letters, Athena, and he responded once, in a manner I cannot repeat with ladies present. His words were extremely harsh, especially those directed at you. And while I’ve no doubt he was foxed beyond reason when he penned the missive, I cannot excuse such behavior.”
“Not even when we are the ones who drove him to it?” Athena asked. She held Charles’s gaze. “Out of everyone who has criticized me over the years for the part I played in your marriage to Bethany, he is the one with the most right.”
“You’re not wrong,” Athena’s father said, “but there are instances when it is wisest to leave the past alone and move on. It is my opinion that this is such an instance. Our goal right now is to see you settled, not to ruin your chances further by reminding everyone of what happened, and yes, they will be reminded the moment they see you and Darlington in the same room.”
“So then I gather we ought to avoid a ball?” Lady Foxborough asked.
“What about the dance at the assembly hall?” Bethany asked. “Is there any chance Darlington might show up there?”
“No,” Lady Foxborough said. “The marquess, as I understand it, does not go out at all.”
“So then?” Athena prompted. “Why not invite him if you know he’ll stay away.”
“I fear he would not.” Lady Foxborough reached for her teacup while Athena tried to make sense of what she was being told. “The assembly hall functions are free from obligation, but if we, the Marquess and Marchioness of Foxborough, were to ask another peer to join us for a formal event, I believe he would feel duty-bound to attend, so as not to cause offense.”
Athena sank back against the sofa with a sigh. What foolish nonsense. The Foxboroughs could not host a ball because to do so they would have to invite a man who did not wish to attend but would have to do so simply for the sake of appeasing a group of people who did not want him there. Once again, she was reminded of how ridiculous Society was.
She glanced at the beveled glass windows, wet with rain. For six years she’d dreamed of running into Darlington, of voicing her regrets and wishing him well. In all her imaginings, he’d refuse to listen at first, but would relent when she persisted. Eventually, he’d tell her he understood, that it was all right, and that what had happened was for the best.
The only problem was, the marquess had cut all ties with her family and remained absent from Town. She’d had no chance to approach him – no opportunity to make amends. Until now.
Her pulse quickened. She wondered how far away his estate might be. If the Foxboroughs felt they had to invite him to an evening affair in the winter, he must be quite close – at least within an hour’s drive by carriage. Pressing her lips together, she considered those around her. None would provide her with the directions she required.
Perhaps it was just as well. Athena picked up a biscuit and bit into it with a sigh. She knew herself well enough to realize it was probably a foolish idea – the sort of idea best scrapped before it fully formed and began to grow roots in her brain.
But when she got up the following morning after a restless night of contemplation, she accepted what had to be done. If she was to find true happiness, she would have to make peace with the man she’d hurt. It was the only way forward.
Resolved, she called for her maid to help her dress. “I need to know how to get to the Marquess of Darlington’s estate. Can you please find out for me, Mary?”
The maid was silent a moment before she said, “Of course, miss, but if you’re thinking of going there, I ought to caution you against it.”
“Duly noted,” Athena said.
“It really wouldn’t be wise.”
“You’re probably right, but it’s one of those things I cannot not do.”
Mary finished fastening the back of Athena’s gown. “Very well, but at least allow me to accompany you.”
“Thank you, but you must stay here and cover for me. I’ll be as quick as I can. I promise.” It took a few more added pleas to acquire Mary’s full cooperation, upon which Athena went to breakfast with her family.
“It’s still cloudy, but at least the rain has stopped,” Abigail said. “We could take a walk to the village and shop for Christmas gifts. I’m sure Lilly and Lucas would love the chance to purchase a few things for their parents with their aunts’ and uncles’ help.”
“An excellent idea,” James said with a loving smile aimed at his wife.
Everyone else agreed.