Page 10 of The Duke's Auctioned Spinster
“I have never disagreed with that notion, Lydia, I just disagree with your insistence that a happy endingmustinvolve marriage,” Rose said.
“And what do you hope for in life?” Charlotte asked.
Rose searched her mind, for she had never really wanted for anything other than a general sense of well-being.
“To live well,” she said simply.
“But you may end up regretting being so adamant. Time is fleeting,” Lydia said.
“I am sure that Rose can live as she intends. I am sure there is going to be enough love in your life for the rest of us. Speaking of which, Lydia, is there a suitor that has caught your attention?”
Lydia blushed and avoided the question by singing to Luke. Charlotte then turned back to Rose, wearing an amused smile at her sister’s evasive nature.
“I would not worry about a thing, although I must say I was surprised to hear about the exact nature of this auction,” Charlotte said.
“It was my parents’ idea. They are determined to see me married. Apparently, they worry about me if I do not find a husband.”
“I never understood the way parents could worry until I had Luke. But we must each find our way in the world. I am sure you will have fun with Edmund. He knows how to keep things interesting, but you need not worry about a proposal from him. Marriage has always been the farthest thing from his mind.”
“He has already stated the same thing to me,” Rose said.
“He has never been one to dangle false promises,” Charlotte said.
“I can’t understand why I am surrounded by so many people who do not see the value in romance.” Lydia stopped singing for a moment and instead allowed a harsh tone to creep into her words. “Love is an ideal to which we should all aspire. I have seen how it has enriched your life, Charlotte, and we should all want a reflection of that happiness. I only fear that Edmund is a lost cause…”
“And do you feel the same way about me?” Rose asked, challenging Lydia with her stare.
“Yes,” Lydia said in no uncertain terms. “You have become so entrenched in your opinion that you cannot see any alternative. Marriage can be many different things. It can be a source of strength, of liberation, it can be inspirational and ideal, and so much more.”
“You are speaking from books, Lydia. Most real marriages are not like that at all. They are just products of circumstance,” Rose said. The air was getting heated, and she could feel one of their infrequent arguments stirring.
Thankfully, Charlotte was there to interrupt the tension.
“Do not allow this subject to mar your friendship. Having experienced both viewpoints myself, I can tell you for a fact that they are both valid. One is not better than the other, and you can both be happy taking different paths in life. Besides, Lydia, we both know Edmund, so there is no point in talking about marriage around him. He has made his intentions very clear.”
Rose nodded, thinking to herself that indeed he had. Well, it was reassuring to know that he wasn’t playing any games in this regard and would keep his word. And one day, even Lydia might begin to see that marriage was not the only path to take.
And hearing Charlotte speak about the virtues of marriage did not change Rose’s mind one bit, because it was not because of her ambitions that she did not wish to be married; there was another reason, one that she preferred to keep to herself.
Even Lydia did not know it.
Chapter Five
“Well, that went better than expected,” Alfred said.
“I have told you many times that you catch more flies with honey,” Edmund replied, grinning.
“Yes, yes, I admit you are a better negotiator than I. But still, sometimes I worry you make promises on which you can’t deliver.”
“Never!” Edmund replied, although the grin lingered on his lips. “That is one thing everyone can say about the Duke of Stonewood: he always delivers on his promises. Unlike you, Alfred.”
“And what’s that supposed to mean?” Alfred asked, recoiling and regarding Edmund with a stern stare. Edmund always did like needling Alfred. He always took things to heart, though with good humor. And despite Edmund having teased him over andover again, Alfred always seemed to think that he was being serious.
Not only were they related by marriage, as Alfred was married to Edmund’s cousin, Mary, but they were also business partners as well. Edmund was still more reckless than Alfred would have liked, and Alfred was too risk-averse in Edmund’s opinion, but in this way, they balanced each other out.
Edmund chortled.
“My cousin, of course. You promised her marriage and ended up giving her a child. If that’s not a case of over-delivering, then I don’t know what is!”
