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By Root 1227 0

’t the point now. You know, Alex, that money must play a big part in any decision. Our family hasn’t been in overly plump current for many years now, and the expense of London during the Season, the cost of staffing the Carlyon Street house, the price of her gowns and gowns for her mother, all of it together is exorbitant. I was willing to do it again as an investment, for I could see no alternative. Now with the Earl of Northcliffe proposing to her, I will get a settlement without having to endure London and all its costs.” The duke realized, of course, that by canceling out another Season for Melissande, he was also preventing Alexandra from having her first Season. But the cost of it—he ran his hand through his dark red hair. What to do? He continued, saying more to himself, than to his daughter, “And there’s Reginald, my twenty-five-year-old heir, gambling in every hell London can boast, raising huge debts to Weston his tailor, and to Hoby his bootmaker, even to Rundle and Bridge for ‘trinkets’ as he calls these supposed insubstantial baubles for his mistresses. My God, you wouldn’t believe the ruby bracelet he bought for one of those opera dancers!” He shook his head again. “Ah, Alex, I’ve felt trapped for so long now, but no longer is my life falling down on my shoulders. You know well the economies I’ve tried to initiate, but explaining the necessity to your mother, well, an impossible task, that. She has no concept, telling me in a bewildered way that one must have at least three removes at dinner. Nor does Melissande. You, of course, understand something of our situation, but anything you do is insignificant. And Reginald—a wastrel, Alex, and in all truth I have little hope that his character will improve.”

He fell silent again, a small smile on his mouth now. He was saved. He felt hope and he wasn’t about to allow Melissande to toss her beautiful head and tell him she wasn’t interested. Bread and water in a locked room would be fitting were she to go against him.

“What do you think, Alex? You do not mind about a Season? You are such a sensible girl and you understand there is no money and—”

Alex just smiled. “It’s all right, Papa. Melissande is so beautiful, so sparkling and gay, so natural in her gaiety. If we went to London, no one would have paid me much attention in any case so I don’t mind not going. I am not lying to you. It terrified me, the thought of meeting all those ferocious ladies—if their eyebrows twitch, you’re forever beyond the pale—that’s what Mama says. So, you needn’t worry. I go along fine here. There are other things besides parties and routs and Venetian breakfasts and dancing holes in one’s slippers.” There were other things, but that list was woefully short.

“Once Melissande is wed to the earl, she will do her duty by you. As the Countess of Northcliffe, she will take you about so that you may meet appropriate young gentlemen. That is what is right and she will do it. And you will comply because that is the way one normally secures a husband worthy of one.”

“Young gentlemen don’t appear to be remarkably attracted to me, Papa.”

“Nonsense. There are very few young gentlemen here about to see you, and those who are, look upon your sister and lose what few wits they possess. It is of no matter. You are a dear girl, and you are bright and your mind is filled with more than ribbons and beaux and—”

“When one isn’t a diamond, Papa, one must cultivate other gardens.”

“Is that your attempt to rephrase Monsieur Voltaire?”

Alexandra smiled. “I suppose so, but it’s the truth. There is no reason to quibble about it.”

“You are also very pretty, Alex. You surely don’t wish to insult your glorious hair—why ’tis the same shade as mine!”

She smiled at that, and the duke thought, pleased, everything would work out all right now. The Earl of Northcliffe had just offered to save him from inevitable financial disaster and rid him of his eldest daughter at the same time, a set of circumstances to gladden any father’s heart and purse.

“I trust Melissande will decide to take Douglas Sherbrooke this time,