Rules of a Ruse (Regency Christmas Brides #2)

Chapter 9

Chapter Nine

Alden sat in the coach across from Elinor and her lady’s maid. The rhythmic clatter of wheels on the cobblestone road accompanied them as they made their way to call upon Miss Fraser.

He fervently hoped that this visit would go more smoothly than his previous encounter with Mrs. MacBain. He shuddered at the thought of all her children. He wasn’t ready to be a father. Not that he was opposed to children. He simply wanted to raise them differently than he had been.

His parents had always treated him with a certain cold indifference, never expecting much from him. No matter his accomplishments, he doubted he would ever earn their approval. But that didn’t stop him from trying. He had a plan to become one of the largest landowners in England, hoping that such an achievement would finally make them proud.

The coach hit a rut in the road, causing it to jolt to the side. Elinor reached out to steady herself, her gloved fingers gripping the edge of the seat. He took a moment to briefly admire her. Her dark hair was piled elegantly atop her head, with two long tendrils framing her face. Not only was she beautiful, but that beauty touched the depths of her soul, reaching every inch of her heart and how she perceived the world.

Elinor was an anomaly to him. She was fiercely independent, yet she spoke of love as if it were a tangible, attainable thing.

“Is everything all right?” Elinor asked, breaking through his thoughts.

Realizing that he had been caught staring, Alden smiled. “I do apologize, but I was woolgathering.”

“A terrible habit to have,” Elinor teased, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

He glanced at the window, feeling the need to steer the conversation. “Will you tell me more about Miss Fraser?”

Elinor adjusted the blanket around her waist. “Gladly,” she replied. “Isobel is a pleasant young woman who was raised to be a lady. Her father is Laird Ewan Fraser of Glenfinnan and she holds herself with the epitome of grace.”

“May I ask why she isn’t married?” Alden asked.

She gave him an exasperated look. “That is rather an insensitive question. There could be a myriad of reasons why she is not married, but I am not privy to any of them.”

“Is something wrong with her?” Alden pressed, unable to help himself.

“Just because a woman is not married, that does not mean something is wrong with her,” Elinor said, her tone sharp. “Do you think something is wrong with me?”

Alden shook his head. “No, but you are not married by choice.”

“Yes, and I believe I have sufficiently explained my reasonings.”

“You have, but—” Alden began.

Elinor cut him off. “Why do you insist on doing that? Anything you say before the ‘but’ is hogwash.”

He sighed, frustration seeping into his voice. “You are rather infuriating. ”

“Thank you,” Elinor said with a smile.

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

“Perhaps not, but I took it as one, seeing as it was coming from you,” Elinor remarked.

Turning his attention towards the lady’s maid, Alden asked, “Is Miss Sidney always like this?”

“Worse, sir,” Sophia said with a grin.

Elinor lifted an eyebrow as she turned towards her lady’s maid. “Whose side are you on?” she asked, her voice holding mirth.

Sophia laughed. “Yours, and always yours, Miss Sidney,” she responded. “However, we both know that you like to debate.”

“Debate?” Alden interjected. “That is a nice word for saying ‘argue’.”

“There is nothing wrong with a lively debate,” Elinor defended.

Alden gave her a knowing look. “You aren’t looking for a debate. You just want everyone to agree with you.”

“And you don’t do the same thing?” Elinor retorted.

“Touché,” Alden said.

He turned his head towards the window and noticed the long, tree-lined drive as they approached the estate. As the coach rolled to a stop, he took in the sight of the imposing structure before them. The manor house was a stately edifice, its stone facade softened by a tapestry of ivy that climbed the walls.

The coach dipped to the side as the footman stepped off his perch. The door was opened, and Alden stepped out. He turned back to help the ladies out of the coach.

He offered his arm to Elinor, and they started walking towards the manor. The door promptly opened, and the butler greeted them. “Good morning, Miss Sidney,” he said, standing to the side. “Lady Glenfinnan and her daughter, Miss Fraser, are expecting you. ”

The butler led them into the drawing room and announced them.

A tall, red-headed older woman smiled warmly at them. “Miss Sidney. Mr. Dandridge,” she said. “Welcome to our manor.”

Alden bowed. “Thank you, my lady.” As he straightened up, his gaze shifted to the young red-headed woman beside her. He noticed her eyes were downcast, and her hands were clasped nervously in front of her.

Lady Glenfinnan gently nudged her daughter with her shoulder, encouraging her to speak. “Do you wish to say anything, Isobel?” she prompted.

Miss Fraser shook her head.

An exasperated look came to Lady Glenfinnan’s face. “Do make an effort, Dear,” she said, her voice strained.

Bringing her head up, Miss Fraser briefly met Alden’s gaze. “It is a pleasure to meet you, sir.” Her words lacked any real emotion.

“Don’t forget to curtsy,” Lady Glenfinnan muttered under her breath.

Miss Fraser dropped into an exaggerated curtsy, looking entirely out of place in the drawing room.

Lady Glenfinnan looked heavenward. “Give me strength with this one,” she whispered before gesturing towards the settee. “Would either of you care for a cup of tea?”

Elinor spoke up. “I would greatly appreciate one,” she said as she approached the settee. “It is rather cold outside.”

“That it is,” Lady Glenfinnan agreed.

Miss Fraser sat down on the settee and reached for a book. She opened it and settled back into her seat.

Alden went to sit down next to Elinor and pointed towards the book in Miss Fraser’s hand. “May I ask what you are reading?”

Miss Fraser’s eyes flashed with annoyance before lowering the book. “ Principia ,” she responded .

“Ah, you are interested in physics, then?” Alden asked.

She nodded. “I am,” she confirmed. “This is the book where Isaac Newton introduced his three laws of motion and so much more.”

Lady Glenfinnan interjected, “Dear, put the book down. We have guests.”

With great reluctance, Miss Fraser closed the book and placed it onto her lap. “Are you familiar with the law of universal gravitation?” she asked, addressing Alden.

Alden put his hand up. “I’m afraid not. I attended some lectures about the subject at Oxford, but I studied Latin.”

“Latin?” Miss Fraser repeated. “What a useless thing to study.”

“Isobel…” Lady Glenfinnan warned.

Miss Fraser continued. “I am just merely saying that if I had been lucky enough to be born a man, I would not have wasted my time at university on Latin.”

“What is wrong with Latin?” Alden asked.

“It is boring,” Miss Fraser responded. “I would prefer to read books by Galileo Galilei or Daniel Bernoulli. I find fluid dynamics to be rather fascinating, especially Bernoulli’s principle.”

Alden quickly realized that he had little in common with Miss Fraser, considering he was at a loss for words. He knew little about physics. “I am not familiar with that principle,” he admitted.

Lady Glenfinnan cleared her throat, drawing her daughter’s attention. “Will you pour tea for our guests and stop with this physics nonsense?”

“It isn’t nonsense,” Miss Fraser defended. “But, yes, I will pour. After all, what else am I good for?”

Turning her attention towards Alden, Lady Glenfinnan brought a smile to her face. “I do apologize for Isobel. She can be rather passionate about physics. ”

Alden put his hand up. “You do not need to apologize. I appreciate a young woman who finds her passion.”

Miss Fraser extended him a teacup. “Thank you for saying so. May I ask what your passion is?”

“My passion?” Alden asked.

“Yes, I am passionate about physics, my mother is passionate about marrying me off, and Elinor is passionate about the horse farm,” Miss Fraser said.

Alden accepted the teacup as he debated about his answer. What was he passionate about? After a long moment, he replied, “I suppose my passion is to become one of the largest landowners in England.”

Miss Fraser looked unimpressed by what he had revealed. “Do you at least like to read?”

“I do,” Alden responded.

“What was the last book you read?” Miss Fraser pressed.

Alden shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “It has been a while since I have had the time to read a book.”

Miss Fraser frowned as she handed out the rest of the teacups and saucers, clearly unimpressed by his admission. “It is a shame that you don’t take advantage of the written word, sir.”

“That is enough, Isobel,” Lady Glenfinnan insisted. “You are not being a very good hostess to our guests.”

“I do not take offense, my lady. I find Miss Fraser’s frankness to be refreshing,” Alden said.

“You do?” Lady Glenfinnan asked.

Alden grinned. “I do,” he replied, hoping to earn Miss Fraser’s approval. “I do believe a woman’s greatest weapon is her mind.”

Rather than look pleased by his remark, Miss Fraser opened her book in her lap and started reading once more.

Miss Fraser was pretty enough to tempt him with her red hair and striking blue eyes, but it was obvious that she found him lacking .

Alden glanced at Elinor and noticed a smile playing on her lips. It almost appeared as if she were enjoying herself.

Elinor caught his eyes and her smile grew. “Isobel isn’t wrong. You should be reading more books.”

“I read plenty,” Alden defended.

“Yet, you can’t name the last book you read?” Elinor challenged.

Alden leaned closer to her and asked, “Whose side are you on?”

Elinor patted his sleeve. “I am just a neutral observer to all of this.”

“Traitor,” Alden muttered playfully.

Lady Glenfinnan held her hand out to her daughter. “Give me the book,” she ordered.

With a slight huff, Miss Fraser closed the book and placed it in her mother’s hand.

“Now, where were we?” Lady Glenfinnan asked, placing the book onto a table.

Elinor was trying hard not to laugh, but this was going precisely how she expected it to go. Miss Fraser was many things, but she cared more about physics than anything. It had always been this way. Many people in the village considered her odd, but Elinor didn’t. She found her to be a delight and rather enjoyed conversing with her.

Miss Fraser leaned forward in her seat and retrieved her cup of tea. She met Alden’s gaze and said, “I understand you are looking for a wife.”

Alden had just brought the cup to his lips and choked slightly as he took a sip. “I am,” he confirmed.

“I will do it,” Miss Fraser began, “assuming you are serious about it being a marriage of convenience. I can focus on my studies in physics, and you can focus on whatever it is that interests you.”

“Perhaps we should start by you telling me about yourself,” Alden said.

Miss Fraser took a sip of her tea before lowering it to her lap. “I am eight and ten years old. My parents said I don’t have to have a Season if I get married to you,” she shared. “I was worried that you would be unfortunate-looking but you are tolerable.”

“Tolerable?” Alden repeated.

“I am partial to Scottish men with red hair, but I suppose a dark-haired Englishman will do,” Miss Fraser responded.

Alden frowned. “How generous of you,” he muttered.

Lady Glenfinnan spoke up. “Isobel is just teasing you,” she rushed out. “She has no qualms with Englishmen, considering she went to boarding school in Northumberland. We ensured she was properly educated.”

“I do hope you don’t take issue with me dressing up in men’s clothing to attend lectures on physics,” Miss Fraser said.

“That is quite scandalous,” Alden stated.

“Only if you get caught, and I have no intention of doing so,” Miss Fraser said. “Now, shall we talk about marital duties?”

Alden’s brow shot up. “I beg your pardon?”

“I suppose you will require an heir, but I am willing to give you one child. I can’t predict if it is male or female, though,” Miss Fraser responded, her face expressionless. “Do we have a deal?”

Elinor brought her hand up to her lips as she tried to hide her smile. It would not do well if it looked like she was enjoying this exchange.

Alden stared at Miss Fraser like she had sprouted two heads. “I… uh… don’t know what to say,” he stuttered out.

Miss Fraser looked unconcerned. “Also, more importantly, I do not like horses. I was tossed off a horse when I was younger and I was unconscious for a day. Ever since then, I have avoided those dreadful animals.”

“Perhaps we should give Mr. Dandridge some time to think on this, Dear,” Lady Glenfinnan said. “I do think your frankness has caught him by surprise.”

“I think it is better if we are honest with each other, so we know what to expect from one another,” Miss Fraser said.

Alden leaned forward and placed his cup and saucer on the table, looking visibly relieved by what Miss Fraser had shared. “I appreciate your honesty, but my great-aunt did specify that I must find someone that is particular to horses,” he shared. “So I am afraid we would not suit.”

“Very well. If that is your decision, I shall respect it,” Miss Fraser said, turning towards her mother. “I’m tired. May I be excused now?”

Lady Glenfinnan gave her daughter an exasperated look. “Not until our guests leave,” she replied.

Elinor glanced over at Alden and saw his jaw was clenched. He did not appear to be amused by Miss Fraser’s antics like she was. Perhaps it would be best if they left.

“We should be going,” Elinor said, placing her cup and saucer onto the tray. “I have work that I must see to.”

“Must you go so soon?” Lady Glenfinnan asked.

Rising, Elinor nodded. “I shall return to call upon Isobel in a few days, assuming that is agreeable.”

Isobel perked up. “Yes, I would greatly enjoy that.”

Alden had risen and bowed. “Ladies, it was a pleasure to meet both of you,” he said politely before offering his arm to Elinor. “Shall we?”

Elinor accepted his arm. “Thank you, Mr. Dandridge.”

As they walked towards the main door, Lady Glenfinnan followed them to the door and said in a hushed voice, “Isobel can be rather brazen, but she really does have a tender heart. I wanted you to know that.”

“I have no doubt,” Alden said with a tip of his head .

Elinor dropped into a curtsy. “My lady,” she murmured.

After they stepped outside, Alden dropped his arm and turned towards her. “No,” he simply said.

“No?”

Alden pointed towards the manor. “How could you think I would be interested in someone like Miss Fraser?”

“If you recall, your requirement was only that she was beautiful,” Elinor defended. “Is Miss Fraser not to your liking?”

He ran a hand through his hair. “She is pretty, but she only finds me tolerable.”

“I would not take offense to that,” Elinor said.

“I don’t, but I…” His words trailed off. “She spoke of marital relations.”

Elinor giggled, bringing her hand up to cover her mouth. “That might have been my favorite part of the whole conversation.”

Alden pointed at her. “I’m beginning to think that you are the problem.”

“Me?” Elinor asked.

“First, you introduced me to Mrs. MacBain, who has twenty children….”

Elinor spoke over him. “She has six children.”

“… then you introduce me to someone that is clearly more interested in physics than being a wife,” Alden said.

“You are upset,” Elinor remarked.

Alden tossed his hands up in the air. “Of course I am upset. How am I ever going to get married when the young women you are introducing me to are entirely unacceptable.”

Elinor tilted her head. “Perhaps if you gave me more instruction other than requiring that they are beautiful and desire to get married at once.”

“There must be one normal young woman in this whole village,” Alden declared .

“You haven’t met Maisie Cowen yet,” Elinor attempted. “She is beautiful, well-read and gracious.”

Alden took a step closer to her. “This whole problem could be solved if you agreed to marry me.”

Elinor smirked. “Would I be required to have marital relations with you?” she quipped.

“This is not funny.”

“It is, just a little bit,” Elinor joked. “Perhaps we should finish this conversation in the coach, considering it is rather cold.”

Alden held his hand out towards the coach. “After you,” he said.

Once Elinor was situated in the coach, her lady’s maid sat next to her, and Alden sat across from her.

The coach slowly moved forward and Alden gave her a stern look. “My great-aunt said that you would help me.”

“And I am trying to,” Elinor lied, feeling the familiar guilt that was growing with each passing day. “You will like Maisie Cowen. Trust me.”

“What is wrong with her?” Alden demanded.

“There is nothing wrong with her,” Elinor responded. “Just as there was nothing wrong with Mrs. MacBain and Miss Fraser.”

Alden started tapping his foot, frustration evident on his brow. “I do not have time for games. I need a wife, and quickly.”

Elinor smiled, hoping to disarm him. “And you will get one… in due time.”

“I don’t have time,” he argued. “There must be one agreeable young woman in this entire god-forsaken village.”

Her smile vanished. “You are being rather rude, and I won’t stand for it. This village is made up of good, hard-working, honorable people.”

Leaning forward, Alden asked, “Do you know what happens if I don’t marry? ”

“You won’t inherit the horse farm,” Elinor responded.

“Precisely, and I will have nothing,” Alden said.

Elinor clasped her hands in front of her. “You won’t have nothing,” she attempted. “You are still the second son of an earl.”

“Who only has a small inheritance to his name,” Alden stated.

“That is more than some people have.”

Alden’s eyes flickered with determination. “I need to inherit this horse farm so I can sell it and use the money to buy land in England.”

“Why not keep it?” Elinor asked. “That is what your Great-aunt Edith would want.”

“What do you know of my great-aunt’s intentions?” Alden demanded.

Elinor held his gaze. “Apparently, more than you do,” she said. “This was her grandfather’s horse farm and he built it up to what it is today. It means something to her.”

Alden sat back in his seat. “Well, it means nothing to me.”

“That is a shame,” Elinor said. “For it is more than a horse farm, it is my place of refuge. I wish you could see it the same way.”

“I don’t need a refuge,” Alden responded.

“Doesn’t everyone need a refuge, at least for a little while?” Elinor asked.

Alden looked heavenward. “No, I need a wife, not a useless horse farm.”

Turning her head towards the window, Elinor knew there was no point in continuing this argument with Alden. He wasn’t being reasonable. He just saw the horse farm as a means to an end, and not for what it truly was worth. She couldn’t let him get married and sell it. She was responsible for the horse farm, and she took that role very seriously.