Snowflakes and Scandals

Chapter 7

Chapter 7

Septimus listened as Margaret and the others discussed estate management. She was clearly well versed, however, as she had told him, she was having trouble implementing new farming methods because she had been unable to attend the seminars and the Norfolk farm. She also had questions about some of the ideas he had mentioned to her such as schools on the estate. She seemed frustrated at the amount of time and resistance she anticipated in changing the way things had been done on the estate for generations.

He covered her hand with his. “Perhaps that is something with which I can assist.”

She regarded him, a line between her brows. “That might be a very good idea. I have known my people for years. At times, they still treat me like the little girl I was. Whereas you will be new and obviously not a little girl.”

Everyone around the table laughed including him. “I do know the problem with old retainers. When I used to go to the duke’s main estate, I was always treated like I was still five years old.”

“I think we all have had that problem,” Amanda agreed. “I certainly have. My parent’s housekeeper will still call me Lady Amanda then correct herself.”

Meg and Maryville chimed in with their story as well.

“It was difficult to step onto my father’s position. It took a good half a year before everyone seemed to realize that I was there to stay, and that I was actually the master.”

Margaret glanced at his brother. “Do you have no stories?”

“None.” He shook his head. “I was sent off quite early and never really returned. I do wonder though what it will be like when I become the duke. Only the very old retainers and tenants know me.”

“The other problem you have,” Meg pointed out to Margaret, “is that even though you are in charge, your father is still living. I am certain many of your tenants believe that if they go to him they will be able to continue as they have done.”

“Very true.” Margaret nodded. “In fact, I have had some of the older men tell me they would ask my father. The past year or so has been so exhausting that I did not stand as firm as I should have.”

Septimus had wondered if there was enough to keep him busy, but it appeared he would have a great deal to do. She did need someone to help carry her burdens. “It will be easier after we have wed.”

She turned to him and there was a warmer look in her eyes than he’d seen before. Was she already falling in love with him? “I believe that it will. I have learned so much already. Even if you have never had an estate to manage, you appear to know what it will take.”

He raised her fingers and kissed them. “I have my second eldest brother to thank. He taught us all.”

“Not your eldest?” She appeared confused.

“No,” Hawksworth said. “As I said. I was sent away. I only learned about the holdings later when we all believed the duke was dying. But he recovered and the situation devolved into how it had been before.”

Dessert had been consumed, and Amanda rose as did Meg and Margaret. “We will see you in the drawing room.”

Maryville gave her a strange look as she strolled out the door. “That’s odd.”

“What is?” Every dinner Septimus had ever attended, with the exception of when he dined with his brother and sister-in-law, ended like this.”

“She generally likes the gentlemen to join the ladies at the end of dinner. They must have something they wish to discuss.”

Septimus suddenly felt as if he was being left out of something. What could they have to say that they did not want the gentlemen to hear?”

“I doubt they are fomenting a revolution,” his brother quipped.

No. But he missed having Margaret at his side. Did she feel the same?

The butler brought in a bottle of brandy and left.

“You became betrothed quickly,” Maryville said. “How did that happen?”

Septimus smiled more to himself than anyone else. “I think it was a combination of things. Amanda described Margaret so well to me it was as if I already knew her. Yet, I was completely unprepared for her beauty and how much she attracted me. Then when we began talking, I knew I had to have her in my life.” He took a sip of the brandy. It was clearly French and very smooth. “However, I would not have proposed if she had not done so first.”

Both his brother’s and his host’s eyes widened in shock. “What?”

“Say that again,” Hawksworth said.

“Yes. She explained that she had never been in love, but that she thought she would come to love me and wanted me in her life, and would I mind marrying her under those circumstances.” He savored the memory for a second. “Then I asked . . . And that is how it happened.”

“That is a leap of faith for you both,” Hawksworth said. “I was convinced that you swept her off her feet.”

“I agree.” Maryville nodded. “To be honest, I would never have expected she had it in her to be so forward.”

“It surprised me as well, but I’m very happy she intends to marry me.” Septimus was more than happy. He was ecstatic. He had been casting around for a lady who would suit him, and he’d finally found her. “All I must do is to ensure that no one interferes with our ceremony.”

His brother raised his glass. “We must all make sure this wedding takes place.”

Maryville and Septimus raised their glasses as well. “Hear, hear.”

Most of him wanted to make her his in all ways before the wedding. Another, much smaller part, urged caution.

Margaret entered the drawing room with Amanda and Meg. “Maryville gave you such an odd look I gather that you do not usually separate after dinner.”

“No, we do not.” Amanda poured them glasses of wine. “However, now that you are betrothed, I thought it best if we”—she indicated herself and Meg—“Tell you what you expect your first time with a gentleman.”

For a moment Margaret did not understand, then she did. It was the part that Septimus had said he would not do until she loved him. But he had agreed to be married before she knew if she loved him. “Yes, that is a very good idea.” She would approach this like any other new skill to learn. “We did kiss, and he did other somethings that I very much enjoyed. And he told me what he would do if I loved him and we were to be wed, but I have no idea what it could be.” Heat that could only be a blush rose in her cheeks. “I had never even been kissed before.”

“That is not at all surprising,” Amada said. “You have never truly had the opportunity.”

“I wish Hawksworth was the first gentleman I had kissed,” Meg said. “I had been engaged to be married twice before I actually met him. Fortunately, that was all that happened.”

This was intriguing. “What do I need to know?”

Both her friends had sly looks on their faces.

“Well, I can tell you that Septimus knows what he is doing when it comes to relations between a man and a woman.”

Margaret was so stunned that for a moment she could not speak. “How on earth do you know that?”

“I happened to ask some discrete questions. He normally kept a mistress, but occasionally had liaisons with very small number of widows who did not intend to marry again. But do not be concerned. He will not keep a mistress after you wed, and he does not have one now.”

“ Amanda!” Margaret could not believe what her friend had just said. “How could you know about his mistresses?”

She raised one shoulder and dropped it. “I asked him.”

“Oh, good Lord!” Margaret took a large drink of wine and sunk onto a chair. “I am shocked to my core.”

Meg was chuckling into her hand. “I was there. Maryville’s reaction was much the same as yours.”

Amanda raised her chin. “Someone must take care of you. So, I did.”

Margaret gave her head a tiny shake. Well, it was done, and there was nothing to do about it. “Very well. What else?”

“It will hurt the first time,” Meg said. “And there will be some blood, not much, but some, when he breaks your maiden head.”

“It becomes much better after that,” Amanda assured. “It is important that the gentleman knows what he is doing, or it could be very unpleasant.” Margaret stared at her. “Oh, no, not Maryville. He was extremely experienced. Yet, I have heard from other married ladies that they do not like relations at all because their husbands’ do not take time to satisfy them.”

And to think before she was married, Amanda was as ignorant as Margaret. “That is good to know. I suppose.” She glanced at her long-time friend again. “Is that all?”

“There is a very good chance you could become enceinte immediately,” Meg added. “It will be up to you whether you wish to take the chance before the ceremony.”

Margaret was certain about Septimus’s feelings, but her new friend meant the duke. That was something to consider. “In case something occurred to stop the service.”

Meg nodded. “Not that it has happened yet. But it has been a near run thing. One of Septimus’s sisters married in Scotland, and they had to hide the couple until they could consummate the marriage there. Unlike in England, it is required for a marriage to be valid.” She poured Margaret more wine. “We will, naturally, do everything to ensure that nothing stops this marriage.”

“That gives me a great deal to consider.” It was something she must discuss with Septimus. She was certain he would like to anticipate their vows. So would she for that matter. She was six and twenty. It was past time she was married and had experienced all that entailed.

Amanda opened the door and spoke to someone on the other side of it. “The gentlemen will join us soon.”

As if they had been waiting in the corridor, their husbands and her betrothed entered the drawing room.

Septimus came straight to Margaret. “You appear a bit pale. Are you feeling well?”

“Perfectly. I have simply had some interesting news.” He frowned. “Or rather instruction.”

His brows rose. “Instruction?”

“Oh, dear. I am saying this all wrong.” The whole discussion about marital relations really was not that easy to talk about. “Meg and Amanda wanted me to know what to expect when you and I came together.”

“Ah.” His brow cleared. “I understand. I can assure you that I will be gentle.”

“Yes. Amanda said you knew what you were about.”

He slapped his hand to his forehead and looked up at the ceiling. “I have never met a lady who asked the questions she did.”

Margaret had been right. Her friend had overstepped. “I thought she should not have asked you about other—” She wave her hand instead of finishing the sentence.

“Let us excuse ourselves and have a discussion of our own. You may ask me anything you wish. Just not in the presence of others.”

“That is a good idea.” Although Margaret thought she already knew most of what she needed to know.

He bowed to the room, and she curtseyed. “We are going to talk some more.”

“We wish you a good night and will see you in the morning.” Margaret flashed a smile at her friends.

He escorted her to her chamber, and drew her into his arms, kissing her before she could speak. “I want you.” He placed her hand on the bulge in his trousers. “That is proof of my desire. But before we totally commit to each other, I want to make sure the contracts are signed, and we are definitely able to wed. I would also like to ask your father’s permission.”

She had not even thought of that. Even if she was of age, Papa would need to give his permission. “I understand. We will wait at least until tomorrow.”

Septimus kissed her deeply, stroking her back and cupping her breast. “Until morning.”

He stroked her arm and their fingers lingered unwilling to lose the physical connection. “Until then.”

Her maid was waiting when she entered her chamber. “I have news, but you must not tell a soul.”

“As if I would.” Margaret speared her maid with a look. “I promise.”

“I am to be married to Lord Septimus.”

Clark’s jaw dropped. “Miss! You just met him!”

“I know, but I honestly cannot believe I would ever meet someone better than him. He is remarkable. Papa will arrive tomorrow. We will marry at Sutton Hall as soon as his family arrives.”

“Goodness.” She looked as if she needed to sit. “I’m akimed. I was expecting it sometime, but not today.” She seemed to pull herself together. “What must I do?”

“Right now, nothing. Just do not mention it to anyone until I say that you may.” Margaret considered telling her maid about the threats, but until after Papa arrived and the contracts were signed, she would keep most of that to herself. “There might be a problem with his father. From what I have been told he is a difficult man.”

“No sense courting trouble is what my Ma always said.” Clark started unfastening Margaret’s gown. “You get a good night’s sleep.”

“I hope I can sleep. So much has occurred today.” And more would happen tomorrow.