"The earl wishes to wed. Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford wishes to help him achieve this desire. She selected ten eligible, well-bred maidens. Of the ten, the earl chose to pay his respects to you."
"But I met the man only once!" How could this be happening? How could he be so cold and aloof after all they had shared? She felt as if her heart was breaking all over again.
"Nevertheless, he remembers you favorably."
"And I barely remember him at all," she replied coldly. "How could he possibly think that I would be an appropriate helpmeet for him?"
"He believes you would have sufficient compatibility."
She shook her head, barely stemming a flow of hysterical giggles. "I am at a loss as to how he possibly could have come to that conclusion. I can't think of a single thing we have in common."
"Rochford is suitable. As his wife, you would have every advantage the world has to offer. Did you not come to London to seek a husband, Lady Mariah?"
"Yes." She forced herself to meet his gaze straight on. "I did." He appeared to wince, or had she imagined it? "What precisely does his lordship seek?"
"He desires a bride of noble breeding and good character. Your family is one of the oldest in England. He is assured by the Duchess of Bedford that your reputation is impeccable, your dowry is considerable, and that your lands produce a highly respectable income."
“And that is all he desires in a wife? What of compatibility?" she asked, her gaze searching his. "And affection?"
"'Tis hardly a prerequisite for people of your station. He has no reason to believe you shan't get along. As to affection, he does not consider that a requirement from a wife."
The implication was clear. If wed, her husband would seek affection elsewhere. "I see. The offer he puts forth is purely for convenience. But convenient for whom, Mr. Needham? What about my desires and needs? Are those not to be taken into account?" Although she had accepted how it would be, she nevertheless found the reality of a loveless future disheartening.
"Lord Rochford offers a highly respected family name with close connections to the king and queen, as well as a house in Berkley Square and estates in Suffolk, Essex, and the Utrecht province of the Dutch Republic. You would have a life of great comfort in return for bearing his offspring. Should you accept, you would go to him in Turin and remain there until an heir is born. After that, you would be free to choose where you wish to reside."
"Separate lives, Mr. Needham?"
"That is often the way of it," he replied. "The earl would only expect an appropriate degree of . . . circumspection on your part."
"Circumspection? Are you saying he would not only expect his wife to take lovers, but would turn a blind eye? I don't wish to hear any more."
"Might I convey to his lordship which part of his proposal you find objectionable?"
"I think perhaps I object most to Lord Rochford's choice of emissary." She rose on legs that still felt like aspic. "Forgive me if I do not invite you to stay for tea, Mr. Needham. I am feeling quite indisposed." That much was true. Would she even make it out the door before the dam of emotions burst? "Rogers will be happy to see you out."
She only managed four steps toward the door before he murmured her name.
"Mariah, please. I can explain everything."
She willed herself to keep her back to him. If his expression matched his pleading tone, she would surely fall to pieces. "There is no excusable explanation for what you have put me through, Mr. Needham. Please leave. I don't wish to see you again."
***
"Can you believe the audacity of the man?" With skirts swishing, Mariah paced the chamber. "I feel like such a fool for ever caring about him!"
"What reason did he give for breaking it off?" Lydia asked.
"He didn't! We never even discussed it. I had barely overcome the shock of seeing him before he began speaking of Lord Rochford."
"So Rochford has offered for you by proxy? How will you answer him?" Lady Russell asked.
"I cannot even fathom considering an offer from Lord Rochford," Mariah replied.
"Why is that, child?"
"When I wed, if I ever wed, I would at least like it to be for my person, not just for my purse. I never held overly romantic notions of marriage, but I do aspire to marry someone who at least treats me with kindness, courtesy, and a modicum of respect. In return, I cannot respect any man who sends another to woo his bride." Her throat tightened as she fought another onset of tears. "How could he be so cruel as to come to me bearing an offer of marriage from another?"
"Perhaps it was not by choice?" Lady Russell suggested. "He is in Rochford's employ after all."
"Supposing that is the case, he should have refused, given the circumstances."
"But those circumstances are what brought him back to London," Lady Russell pointed out. "You cannot know what he is thinking. Perhaps you should have given him a chance to explain himself."
"I still can't believe you sent him away," Lydia said.