"I don't understand the connection."
"You may be aware that there is a forthcoming peace congress. We and our allies are to meet with the French at Aix-la-Chappelle in hope of ending this pointless war. The delegates will be announced at some point during the party."
"Lady Russell mentioned that Lord Marcus desires to be chosen."
"Yes, but there are others who also perceive this as the ideal opportunity to make their careers. Marcus's chief rival is Edward Montagu, who just happens to be Lord Sandwich's nephew. As Secretary for the Southern Department, the selection really should fall to the Duke of Bedford, but he's far more enamored of cricket than matters of state. Were it up to the duke, he would probably choose the best cricket players."
"How absurd!" she declared. "I can hardly countenance that our ministry could be run by such frivolous methods."
He shrugged. "When the vast majority of the power is in the hands of the few, there is no one to govern the whims of those who rule."
"You sound as if you would change it."
"I would," he said, "were it within my power to do so. But as it is, I have no voice. I suspect, however, that the duke will permit Lord Sandwich, as the plenipotentiary, to choose his own people."
"Lady Russell seems to think Lydia can help Marcus in his career."
"Although statecraft is a man's game, one should never underestimate the influence of women. In truth, foreign policy is shaped as often in the bedchamber as in the council chamber." He flushed. "I pray you will pardon my indelicate remarks."
"I take no offense at frank speech, Mr. Needham. In truth, I prefer it to guessing what people really mean."
He smiled warmly. "Your candor is most refreshing after my years in diplomatic circles, where people take disingenuousness to an art form."
"Is Lord Marcus such a man?" she asked.
His gaze narrowed. "What do you mean?"
"I care greatly for Lydia. She has already been hurt deeply by Lord Marcus. One can't help but question his sincerity. She waited six years for him, and only now that she's decided to call it off does he show any interest in wedding her. Is this all just a game to him, Mr. Needham?"
He considered the question. "Mayhap it was a game at first, but I think it all changed once he saw her again. I believe his desire to win her back is genuine, although his means of doing so may leave much to be desired."
"His means?" The hairs on her nape instantly rose. "What are you saying, Mr. Needham?"
"Let us say that Marcus ascribes wholeheartedly to the belief that all is fair in love and war."
"Love?" Mariah pulled back with a frown. "Is it true? Do you really believe he loves her?"
"In the years I have known Marcus, I have never seen him so obsessed."
"If that is so, why did he wait so long?"
"Because was too young and immature. Furthermore, he resented the arranged marriage. Had they wed sooner, it would have been an unmitigated disaster."
"Why would you think he's ready now? Has he changed so very much?"
"Yes, I believe he has. Marcus is still Marcus, but his wild streak has tempered. Moreover, whether he realizes it yet or not, I believe Marcus is indeed in love with Miss Trent."
"That sheds quite a different light on matters, doesn't it?" Mariah said.
"Marcus does not like to be thwarted. He is formidably single-minded when he wants something. One might call him an unstoppable force."
"And Lydia is the immovable object. How do you suppose it will end?"
He shook his head with a sigh. "Either very well or very badly. After six hours together in the coach, I daresay they will come to some sort of understanding."
Lydia had given up on Marcus in the belief that he didn't want her, but if what Mr. Needham said was true, and the love match Lydia had always dreamt of was more than just a dream, she hoped Lydia would find it in her heart to forgive Marcus.
"What of you, Mr. Needham?" Gaze downcast, Mariah began plucking the fingers of her gloves. "Do you ever think of marriage?"
"I do not," he replied. "To do so would be pointless."
She forced her gaze upward to search his eyes. "Why is that? Do you not desire a home . . . a family?"
"It's not lack of desire, my lady, but lack of means. I have no title, property, or fortune."
"I have all of those," Mariah replied. "I am heir to a title and estate in my own right, along with a significant fortune, and it's been nothing but a curse."
"Why do you say so?" he asked softly.
"Because all heiresses are beautiful," she replied dryly, wondering if he would recognize the Dryden quote. His thin smile said he did. "I fear becoming a target of fortune hunters. I do wish to marry one day, but I don't want to be the means to an end. I hope to find someone who will care for me, not just my wealth and property."
"You are wise to be wary. There are many unscrupulous men in the world, those who would go to extreme measures to gain what you have. I even fear you may be entering the wolves’ den."