"That may be," Lydia sniffed. "But Lord Marcus's career is no longer my concern."
"My dear girl, could you not wait just a short while before making your decision known? At least until the delegates are chosen for the forthcoming peace treaty? He is my youngest son, and I wish him to secure his future." Lady Russell continued in a cajoling tone, "Would you truly refuse me this small boon when your mother and I were so very close?"
Uncertainty marked Lydia's face. "My lady, I cannot carry out such a ruse purely for Marcus's gain."
"But Marcus is only half the reason for you to attend. You and Lady Mariah must go for your own benefit as well. The exposure to such influential people can only do you both credit and elevate you in society."
"I suppose that much is true." Lydia's gaze flickered to Mariah. It was clear her will was faltering. Although she continued to fight, it seemed the dowager was about to win her way. "Mariah could certainly benefit. She has never even had a proper come out."
"No, I did not," Mariah said sadly. Her London season had been all arranged, but then her father suffered a sudden apoplexy. She wistfully considered the invitation but then shook her head. "I could not go, Lyddie. You know I cannot leave Mama alone to manage Papa. She frets so when I am not at home."
"Aunt Eustacia can certainly manage without you for a few more days. She has a veritable army of servants. Don't you think it's time you considered your own marriage prospects? You will never meet anyone suitable while buried at Morehaven."
"Lydia is right," Lady Russell chimed in. "This is the perfect opportunity for you to mix with good society without the pressures of a London season."
"Please, Mariah. You must come with me," Lydia cajoled.
Although her conscience bade her to return home, the more Mariah considered it, the more she wanted to go. Lydia needed the moral support, and Mariah's life had become so incredibly dull since her father's illness. Outside of attending her parents' needs, her idle hours were filled with reading, needlework, and long walks. Only occasional visits with Lydia broke the monotony. What harm could there be in enjoying herself for a few more days? Mariah capitulated with a sigh. "You make it impossible for me to refuse."
"Precisely, my dear," Lady Russell responded with a feline smile.
"Perhaps I could go just for a short while."
"It's settled, then.” Lady Russell set her cup down decisively in its saucer. "You will write your mama that you are going with us to Bedfordshire while Lydia and I see to the packing."
***
Mariah and Lydia descended into the courtyard amongst a frenetic flurry of activity as liveried footmen loaded and secured the provisions and luggage onto the caravan of vehicles. Lady Russell stood on the top stair under the portico with her quizzing glass poised, as if she were a general inspecting an army on parade.
The carriages preparing to depart for Woburn Abbey included Lady Russell's opulent black lacquer traveling coach, an extensive baggage train, and Lord Marcus's sportier post chaise. Lord Marcus and his secretary, Mr. Needham, were currently standing by Marcus's coach, conversing with the driver and looking bored.
"Lackaday, Mariah! Just look at that cowardly weasel!" Lydia jerked her head in Lord Marcus's direction. "First he refuses to accept my decision to break our engagement, and now he's conscripted his mother to intercede on his behalf. He's completely deluded if he thinks to placate me now."
"Perhaps he truly has had a change of heart?" Mariah suggested.
Lydia gave an unladylike snort. "More likely it's only fear of his mother's wrath that prompts his recent actions. I know you always wish to believe the best of people, but Marcus is truly an incontestable cad. I refuse to wait one moment longer on a man who doesn't want me, regardless of his recent and remarkable protestations to the contrary."
"But he certainly seems sincere."
"Of course he does!" Lydia chortled mirthlessly. "He's a diplomat. It's his job to hedge, evade, dither, and dissemble."
Mariah grinned. "If recent actions are representative of those dubious talents, he should have quite a promising future."