Bewitching The Recluse [BOOK 2 of Price Family Saga]

23. Chapter (Three Overly Ambitious Dames)

The salon doors swung open, and a lady entered—a woman whose youthful days were behind her, yet a certain vigour radiated from her countenance, complementing the bright chestnut hue of her hair that decidedly defied the passage of time. Her gaze fell upon her daughter, who had been quietly engaged in writing yet another epistle into her journal until the abrupt interruption disturbed her contemplations.

"My dearest Mary, I must request that you kindly vacate this salon, as my esteemed guests will be arriving presently."

Mary blinked in response. Once more, it seems a gathering of the sisterhood of three hags is imminent, she thought.

"Is there something you're keeping from me, mother? Are you and your friends once again conspiring about the most eligible gentlemen in society?" she inquired, displaying no hesitation in posing bold inquiries.

Her mother merely smirked knowingly. "Above all, it concerns a particular gentleman."

Mary rolled her eyes at such a 'revelation'. "Hasn't your optimism regarding the Marquess' affections waned? As far as I'm aware, he remains a confirmed bachelor for years."

Lydia merely gestured dismissively. "People devise plans, and societal scandals keep such plans ever-changing. Just refrain from suggesting that becoming the Marchioness St. Arcey would be a source of distress for you. Besides, you're six and twenty, for Heaven's sake." 

"I would find no objection at all if it were prompted by his genuine conviction and interest," Mary responded with a firm tone, closing her diary.

 "Well, what is not today, could still be tomorrow," Lydia replied slyly. 

Mary frowned, suspecting that her mother harboured some ulterior motive. "I'm hesitant to broach this topic, but I must – what intentions or actions do you have in this matter, mother?" 

"I need not take any direct action, my dear. Merely the arrival of someone else bearing new opportunities to this divinely overlooked region will suffice. Have you heard that Princess Augusta, escorted by Lady Sarah Lennox, is planning a visit to Silverton Castle? Courtly whispers suggest that our young king has become overly enamoured with young Sarah, and they aim to separate them to temper their infatuated hearts." 

Mary gasped in astonishment. If His Royal Highness decided to visit Marlborough, it signified a continuous stream of dances, soirées, and gatherings, as everyone would seek to leverage the occasion for forging new alliances and connections. And for someone of the stature of the Marquess St. Arcey, such engagements would undoubtedly become obligatory. When her mother noticed her expression, she approached and took Mary's face in her hands.

"Fear not, my dear. I promised you a favourable match, and I shall uphold that promise, I assure you."

However, Mary found no solace in her mother's words; instead, she sensed an underlying threat. Her mother released her and exclaimed,

"But now you must depart—Percy and Nosy will be arriving shortly."

This was how Lydia referred to her two friends—Percivaline Chatterton and Elinor Merryweather respectively. Mary could distinguish them by Percy's smile, so wide it could surely push her ears off her head if it were a tad broader, and Elinor exuded the discerning gaze of a magpie—quite astute, and if one wasn't careful, she knew how to leverage any words spoken to her advantage. Mary couldn't help but wonder why her mother chose such company, but perhaps it was because she could be a one-eyed queen among the blind... or maybe not even that.

Meanwhile, Percy and Elinor were riding in a carriage on their way to visit, speculating on what tidings Lydia Winthrop might have to divulge them.

"Hmm, does she not wish to share her new plan to lead Marquess St. Arcey to the altar?" Percy asked, to which Elinor shook her head in disagreement.