The Proposal

Chapter 2

Marinette wasn't sure what to make of Lydia. She wasn't unattractive but she certainly did not possess the beauty of the Duke's late wife. Her style of dress was quite garish and over the top, but maybe that was just London fashion. From the overly sweet practiced smile to her manner of speech, everything about her just felt like she was trying too hard to be someone else.

"I do apologise for my behaviour yesterday when you arrived, Miss Marinette." Lydia said sweetly, sipping her tea. "I must have given a terrible impression, but I was simply feeling sick and overwhelmed and was not myself at all."

"I'm sure it must be very tiring trying to run a household as a Duchess while you are so unwell, Your Grace." Marinette said, trying to be understanding. Lydia smiled sweetly, placing down her tea cup and grabbing Marinette's hand.

"Please, just call me Lydia. His Grace said you were kind and I am sure we will become the greatest of friends. Are you looking forward to the Bourgeois soirée in a few days? I understand it is the highlight event to start the season."

Marinette feigned a smile. She didn't necessarily have the fondest memories of attending the Bourgeois house. "Indeed. The Bourgeois family are always thoughtful and gracious hosts." She said diplomatically.

"And what of Miss Chloè? Do you think she would be a good match for the Viscount? His Grace seems to think so and she seemed quite charming when I saw her in London."

Charming wasn't exactly how Marinette would have described her. "Miss Bourgeois and I are only acquaintances and I haven't met the Viscount as yet, so I couldn't tell you."

Lydia looked a little surprised. "Did the Viscount not come down to break fast earlier? I was a little under the weather this morning so I only saw him briefly when he arrived last night."

Marinette had almost forgotten that the Viscount had arrived very late the night before. When she heard the coach pull up she had gotten up out of bed and looked out the window but it was raining heavily and her view was obstructed by a large oak tree.

"No, I haven't seen him. It was just myself and the Duke to break our fast this morning." That had been quite awkward enough in itself as the Duke seemed to be agitated. Nathalie was doing her best to be polite and engaging. Marinette had assumed Nathalie was the head housekeeper, but it seemed her role in the family was more elevated than a simple servant.

There was a silent pause as they ate some cake. "May I ask when the baby is due?"

Lydia looked a little flustered at the question. "Oh...um... well not yet anyway." Lydia said, picking up another biscuit. "Anyway, it won't be until towards the end of the season so we have plenty of time to work on finding you a husband."

Marinette was trying really hard not to have to think about that. "You must be excited for the baby to arrive though." Marinette prodded, feeling something was off.

"Once my son is born I know the Duke will be pleased." There seemed a hint of nervousness in her voice as she spoke. Marinette was aware that the Duke and Duchess resided on different parts of the estate which she thought was a little odd considering they had only been married for a little over six months. "I know His Grace worries that if anything happens to the Viscount he has no heir and his estate will go to his nephew."

"I see." Marinette took a quick sip of tea. "But what if it's a girl?"

"Oh no, it's definitely a boy." Lydia insisted. "I've read all the ladies' pamphlets on the topic. I crave salty food, my skin has remained blemish free, I am carrying my bump quite low which all indicate a boy. I also did the ring test."

"The ring test?"

Lydia nodded confidently. "I pulled out a strand of my hair and suspended my wedding ring over my belly. If it had spun in circles it would have meant a girl but the ring moved from side to side."