Beauty and the marquess! Lady Eva Hastings story

Beauty and the Marquess, Eva, The Hastings. Book 1

Chapter 32

An invitation was hand delivered from Agatha Duchess of Engadine to the Hastings clan.

Fribbons the butler knocked on his employers door.

"Come in" said a deep male voice Fribbons entered Alexander's domain "An Invitation came my lord" handing him the envelope.

"From whom?" Asked Alexander studying the black ink on the envelope.

"I assume my lord from her Grace The Duchess of Engadine for my ladies engagement ball."

"You may go Fribbons dismissing him, Yes my lord" Fribbons replied bowing before turning around leaving Alexander contemplating his decision in peace and quiet.

Reading the gold plated invitation Alexander sat back wondering was pressuring his daughter to marry her scumbag grandson a good idea?

Seeing they were saved once the announcement was in the society sections but....his mind did wonder was he right?

Meanwhile Elisabetha lay in her bed resting up being with child again made her feel...how can I explain I never wanted another child I have my six girls who cares for sons?

Staring up at the white ceiling only one wanted or needed a male heir her mother in law Hermione.

Elisabetha felt miserable since finding out and had begun to agrivate Alexander becoming a how did my lovely husband describe me "A bitter Fishwife!"

So easy for a man to argue his point when he had never carried a child to term so they had slept in seperate rooms much to her dismay.

Shopping for new dresses my only salvation in life Eva along with her maid Penny walk along the busy streets.

"Are you excited about your engagement ball my lady asked Penny curious?"

"No I am not Penny I hate my life being the daughter of an Earl shopping nearly every day I feel my life is lacking a certain joy and I don't want to ever marry."

"Never" replied Penny in awe "Why not my lady?"

"I am scared of becoming invisible after marriage Penny."

"Men leave their poor wives at home gallivanting around town drinking, whoring and gambling, I want a better life for myself a little country home with a nice flower garden"

"You mean a cat lady" said a laughing Penny?

"No" laughed Eva "a simple coutry life I want not a fast one" walking into a shop.

"Try as you might my lady you will never have the simply life" said Penny matter of fact.

"I realize my life will never be so Penny sighing life goes on so let us buy dresses" sweeping in forcing the staff to help.

Penny meanwhile was excited because she was invited by Hermione along with them.

Hermione told her last week she had a big surprise in store for her concerning her parentage.

At my Granddaughter's engagement ball I shall tell you who your parents are because my dear they will join us all.

Alexander her son wondered why his Mother helped his daughters ladies maid?

"Mother he told her Penny is a maid why are you helping her out and why?"

"Ah my gracious son never you mind all will come out shortly" spinning on her heal away from him.

"What is my mother up to" an unsettled feeling entering his gut?

Marcus had arrived at his Grandmother's scary haunted home the stories he heard when he was a kid still gave him the creeps.