Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78100 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 391(@200wpm)___ 312(@250wpm)___ 260(@300wpm)
It was dusk by the time they finally debarked in London, near the same wharf where they’d started their journey. After bidding farewell to their travel companions, it was straight to his parents’ home in Grosvenor Square. They’d gotten word of his demise at sea even before the news reached Tuscany. He hoped they hadn’t suffered too much before his letter reached them. It was late to call on them, but there was no question of waiting until morning.
As it happened, the Earl and Countess of Warren were at dinner when the butler admitted them to the dining room. His mother dropped her soup spoon and gave a cry of relief to see him and Rosalind. Within a moment he and his new wife were clasped in her embrace, with his father standing by their side.
“You’re here and well,” his mother said with tears in her eyes. “I was afraid to hope even after I got your letter. I didn’t know what to believe.”
“We’re very well.” Marlow held her close to still her trembling. “It’s been an adventure but we’re home again.”
“Yes,” added Rosalind. “Home to stay. Forever.”
His mother released them and turned to his bride. “Dear Rosalind, how happy we were to learn you’ve joined our family. Both of you, come sit. Have you had dinner? Even so, you must dine again with us and tell us everything that’s happened. Spare no detail.”
Marlow and Rosalind told their story for what seemed the tenth time, taking turns, glossing over the most dangerous parts to spare his mother’s sensibilities. Though she’d grown up living a peripatetic life in India, she much preferred calm English living. Now, Marlow understood why.
“I can hardly believe all you’ve gone through,” his mother said. “And how strong you were to survive it.”
“Indeed,” said his father. “We must be grateful you’re still alive after such an adventure. I hope the two of you will attempt a quieter sort of lifestyle going forward, at least until your mother and I recuperate from this past month’s ups and downs.”
“A quieter lifestyle is our greatest hope at present,” said Marlow.
“You must write to Ella in France at once,” said his mother. “Your sister was beside herself when she thought you were lost at sea. I couldn’t bear to show you her letters. And we shall invite Dennis and Amelia and their families to luncheon tomorrow, for they’ll wish to hug and welcome their brother back to England themselves.”
His father nodded. “And you’ll likely have to relate your tale again.”
“We’ve told it a great many times,” said Marlow, glancing at Rosalind. “I don’t mind it, if it will keep the gossips from making up exaggerated tales about us.”
His mother thought a moment. “You know, we decided to cancel our end of season ball,” she said. “After we received…the news…” She shook the memories away, her green eyes filling only momentarily with tears. “But now I think we ought to proceed with planning again and send out invitations for a ball next week. However unconventional your betrothal and marriage were, you are wed now. We shall use a grand ball to celebrate publicly. If we present a united front with Rosalind’s family, I don’t see how anyone can dwell upon your unusual path to wedded bliss.”
“People will dwell upon it,” said Rosalind. “But if you think the ball will help, we’d be most grateful, Lady Warren.”
“You must call me ‘Mama’ now, as Dennis’s wife does,” said his mother warmly. “And I’m sure every invitation will be accepted, only so people can get a look at the two of you after your world travels.”
“You mean our scandalous travels,” said Marlow. “You’re saying that everyone will come to gawk.”
“That’s what a ball is for,” said his father. “An ostentatious display where everyone gawks at one another. You won’t be the only show,” he added, winking at them. “There are still a few couples needing to be paired up before everyone heads to the countryside. It’ll be fun to watch the proceedings, with all the desperate mamas mucking about.”
“Warren,” his mother chided. “Don’t be scandalous.”
“Our family has never been afraid of scandal,” he retorted, laughing. “I remember both of us turning heads in our day.”
“I’d prefer we don’t talk about that.” His mother’s prim words were underset with amusement. “We merely ignored the gossip until we grew into the honorable pillars of society we are today. The two of you will also,” she said, smiling at him and Rosalind. “Don’t worry about the ball. Everything will play out wonderfully. I’ll send the servants to hire an orchestra and have the cook concoct a spectacular dinner menu.”
“Perhaps we might even dance together once or twice.” Marlow turned to Rosalind with a teasing grin. “Even though it’s not the thing for married couples to waltz about and gaze into one another’s eyes. We’ve been unorthodox enough thus far.”