Out and About with the Marquess of Davenport
Meredith's Tender Awakening 4:2
In the previous episode, his Lordship received a letter which frustrated him.
A neat cottage came into view; a terracotta roof atop a black and white structure. It housed his steward, Tom Rollins, and his wife Vanessa.
Tom’s horse, Bruiser, had his dark head protruding from his stable door, so he wickered in eager recognition when Artemis trotted into the yard. The Marquess drew his mount to a halt and turned in the saddle to meet Tom, who was hurrying to greet him, while struggling into his coat and hat.
“Your Lordship, you’ve caught me on the hop. I didn’t expect you today.”
“Not to worry Tom,” Lord Davenport smiled easily. “I was in want of a ride, and thought we might survey the pastures near the ford.”
“Grand idea your Lordship.”
The stable boys had readied Bruiser, whose ebony coat shone in the sunlight. He stood at least three hands taller than Artemis and was solidly built, as his name reflected.
Tom called a brief goodbye to his wife, who had been pulling carrots in the kitchen garden, mounted his horse and followed Lord Davenport along the track that led to the meadow. For a while they rode in silence, Tom appreciating the birdsong and the pleasant weather while his Lordship ruminated over private thoughts.
“Tell me all you know about crop rotation,” he urged Tom and prepared to be educated in the latest farming practice.
Lord Davenport was tired, but buzzing with possibilities and ideas prompted by his discussions with Tom. He’d never been the kind of landowner who was satisfied to be told ‘We’ve always done it this way.’ For this reason, he’d employed Tom, who was keen and well-educated. As he strode back from the stables he noticed the roses were flourishing and enjoyed their subtle fragrance.
After changing for dinner he returned to his study, thinking to bring a volume to read as he ate alone. His eye was caught by the list he’d drawn up of likely marriage prospects, where he had noted the wealth and property associated with each name.
He took up the list and scowled at it, not entirely comfortable with ranking the pros and cons of young ladies like appraising racehorses before placing a bet. His lip tugged into a wry grin at the irony: Many mamas in the ton, and their daughters, had surely done the same regarding eligible men this season. With his title, land, and the income it generated, he likely featured quite prominently.
Perhaps he was out of step with society, but Lord Davenport was not overly swayed by such matters; intelligence carried as much weight as good breeding in his opinion. He didn’t intend to share a life with a woman he didn’t like and respect.
No, he determined there and then, he would scrap that list of ladies likely to add prosperity to his lineage. Instead he would liberate himself to seek a wife with whom he could have spirited discussions about shared interests. He’d seen the affection that sparked between Tom and Virginia and his best friend, the Earl of Marchmont, had found a love match two seasons ago. Now the Earl and his wife seemed entirely happy, and in a supportive partnership, sharing playful banter and showing interest in each other’s opinions.
Circumstances had forced him to shoulder the yoke of being Marquess of Davenport at such a young age, leaving little room for love and affection. Nowadays his life might be likened to a nicely appointed room that was bare of the soft furnishings required to provide comfort.
Maybe his sister’s visit would not need to halt his plans entirely, but simply delay them. He decided he would provide a welcome for Francesca and Miss James for a few days, but perhaps later they could be left to their own entertainment and he would proceed to Bath.
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