Free The Marrying Season by Candace Camp Page B

normally aspire to marry a Stafford. While it did arise suddenly and by accident, it is still an excellent alliance for him.”
    “Myles is not doing this to ‘improve’ his social position,” Alec protested. “Which, by the way, is good enough for anyone but you, Grandmother. He is a true gentleman and a good friend. That is why he offered, not because it was advantageous for him.”
    The countess gave her grandson a long, cool look. “I am fully aware that Sir Myles is a gentleman. Do you think I would advocate Genevieve marry him if that were not true? That does not mean he was unaware of the value of the marriage for him, as well. I am not one to disdain a decision to align oneself with a name like Stafford. And the fact remains that this is an excellent marriage for him. Genevieve has no need to worry about ‘trapping’ him or some such nonsense.”
    “It would not be right.” Genevieve set her jaw, not looking at her grandmother. Neither her grandmother’s nor her brother’s arguments left her feeling particularly happy.
    Lady Rawdon released a weary sigh. “Well, I can see there is no reasoning with you at the moment. Perhaps Sir Myles will have more luck with you this afternoon.” She turned to her grandson. “Alec, dear, don’t you think you should check on Damaris? You said she was unwell this morning.”
    “Is Damaris ill?” Genevieve turned to Alec, who was frowning now, his eyes clouded with worry. “Did what happened upset her so? She is not—”
    “ ’Tis merely the sort of thing one can expect when one is in an ‘interesting condition,’ ” the countess said coolly. “I am sure she will be fine. However, Alec, a bit of tea and toast would not be amiss.”
    “Yes, of course.” He rose, then stopped and fixed his gaze on his grandmother. “Don’t think I don’t know why you’re sending me away. You are not to bully Genevieve just because I am absent.”
    “Really, Rawdon,” the countess said in a glacial tone. “You have a most peculiar opinion of me. I would never do anything to harm Genevieve.”
    “I know your interest is for Genevieve’s welfare,” her grandson told her drily. “It is the means you use to ensure that outcome that worry me.” Giving his sister a comforting pat on the shoulder, Alec left the room.
    Genevieve’s grandmother waited until she heard the sound of his footsteps on the stairs, then turned to Genevieve. “Now—no, do not protest. I am only going to tell you this once, and then, if you choose to continue along this ruinous, headstrong path, I shall not bother you further.I do not ask you to consider what this additional scandal will mean for your brother and his wife, whose position in the ton is already precarious enough. Nor should you think of how it will affect me. If you are not accepted in society, I shall simply retire to Bath, and no doubt it will be much pleasanter there, anyway.”
    “Grandmama . . .” Genevieve said wretchedly.
    “No.” Lady Rawdon held up her hand in a regal gesture. “It does not signify. But what does matter, what I want you to think about long and hard, is how you want to live the rest of your days. Do not think that this is a trifling matter, that you can spend a few months at the castle and then return to London as if nothing had happened. It is dire. The cloud of scandal will follow you the rest of your life.”
    “I know,” Genevieve said in a low voice.
    “No, my dear, I doubt you do. I do not think you can imagine the extent of the regret you will feel for the rest of your life if you toss this opportunity away. You cannot expect an eligible gentleman like Sir Myles to hang about after you have rejected him.”
    “I am not rejecting him. I am trying to save him from himself.”
    “I understand precisely how you feel.” Lady Rawdon sent her granddaughter a pointed glance. “However, I doubt Sir Myles would view your refusal in that light. He offered you the most precious thing a man could