The weather in London at the start of October often lingered in a gentle Indian summer. Lady Carlston was positively radiant with delight, for her son had, quite unexpectedly, expressed a wish to take a walk with her. She prattled on about this and that, while Alex listened quietly, smiling, and escorted his mother by the arm.
— "The Countess told me she saw Lady Hastings. It seems she is already expecting her third child. How swiftly time flies! It feels as though it were only yesterday that I attended their wedding. Oh, Alex, look — Lady Ophelia!"
His mother waved to Ophelia, who was strolling alongside her companion and Emily's mother. They approached one another and exchanged polite greetings.
— "Lady Carlston, always a pleasure to see you! Alex, pray, allow me to introduce my friend — Miss Emily Cromwell."
Alex smiled and inclined to kiss her hand.
— "Miss Cromwell, I am delighted to make your acquaintance."
The five continued their walk together. Mothers fell slightly behind, conversing quietly, while the younger members walked ahead.
— "Miss Cromwell, the weather is simply delightful for early October, don't you think?"
— "Indeed, walking at this time of year is sheer pleasure. Ophelia mentioned that you are not much fond of strolls, Young Lord. I suppose you devote most of your leisure to horses?"
— "Indeed, one of my favourite pastimes. How did you know?" Alex smirked.
— "Young Lord, who is not aware of you and your accomplishments in that sphere?"
— "Ah, thank you, you are most kind. And what do you enjoy in your leisure, Miss Cromwell?"
— "It seems I most enjoy painting."
— "Oh, you are an artist? I have always wondered — is it true that one of the shades of brown is made from human remains? I have heard it spoken of, yet never had the chance to inquire further."
— "Yes, I have heard of that as well. In ancient Egypt, it was practiced from time immemorial. I hope such extreme methods are no longer employed; there are far less grim means to obtain brown pigment."
Lady Carlston noticed that Alex did not take his eyes from Emily, while Ophelia seemed unlike herself, remaining silent. Mrs. Cromwell caught Alex's mother's glance but offered no comment, quietly observing. The two spoke as though acquainted for years, like old friends reunited. Lady Carlston had never seen Alex address a lady one-on-one with such focused and genuine interest.
— "Alex, you must see her paintings! She is a true artist! I have been begging Emily to paint me one day, but she has not yet dared!"
— "I would be delighted to see them! Perhaps one day you will hold an exhibition?"
— "Oh, Young Lord, they are far from good enough for an exhibition."
— "Emily, how can you say that!"
Suddenly Mrs Cromwell voice, quieter, called from behind:
— "Emily, Ophelia, I have a slight headache; shall we head home?"
— "Very well, Mother."
— "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Cromwell," Alex said again, bowing slightly to kiss her hand. Emily blushed, returned a curtsy, and departed home with her mother and companion.
— "Alex, my dear, you knew Miss Cromwell?" his mother asked.
— "What? No, Mother, but I had heard of her from Ophelia. She is quite a pleasant young lady, don't you think?"
Lady Carlston could hardly believe her ears. Not hiding her surprise, she said:
— "I have known the Cromwells for many years, though I am more familiar with their elder daughter, Anna. Ah, what a dear child, all grown up! As for Emily, she seems very reserved. I hardly remember hearing her voice over all these years until today. Rumour has it the Cromwells have lost hope of marrying off the youngest daughter and intend to leave her inheritance to Anna, so that the Nightingales may increase their fortune."
— "Mother, how can that be? It sounds cruel and unfair; Lady Emily does not seem like a hopeless lady."
— "I do not know, my dear, I do not know. In any case, Lady Emily is quite unlike her elder sister. Incidentally, Emily is four years older than you. That may be quite a difference for a man and woman," Lady Carlston hinted delicately.
— "Indeed? I found Miss Cromwell to be very interesting, and I would like to know her better if given the chance."
— "Alex," his mother took him by the arm, "do not rush. By the way, you have not seen Lady Elizabeth in some time. Would you not like to pay her a visit? You looked so splendid together!"
— "Oh, Mother, I did not tell you, but at the ball her mother approached me. I fear it spoiled any desire I might have had."
— "Nonsense, you need not marry her mother."
— "In a sense, Mother, judging by Lady Hammock, it might be so."
His mother pursed her lips in disapproval and withdrew into her thoughts. Alex glanced at her, expecting some objection.
— "Alex, I do not object to your getting to know Emily better. The Cromwell family is well-known and respected. Anna was the finest match of her season, and rightly so! Yet I am not certain Emily could be a suitable match for you. Observe her carefully."
— "Very well, Mother," Alex replied.
— "I hope you have not yet fallen in love with her?"
— "I do not know, Mother. But I can say that no other young lady has stirred my interest as she has today."
His mother frowned and continued their walk in silence.
The next morning, when Alex hurried to breakfast, he was surprised to find both his mother and father at the table. Lately, he had seldom joined them.
— "Good morning!" Alex greeted pleasantly.
For a time, breakfast passed in silence. Lady Carlston broke it first.
— "Alex, my dear, how did you sleep?"
— "Well, the weather favors a sound rest."
— "Would you like to take a walk with me today?"
— "Forgive me, Mother, I would rather spend the morning with the horses."
— "A worthy pursuit," his father joined in. "By the way, your mother mentioned that you seem interested in the Miss Cromwell. Baron is a fine fellow; we studied with him together at Eton…" His father glanced at his displeased wife, then continued: "It is a pity the Cromwells' fortunes are not good at present. In truth, much like our own." He gave Alex a significant look, then cleared his throat.
— "Father, do you wish to say something?"
— "Alex. I hope you remember you have no brothers or sisters?"
— "I believe I do," Alex replied with a sly smile.
— "Your fate as the sole heir is not an easy one. I pray for only one thing — that you may fulfill my role with dignity when I retire."
— "Father, I was raised preparing for this role from the earliest age. Have I done anything to make you doubt my ability to inherit your title?"
— "You are a good boy, Alex. The burden of the first son weighed heavily on your Uncle Daniel. He loved Cecilia dearly, yet your grandfather, may he rest in peace, did not allow him to marry for love. Daniel fulfilled his duty, though he passed away a few years later. I would have wished to spare you the same burden, but God willed otherwise and forced me to inherit these cursed titles. I had hoped to live a very different life…"
Alex noticed both his parents growing somber, lost in thought. He did not dare break the silence; a heavy weight pressed upon him.
— "I must tell you, if you wish the Carlston line to survive and maintain its present standing, know that our finances will not suffice. I have consulted experts in this matter countless times, and all advised the same: mortgage land, invest, acquire… Ha! To risk losing even more while a son and his wife live on? Never! Had we been able to purchase additional estates, or had I not insisted on refusing industrial investments, the situation might have been improved."
— "Father, I know you as a pragmatic man. Please, speak plainly."
— "Alex, I oppose your feelings for Miss Cromwell. She may charm your heart, but her parents will provide no dowry — mark my words, they will not even spend on the wedding."
— "I fear you cannot forbid my feelings, Father," Alex said firmly.
— "You are right. I object only to the potential intention to marry her. Beyond that, I care little. If you wish to suffer as your Uncle did — it is your right. Now, forgive me, I must attend to a treatise."
Alex's father bowed and left the table. Alex clenched his fists, staring straight ahead. Lady Carlston rose as well, approached her son, and placed a hand on his shoulder.
— "My boy, I am sorry that such trials have fallen to you. Your father and I wish you only the best, and we hope that you and your future wife may avoid debts and hardship. I trust you will understand us one day."
Alex's mother departed, and the servants began clearing the table. Alex remained standing, fists clenched, his thoughts consumed entirely by his longing to see Nathan.