The Taming of Ryder Cavanaugh (Cynster #20) - Stephanie Laurens Page 0,64
other lady would ever have the chance of being his chosen marchioness. Of being able to deal with him, to treat with him, with that specific advantage.
Fate might have cut short their courting, but she was now where she was, the notice in the Gazette made her position irrevocable, and forward was her only possible direction.
Which meant she needed to learn more, much more, about Ryder—and in short order. She might never be able to control him, yet regardless she needed to start looking deeper, focusing more on him, on what was important to him, on what drove him.
He’d enjoyed the previous evening—they all had—but he in particular, albeit it subtly, had encouraged and facilitated; she’d sensed he’d been deeply content with how the evening had gone. It had been after nine o’clock before, noting a certain tension about his eyes and guessing his strength was flagging, she had, also subtly, called an end to the gathering. Everyone had departed in a rowdy group, all delighted with their new connections; Mary had left with Henrietta and James but had made sure to alert Pemberly and Collier to ensure they stood ready to help their master up the great stairs to his bed.
At least he wasn’t of that nonsensical type of male who wouldn’t let those close to him physically assist him.
Lips curving, she refocused on the announcement. She’d enjoyed her first taste of being his marchioness and knew he’d appreciated and approved of her skills.
It was a minor success, but it had been a start. Indeed, the events of yesterday had given her significant insights into her husband-to-be’s life, and left her with questions she needed to further explore.
She was mentally listing said questions—what the situation between him and his stepmother truly was topped the list—when the door opened and Henrietta walked in.
“There you are.” Seeing the Gazette in Mary’s hands, Henrietta grinned. “Still amazed at your fate?”
Mary swiveled to face her sister as Henrietta tugged an armchair closer and sat. “You have to admit that, given my requirements regarding my hero, Ryder isn’t a candidate anyone would have nominated.”
Tipping her head, Henrietta regarded her. “Actually . . . I would have to disagree. Quite aside from what I observed last night, I know Mama’s pleased. She thinks he’s perfect for you and you and he will do very well together, and I gather the others—Honoria, Patience, and Alathea, as well as the grandes dames, Aunt Helena, Aunt Horatia, and Lady Osbaldestone included—all think the match well nigh perfect on all sides.”
“Hmm.” Mary had been curious as to how others would see it. “Still, he’s rather . . . I suppose one might say ‘more than I bargained for.’ ”
Henrietta’s smile flashed. “Possibly, but he does seem utterly intent on sweeping you off your feet and into marriage.”
“Indeed. But it’s the ‘love and wedded bliss’ part of our equation I’m unsure about.”
“Ah, but that’s why you’re perfect for him.”
Mary frowned. “That’s what I don’t understand—why is everyone so sure of that?”
For half a minute, Henrietta regarded her as if wondering if she was jesting or not, then, as if puzzled herself, said, “You know—well, I know you know because we all often tell you so—that you’re the bossiest female ever to walk the ton’s ballroom floors.”
Still puzzled, Mary returned Henrietta’s gaze steadily. “Of course I know that. Quite aside from all your complaints, it’s not as if I don’t behave so deliberately.”
“Exactly!” Henrietta sat back with a wave. “There you are then.” When Mary continued to look blank, Henrietta spread her arms. “Don’t you see? On the list of gentlemen of the ton who need to be bossed, Ryder Cavanaugh ranks supreme—indeed, well out of range of any others. More than any other, he’s the one who needs a lady like you—one with the right nature to counter his—to take him in hand.”
“Ah.” Suddenly, Mary saw it. “That’s why the grandes dames are so thrilled.”
The look Henrietta cast her clearly said, Well, of course!
The sound of footsteps in the corridor preceded the opening of the door. Louise walked in, saw them, and smiled. “Perfect. I need to speak with you both.”
Closing the door, Louise crossed the parlor and sank onto the cushions alongside Mary. “We have the flowers for the wedding to finalize today, but before we head off on that errand, we need to discuss when to hold yours and Ryder’s engagement dinner and ball.”
Mary blinked. “I have to admit I hadn’t yet thought of it.”