The Arrangement

Diana exhaled, then opened the door. Her mother was still in bed, her frame small and fragile. “Good afternoon, Mama.” Diana tenderly sat on her mother’s bed and smoothed her hair from her mobcap. “Are you feeling better?”

Her mother had been up late. Having overheard some of the conversation between Diana and the Earl of Barrington, she had assumed they were selling the estate and had begun packing. Why, Diana wasn’t sure. However, the exertion had taxed her already fragile mother and she hadn’t risen from bed this morning.

“No,” Diana replied, then forced a smile. “It’s actually better than that.” Patting her mother’s hand, she continued. “I’m to marry the Earl of Barrington and he will, in turn, provide for our entire family. Our estate is safe, your daughters will have dowries, and you can stay here, in your home, Mama.” Diana’s lips stretched into a real smile, happy in the knowledge that her family would be safe, provided for, and in their beloved home. It was worth it.

Diana knew her mother was connecting the information in her mind, and before she could disapprove Diana changed the subject, hoping her mother’s fatigue would win over her awareness. “How about some tea? Do you wish for some breakfast? I know we have some biscuits as well.”

Because she would be giving her family exactly what they needed. And maybe it wouldn’t be as bad as she feared: freedom was exactly what the Earl of Barrington was offering her, and that was an enticing compromise. He wasn’t expecting her love, and she wasn’t willing to give it.

A marriage of convenience. It was a fair bargain. At least, fair enough. As she closed the door to her mother’s room, she sent her sister Tully to bring their mother tea.

She thought back to his earlier letter, and decided it was only proper to return the gesture. He’d written of his expectations, and it was only fair she outline her own. From the beginning, he needed to understand he wasn’t marrying an English Wallflower; no, she was made of far studier stuff, and wasn’t about to back down. She had expectations of her own. So it was with a bit of a saucy grin, and more than a little cheek, she started her own letter. Let him know now just whom he was dealing with.

Lord Barrington,

Thank you for your letter. It was very clear, concise, and outlined the needed particulars. And, in following your fashion, I felt it was necessary I return the sentiment and give my own specifications.

First, I wish for all the particulars to be in writing, from a solicitor, delivered to my estate the week after we are married.

Second, I request immediate relief for my family’s current needs, and I would kindly ask for you to assist them.

Third, in reference to your more private requirements, I agree.

My local vicar should be able to assist you with the common license, and you can expect that this weekend will be a good date for the marriage to take place. I hope these particulars will suffice.

Sincerely,

Miss Lambson

A sense of power filled her spirit at being able to dictate her own needs in the situation. Maybe it wasn’t as hopeless as she thought. To have control of one’s destiny was an important aspect of life, and she cherished the sensation. As she sent off the missive, she felt lighter, as if an entire weight—in truth, the weight of the entire estate—was lifted from her shoulders. Her family was safe, cared for, and she’d have the power to assist wherever necessary.

She was giving up the option of ever falling in love, but such was the cost for freedom. For certainly, if she were in love, freedom would be compromised, and in this situation it was the smallest threat.

Because it was truly impossible to think of falling in love with the Earl of Barrington. She would be content to find a way to simply like the man. Certainly that wasn’t asking too much?