The Pursuit Of Marriage by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online

ways.”
    “But Miss Effington—”
    “It is pointless to pursue the matter.” Reggie ignored a sharp stab of regret. “She shall go her way, and I shall go mine. If in the future our paths cross again, I shall be polite. Nothing more.”
    Marcus studied him thoughtfully, then nodded. “I must admit I’m impressed.”
    “Why?”
    “Regardless of the dim-witted nature of your original plan, you are obviously indeed determined to change. It’s most admirable.” Marcus clapped him on the back. “The least I can do is lend my ongoing assistance beyond what I have already accomplished, unless, of course, you’d prefer to continue along this path. Another duel, perhaps?”
    “I think not, but I do appreciate the offer.”
    Marcus grinned modestly. “One does what one can for one’s friends.”
    They could make light of it, but, for as long as Reggie could remember, Marcus had been his closest friend. Indeed, they were as close as brothers. Neither had ever let the other down, and neither ever would.
    Yet with Marcus’s marriage last year, there had been a subtle change in their relationship. Not that Reggie felt he had lost a friend. No, if anything, he had gained one in Marcus’s wife, Gwen. It was another irony that Marcus, who had never especially looked for love, had found it, spent much of his life falling in and, unfortunately, out of love, had yet to find anything that could be called true or lasting or, for that matter, even a woman who would return his affection. The right woman. Perhaps he should lower his standards.
    Perhaps he should give up the idea of love in a marriage and simply look for a suitable wife. There were any number of prospects. Marcus was right; Reggie was considered an excellent match. Still, there was something that struck him as vaguely unsavory about the idea of marriage for the sake of marriage alone, without a semblance of affection or, better yet, love. He wanted what he had seen in the happy marriage of his parents. His father had been gone for nearly a dozen years now, yet Reggie could still remember the relationship his parents had shared. The secret smiles, the private glances, the obvious affection, and the devastating sorrow his mother had endured upon his father’s death. He wanted what his friends had. Marcus and his wife had not started out on the best of terms. Indeed, their nuptials had been predicated on the threat of financial disaster, but love had swiftly followed. Or his friend the Marquess of Helmsley, who had had no intention of marrying at all but had originally been trying to find a suitable match elsewhere for the lady who ultimately claimed his heart. Was happiness in marriage so much to ask for?
    Perhaps it was, at least for him. Perhaps he should simply content himself with what was achievable. Certainly he could make a suitable match this very season. He could have his pick of eligible young ladies, and affection, possibly even love, might come with time.
    “Forgive me for interrupting your contemplation,” Marcus said, “but where precisely are we going?”
    “Where?” Reggie pulled up short and looked around. They had reached the road. He hadn’t even noticed. “I grant you it might well take a lengthy, meandering walk across the countryside to resolve the various quandaries of your life, but I suspect it cannot be accomplished in a mere morning.” Marcus studied him thoughtfully. “I must admit I find these rare introspective moments of yours most unnerving. It is not in your nature.”
    “My apologies,” Reggie said wryly.
    “Think nothing of it.” Marcus shrugged in an overly gracious manner, then sobered. “I wish you would see yourself as others see you, old friend. You never have, you know.”
    Reggie considered the earl for a long moment. Marcus knew him better than anyone but on this he was mistaken. Reggie had a very realistic view of who and what he was. He had a fine title, a nice fortune, and he was not unattractive. But when