Renewed Hope Chapter 1

“My dear Horis! What did you do?” cried Duchess Charmaine Ingleton in exasperation having got up from her high-backed black leather winged chair. Duchess Charmaine was a relatively tall woman who was not one to argue with. It was March of 1873, and her only son Horis had just walked into the large drawing room after hearing from the butler that his mother had summoned him. “I have just heard the news that you have been riding here and there throughout London with some kind of girl who I am sure without a doubt, is a tart!”
Horis sat in a large high-backed chair on the other side of the room and pondered this prospect for a moment before answering his mother.
“Where on earth did you hear that my dear?”
“Where did I hear that?! I heard it from one of the servant girls who claims it is the latest talk in town. My son, who is this girl you have bestowed your affections on, and who are her parents?”1

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“Mariah? Who was it I saw you riding around town with today?” Was the first thing Mariah’s sister Louise said as soon as Mariah walked into the their bedroom room.
“Why do you ask, sister? Is the whole town speaking of it?” replied Mariah in her carefree way. Mariah was 19 years old, she had long dark glossy ringlets, which became her stunningly and was of the perfect build at the height of 5feet 5inches. Her sister Louise was also of the same hight and build, though she had straight blond hair and was nearly 3 years her sister’s junior.
“Of course the whole town is speaking of it! Why else would I enquire if I had not been asked myself?” cried Louise in utter dismay that her sister was so oblivious to it all. “Who is he anyway?”
“His name is Horis Ingleto-”
“Horis Ingleton?! You were with Viscount Horis Ingleton! Is he courting you, or merely an acquaintance whom you have befriended?” The news that Mariah had been riding around London with none other than Horis Ingleton came as an extreme shock to Louise. Since the girl’s father’s death 4 years ago, neither girl had been permitted to speak of or to any male. Horis was the first male that Mariah had shown interest in, and Horis was the first male who had shown interest in her - at the same time.
“I wonder what Mama will say when I tell her who is interested in her eldest daughter.” Louise stated with curiosity.
“ I honestly don’t know Louise. I shall go and tell her now I suppose.” 3

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“You are interested in Mariah Beenleigh? The eldest daughter of the late Andre Beenleigh? My dear, can you do no better?” Duchess Charmaine stated with concern as soon as Mariah’s name escaped her son’s mouth. “Neither of Miss Beenleigh’s parents were born with, or assumed throughout their lives, any title. You are courting a nobody. You do realise that don’t you son?” Continued the Duchess in awe and disgust.
“My dear mother. She is not a nobody. You knew her name and relations before they even emerged from my mouth! They may not have titles, but they are a respectable family in society. I do not see how or why it is such a difficult concept to grasp.” Horis rubbed his forehead as he said these words, knowing that until his mother had met the beautiful Mariah Beenleigh, he would have not hope in persuading her how admirable his love interest was.
The Duchess thought over her son’s words for a minute as she paced the room before saying cautiously to her son “My dear, I only want the best for you. Will you bring her around for tea tomorrow morning, so I may meet and judge her for myself?”
“Mama, I know you will like her. I shall tell her of your invitation presently, if it is agreeable to you.”
“Yes my son, go.” Said Duchess Charmaine in a soft voice, knowing that she would not be able to persuade her son to look for another woman. He had the same heir of royalty and judgement as his mother, and until then, she had not realised how compassionate he was.