Part 3 – The Rejection

Well, here's a fine how-do-you-do! Into the momentary lull of crowing from all the fine young cockerels vying for the country niece's attention, a dewy-eyed goof named Albion Finch has stepped forward with a correction on his hesitant lips… that he is not here for Miss Marina Thompson… but for Philipa Featherington herself!

As soon as the words are out of his barely shaveable face, you could hear a pin drop as all motion absolutely ceases for a heartbeat. This potent silence is broken by the sharp clap of Lord F's newspaper being chopped shut with a bang. All eyes turn briefly to the source of this unexpected sound but the perpetrator merely stares at young Mr. Finch with slightly alarmed eyes.

Lady F naturally ignores her husband and gives not a thought about what his alarmed look could mean. Instead, she bursts out into rapturous paeans of Philipa's excellent qualities both as a daughter AND a future wife. As this twittering ramps up, both in volume and ridiculousness, Lord F quietly lays down his paper and strides out of the room.

When young Finch is finally released from the maternal yodeling with every hope of his imminent matrimonial happiness and steps out into the hall, he is rather bolloxed to receive a severe chin-jerk from his Lordship that redirects his course to his Lordship's private study. And, there, in no uncertain terms, his Lordship spells it out quite succinctly. Finch's suit is not welcome and his presence is not to be repeated. A curt handshake is all Mr. Finch receives before being shown the front door where he gulps a bit then turns in forlorn rejection to make his way back to the main street.

As the young man slouches away, Lord F watches with trepidation mixed with sorrow. Philipa will never forgive me… and Portia is liable to strangle me with my own stock… but a soppy suitor constantly underfoot is the LAST thing I need right now. Once this gambling operation is over, I'll call on the man to mend my fences. Lord F snorts ruefully. Besides, I know that look, I recognize it from my own courting days. The fellow is besotted and if he's anything like his grandfather, the Right Honourable Earl of Aylesford Gregory Finch-Knightly, he's also stubborn as a mule. If he comes back, despite my order not to, then I'll know he's made of sterner stuff and perhaps up to brooking Portia at every turn.

Now he smiles. Yes, if even a single drop of fierce old Gregory's blood runs in this young man's veins then he WILL return and, as such, I'd best get out my father's copy of 'The Correct Peerage of England, Scotland and Ireland, with the extinct & forfeited peerages of the three kingdoms; a list of their family names, second titles, &c. and a translation of their mottos'. Lord Featherington bends his steps happily towards his library where he spends a very agreeable time researching this upstart Albion Finch from prow to stern, then sits back with a frown.

Rubies? This young fella-me-lad is a mineralogist studying the origin and chemical composition of rubies, travelling to Macedonia and Thailand to find his stones? This would decidedly get Philipa out from underfoot. Portia might not understand the scientific attraction but the idea of a suitor who deals in gemstones would surely have her rooting for Albion to succeed in his courtship. Same with Philipa; I imagine she could feign interest in anything if it gets her a husband.

Out of idle interest, Archie gets out his massive tome on minerals next. He runs a finger down the relevant page, "Ah, here it is. Ruby; a gemstone composed of transparent red corundum (q.v.), a mineral form of aluminum oxide, Al2O3. Its colour varies from deep cochineal to pale rose red, in some cases with a tinge of purple; the most valued is a pigeon-blood red."

He returns to the Peerage to read an esoteric footnote with puzzlement; young Finch is studying ruby fluorescence by using different light sources. Archie claps the book shut with a dusty thump. Light? Through rubies? How odd. As he re-shelves the book, he snorts. These young fellas, always trying to make their mark on the world. Of what possible use would red light be to civilization? Still, it shows he has a scientific mind. I rather hope he does come back so I can interrogate him on his odd passion for ruby light. Having another logical mind in the family will be a most welcome addition.

Hearing a sudden to-do start up in the hall, Lord F decides to spend the next hour or so with his books. Yes, having another man around would be MOST welcome!

END – part 3

*S/P note: ruby light? - lasers*