“In a manner of speaking, I do need your help.” Arthur glanced at her. “However, I’m most certainly not asking you to perform this as a duty, as such.”
“You’re talking in riddles, Arthur. You know I don’t like getting confused.”
“My apologies.” Arthur looked down at his hands. Then everything seemed to come out in a rush. “I’m reaching thirty in a couple of years. I’m going to need to settle down soon and have a family. But with the people my family associate with I could never find someone I deemed worthy of being my wife and the mother of my children; until you came along, that is.” He looked up at her, rooting her to the spot with the soft, affectionate expression in his eyes. “I don’t expect you to jump to do anything with me, not with my past, but I wanted you to know that if I had to choose a wife, you would be it.”
Henriette stared. Was he proposing to her? It sounded like a proposal, but Henriette couldn’t be sure. Arthur took advantage of her stunned silence and reached over. He laid a hand over hers, and his soft fingers intertwined with hers, something they had developed as a sign of friendship and affection. Henriette had reciprocated this small act of tenderness on Arthur when he began to get anxious over something, and it managed to calm him down. It was also her way of touching him without becoming inappropriate.
“I’m not good at knowing about love or understanding,” Arthur spoke on, “But what I feel for you I believe could be described as love. It’s been present since you helped me after my fall. The goodness of your heart captured me that day. You could’ve left me in the woods to fend for myself, especially after the way I had treated you. But you didn’t. I think I was love struck from that point on.”
He had been in love with her since then? Henriette felt her breath catch in her throat. She tried to speak, but nothing came out. Swallowing, she tried again.
“You’re in love with me?” She squeaked.
“I know. Shocking, isn’t it?” Arthur locked his fingers with hers and held on. He smiled gently at her. “I’m not the best-suited person to be married to, Henriette. There’s much I still need to change before I can consider myself worthy of anyone, least of all you. But you’ve seen past all my transgressions. You’re good for me, and I know that fully. If I had a chance with you, I’d ask you to marry me.” He sighed. “However, I know you don’t deserve a man like me. Even with my impending title, I fear I fall short of your expectation. You deserve a better man, and I won’t stand in your way. It’s been my intention to let you be aware of my feelings but certainly with no expectation of reciprocation.”
Henriette could only stare as Arthur kissed her hand, withdrew his and stood. Arthur adjusted his coat and gave her a smile, his eyes somewhat sad.
“Goodbye, Henriette. If you ever come to London, I would be very happy if you would do me the honor of allowing me to escort you to some of the sites.”
Henriette stared at his retreating back. Had he really just confessed his love to her? It felt almost surreal. She was utterly and completely overcome with a sense of shock.
Just a moment, did he just say he felt beneath her? And now he was departing? Henriette wasn’t having that. Now she knew how he really felt, she wasn’t going to let him get away.
Standing up and tossing her book onto the table, she hurried across the grass.
“Arthur?”
Arthur stopped and turned. He didn’t move as Henriette slowed to a stop before him, his eyes drifting over her before settling on her face. Henriette took a deep breath and squared her shoulders.
“You are too hasty. Tell me again.”
“Tell you what?”
“Don’t play confused. You know what I’m talking about. I want to be certain you said it.” Henriette lifted her chin towards him as she straightened up, her hands folded in front of her. “Tell me again.”
“You mean about the part when I said I love you?”
“Yes.” Henriette swallowed. “Tell me again.”
Arthur smiled. He sighed and brushed his hand across her jaw.
“I love you, Henriette. I know I’m not right for you but…”
Henriette didn’t let him finish. She had heard all she needed to hear. Grabbing his coat, she pulled Arthur towards her and lifted onto her tiptoes. The kiss wasn’t as exciting as Henriette thought it would be but it still had the desired outcome.
But Arthur wasn’t complaining. He stiffened with a startled noise as Henriette grabbed him, but he didn’t remain stoic for long. His arms slipped around her, pulling Henriette close as he took control of the kiss, tilting his head to one side and soothing Henriette’s sudden movements. Henriette loved how he kissed; he certainly knew how to do that. She allowed him to take charge, holding her against him like she was the most precious thing in the world.
She managed to pull back, even as Arthur followed her trying to capture her lips again, and cupped his cheeks in her hands.
“Does it look like I care?” She asked quietly. She tapped her forefingers against his temples. “I know who’s in there and I know your potential.”
Arthur was looking a little dazed, his mouth slightly swollen from her kisses. He blinked at her in a daze.
“You mean it? You would agree to marry me?”
Henriette smiled.
“Yes, I do. I can see what you can be like. I fell in love with that.” She kissed him gently. “I fell in love with you, Arthur.”
Arthur let out a shuddering sigh and swept her into his arms again, hugging her tightly as he spun in a circle. Setting her down, he kissed firmly, a big smile on his face as he pulled back.
“I thought I was going to walk away empty-handed.”
Henriette grinned.
“Not this time.”
“Never with you will I walk away empty-handed.”
Arthur was still kissing her when Robert and Mary returned, but Henriette barely noticed their presence.
Chapter 10
Approval Already
Received
“Absolutely not,” John said it with such finality. “You are not marrying that girl.”
Arthur barked out a laugh.
“I didn’t realize I was asking for permission.” He said candidly.
John snarled. He was pacing back and forth in the morning room, his anger virtually radiating off his body. Margaret sat on a nearby couch, settled back against the cushions with a glass full to the brim with clear liquid in her hands. John jabbed a finger at Arthur’s face.
“You are my son, and you will do as I say.”
“Getting married to a woman without a title?” Margaret shook her head. “Scandalous.”
Before Arthur would have said nothing. But he had a newfound confidence now, and he wasn’t about to let his parents force their will on him again.
“And what your husband is doing is not scandalous?” He drawled.
John made a threatening step towards him, his face mottled red.
“Don’t talk to your mother like that.”
Arthur didn’t flinch. He wasn’t scared of his father anymore. His blossoming friendship with Henriette had changed him. He could see his father for what he really was, and Arthur wasn’t going to be cowed. He was a grown man, after all; there was no need to be fearful of a tyrant.
After discovering that Henriette loved him in return, Arthur’s confidence was fortified. He had only advised his parents about his impending marriage as a matter of formality; since he was their son and not their heir he certainly didn’t need their permission.
Unbeknownst to Henriette, Arthur had already written to his uncle about her and ask for his permission to marry. The reply had come back that morning, with his uncle’s blessing and congratulations. It was with that Arthur had gone to find Henriette. With her acceptance now he felt his parents deserved to know his intentions.
For them to tell him he was not allowed to marry her was laughable.
Susan was sitting in the window seat, munching on an apple. She gave Arthur a scowl, her disp
leasure about his decision clear as well. Not that it was any of her business; Arthur didn’t see Susan as a significant factor in this seeing as she was his younger sister. Their father had insisted she be here for this discussion. Arthur didn’t think it appropriate but ignored it. One announcement would suffice for the whole family.
“He’s been acting foolish since he met the Smith girl.” Susan accused. “She’s got a spell on you, Arthur.”
“Be quiet, Susan.” Arthur turned back to his father. “Do I have to remind you it’s my uncle’s approval I seek, not yours? I’m his heir, so it’s his approval I want. Informing you of my betrothment is merely a formality. I wasn’t requesting permission; I was apprising you of my intentions.”
“I’m still your father!” John bellowed. His face was going redder. Arthur knew he was causing great discontent by telling his father of what he was going to do, but there was still a part of him that wanted his parents to acknowledge him properly.
It seemed now like there was no hope for a compassionate endorsement. Any decent people would be pleased their only son was marrying a fine and decent woman. Henriette may not be on the same social ladder, but she was Arthur’s true love.
“You’ve done more damage than good, Father.” He sneered. “Nobody would look twice at me with a tainted social inheritance following you two around. I’m fortunate Henriette agreed to my proposal in the first place.”
“She’s just as mad as you are,” Margaret said lazily.
Susan snorted rudely.
“She just wants your inheritance. She can’t tolerate you. Why else would she agree to marriage?”
Arthur wasn’t going to dignify that with an answer. It was her attempt to provoke him into an argument. He was confident in knowing Henriette didn’t want him for his money and the title he was due to inherit; she wanted him for who he was. Arthur wasn’t going to let that pass him by.
His father turned away, a finality in his actions.
“This is the end of the discussion. No marriage to that girl. I forbid it.”
Arthur laughed. He couldn’t help it. His father actually thought he could stop his first child and only son from getting married when he had no control of him whatsoever.
“My apologies, but you are too late. I’ve already written and asked my uncle. I put forward the idea about proposing to Henriette and told him all about her. He gave his approval this morning. I’m his heir, so his thoughts on the matter are significant.”
“WHAT?” His father spun around. He looked like he was going to have a heart attack. “You’re my son, not his. You need my approval, not his.”
Arthur grinned.
“As I said, Father; too late.” He turned and made his way to the door. “And before you tell me you’re throwing me out and disowning me, I had my belongings moved last night while you three were inebriated. All I simply need to do is leave this house. I’ll send a postcard when we’re on holiday.”
And he left the room, leaving behind three people spluttering and in shock.
“And he asked you to marry him?”
Henriette nodded. She was sitting out in the garden with her father. After catching her and Arthur kissing in the garden when they came home, Mary had been shocked that her daughter would do such a thing in public. Robert had urged her into the house, promising to sort it out. Arthur took his leave, leaving Henriette to deal with her father alone.
At least it was just her father and not Mary. While Henriette was sure that things were settled between them with regards to her relationship with Arthur, Mary was easily excitable. Plus, she adored Marcus and had made it clear a few times she expected Henriette to marry the curate.
Henriette had no interest in marrying Marcus. Not when she had a man like Arthur.
“He did, Father.”
Robert sat and watched her closely.
“And what do you want to do?”
“You saw us kissing!”
“I know I saw that, but I want to hear it from your lips what your intentions are.”
At least she had one parent with level headed thinking. Henriette sighed and looked down at her hands in her lap.
“I thought I hated him. He was so rude to me at the beginning. But things changed the more I got to know him, and he worked on improving who he was.” She looked pleadingly at Robert. “What an agreeable man he is now, Father.”
“I know. He’s shown himself several times to be a considerate, respectful young man.” Robert frowned. “Although I was not not impressed with his attitude towards you at the start.”
“Don’t hold that against him, Father.”
“I will if he harms you in any way.”
That gave Henriette some hope. It sounded, to her ears, like her father was giving his approval.
“I know he was awful to me then, but that was then. This is now. Didn’t you tell me once that love is never straightforward?”
“I think I’ve said that more than once.” Robert smiled. “You don’t need to ask for my approval because you’ll always have it. But if he hurts you, he will have me to deal with.”
Henriette nearly jumped up and danced around the garden. Robert was allowing her to get married? She didn’t think she’d ever see the day. She hugged him tightly, feeling her father laughing at her joy.
“Thank you.”
There came the sound of the garden gate being opened. Henriette looked up. Arthur was coming into the garden, his hat and cane in his hand. The sparkle in his eyes and the big smile on his face was a sight she could never tire of.
Kissing her father on the cheek, Henriette ran across the grass, clutching at her skirts to stop them tangling in her legs. Arthur hurried to her, and Henriette launched herself into his arms.
“Father said yes!”
Arthur hugged her, and he spun them round. He put Henriette back on her feet, his arms still around her.
“And my uncle gave his blessing already.” He kissed her soundly. “He is absolutely delighted and gave us his full consent to marry.”
“Already?” Henriette blinked. “You asked him already?”
“I wanted to make sure he knew, so I told him all about you. He’s eager to meet you and see the woman who managed to turn his nephew’s life around.”
Henriette squealed and hugged him.
“Thank you.” She pulled back and grinned. “I pray I can make a good impression on him in person.”
“You’ll make a very good impression.” Arthur sounded very sure of that as he cupped her cheek in his hand. “Just like the one you made on me.”
And then Henriette forgot her father was watching them as Arthur kissed her again.
*** The End ***
Rejecting the
Earl’s Proposal
Regency Romance
Grace Fletcher
Chapter 1
The Runaway
Why, oh why, had Ludlow done it? How could he leave her this way? Charlotte’s feet wavered a little as her mind wandered. Instantly, her Aunt Agatha rapped her on the head with a scale. “Pay attention, Charlotte! How can you possibly dance at the ball if you cannot master these simple steps?”
“I’m sorry aunt,” Charlotte said. “Can we stop for a little bit? It’s been hours since my last break.”
“Certainly not.” Her Aunt said sternly. “You must be perfect tonight. We cannot risk a misstep here or there!”
“I don’t see why ” Charlotte said. “I’ve been to balls before, after all.”
“Ah yes, but none thrown by the Earl of Eaglehook himself! Do you know that Eaglehook Manor is so lavish, it is rumored that the Prince Regent himself prefers to dine there rather than at Buckingham?”
“Will the Prince himself be at the ball, Aunt?”
“Perhaps not.” Her aunt sniffed. “However, the earl will be, along with many a fine gentleman. Which is why you must dance perfectly. I cannot have you shaming the Denbrough family name, can I?”
Just the thought of the ball sent a s
hiver up Charlotte’s spine. Cursing her brother Ludlow for leaving her in such a miserable position, she wondered how she could ever face the men there.
Her thoughts were cut off as her aunt rapped her yet again, this time on the knuckles.
“Hands in position, Charlotte! Oh dear, what am I to do with you!”
As eldest born child to a viscount, Charlotte had doted over her younger brother Ludlow. In fact, she’d helped raise him herself when her mother had passed away at an early age. Faced with a distant father and a doting sister, perhaps Ludlow had turned out a great deal stubborn, some would even say spoilt. Yet he had a good heart underneath those layers of stubbornness, a generous heart that many a friend could attest to.
Charlotte, unlike him, was meek and timid, preferring the company of books to that of interactions with people. She only seemed to flower when around those that she loved, and abhorred small talk of any kind. Perhaps that was the reason why, at one-and-twenty, she was still unmarried. She could see that her aunt had pinned all her hopes of marriage on this ball. Aunt Agatha seemed to think that Charlotte being unmarried was a personal affront.
In any event, Charlotte could not bear to tell her what she already knew. The ball would not be an occasion of good cheer for the Denbrough family; Rather, it would likely be the hour of its doom! For Ludlow, in his impetuous, unthinking way, had done the unthinkable; he’d run away with a woman! Not just any woman, either; this was the Marquis Saddlebrook’s ward. The marquis was infamous for his duels, and the trail of bodies he’d somehow left behind whenever his honor had been tainted. What would he do to Ludlow!
Even now, the echo of his words haunted Charlotte, his handwriting floating in front of her eyes.
“Charlotte my dearest,
I do not mean to cause anyone harm, and with luck, I have disguised my actions well enough so that no one shall know it was I who ran away with Olivia. I have loved Olivia since the very first day I saw her. After her parents had died, she was sent away to be the marquis’ ward, but my heart never forgot it’s love for her.
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