The Earl, the Lady and the Song of Love by Fanny Finch
Chapter 22
As Nigel sat at the table the next morning, he wished that he had invited Imogen for breakfast instead.
He found that the afternoon seemed too far away. He could not wait to see her again. He was grateful that, despite the threat of a storm, it had only rained a little. He would have hated if the roads had been closed, making it impossible for her to visit.
It had taken a great effort to leave her. Before he met Imogen, he had always discussed business with Mr. Hartford at the gentlemen’s club. It would have been the same the day before, but he had decided to visit their home instead.
It was simply an excuse to see her again. He had known a glimpse would be barely satisfying. Nonetheless, he reckoned it would be just enough to soothe the ache in his heart from missing her so deeply.
When he had seen her standing there, his only wish had been to take her in his arms and hold her, never letting her go.
Perhaps, that was why he had lost his senses when he finally saw her father.
“I would like to seek your blessings. I desire Imogen’s hand in marriage.”
He was barely able to stop himself from blurting these words as soon as he entered the study. In all honesty, he had gone there to discuss business with no thoughts of a marriage proposal. Yet, the moment he walked in the room; it was all he could think about.
He managed to pull himself together long enough to discuss business with the man. After they had finished speaking about the shipments they were expecting to arrive, and looking over the records from the last month’s sales, instead of bidding his farewells, he had looked Mr. Hartford in the eyes like a man and said,
“Mr. Hartford, if you would not mind, there is another matter I wish to discuss with you.”
Mr. Hartford’s brows had raised in question. “Oh?”
Nigel had given a curt nod. “Indeed.”
“I do hope it is nothing serious,” his future father-in-law had said, chuckling softly.
That chuckle had eased some of the tension Nigel could feel building inside of him, but it did not completely remove it.
Managing to smile in return, he had answered, “Well, I guess one can say it is.”
Mr. Hartford had suddenly grown serious then. “You have my full attention. Tell me, what is it?”
Nigel had done many things that had required him to be brave in his lifetime. But that moment? It had been his most courageous of all.
Clearing his throat, he had spoken. “Some time ago, you told me you would like for me to meet your daughter, Miss Hartford. You said she had asked you to choose a man for her, who could potentially become her husband. You also said it was I who came to mind. That you could not think of a better man you would wish to be your son-in-law.”
Mr. Hartford had nodded. “I too remember you saying you considered it an honor that I thought so highly of you.”
Nigel nodded. “Yes.” There was a small pause as he swallowed hard. His stomach had begun to churn, revolting against him. “I know it has only been a short while so this might feel too soon. Nevertheless, I know my heart enough to be sure that it is made up. I have come to grow very fond of Miss Hartford and I do believe we would make a wonderful couple. It is on that note that I now do this.”
Mr. Hartford had waited patiently, doing nothing to interrupt. Encouraged by this, Nigel had continued.
“If you still feel the same as you did all those weeks ago. If you still consider me worthy, then I would like to seek your blessing. I desire Miss Hartford’s hand in marriage.”
For the longest moment, Mr. Hartford said nothing, and Nigel feared the worst. Thankfully, his heart did not stop. He had also been grateful he had done it sitting down. He feared if he had been on his feet, his knees would have failed him.
After what seemed like a decade, the older man suddenly smiled. The corners of his mouth could have reached his ears.
“This is wonderful news! Of course, you have my blessing! Goodness, this is cause for celebration!”
Nigel had finally breathed then, relief flooding him. Even his soul sighed.
Taking his hands, Mr. Hartford shook hard. “Kensington, I did not think it would happen so quickly, but I certainly hoped it would come to this. You have no inkling how happy this makes me.” There was a pause. “You would not happen to have asked Imogen already, would you?”
Nigel had shaken his head. “No. I did not even plan to ask you today. I was going to wait a little while longer.”
Mr. Hartford had chuckled then. “I know what you mean. When it comes to matters of the heart, one barely has control over his own self. It is just as well. I am happy to postpone a celebration until you are ready to ask my daughter.”
It was as though the old man had read his mind, for Nigel realized he was not ready to tell Imogen. Not just yet.
“If you would be willing to do that for me, sir, you shall have my eternal gratitude.”
Once more, Mr. Hartford’s laughter had filled the air. “It is settled then. I will not say a word until you ask her. On my honor.”
And just like that, it had been decided. Yet when Nigel had returned to the drawing room to announce his leave, he had almost blurted out a proposal to her.
He wondered if he would be able to make it through the afternoon without saying a word of it. The truth was, he did not have so much faith in himself.
What was the need to wait, anyway? He loved her. Yes, he was aware she still nursed feelings for Exeter. For him, that was even more reason to go ahead with this.
He would make her his wife, love her with all his heart and as she came to realize how much more she deserved, she would cease to care for the man who had hurt her.
Then, she would be able to return his love and they would live happily ever after.
Nigel was still pleased with himself for the decision he had reached when she arrived in the afternoon.
As always, she was like the morning star, dazzling in beauty.
“Imogen, I hope you will forgive me for making you ride all the way out here, again,” he said as he welcomed her.
Taking his arm, she smiled up at him. “There is nothing to be forgiven. I enjoyed the ride. The weather is utterly agreeable today, thanks to last night’s rain. It is wonderful being out. Not to mention, I get to see your beautiful home again.”
Nigel was happy to hear this. “In that case, I am glad I invited you. I thought we should have tea in the fields. Just like last time. As you said, the weather is agreeable.”
“I would love that,” she chimed in response.
Again, her enthusiasm was music to Nigel’s ears. He led her to the garden where two chairs and a small table had been set for them.
As they arrived, he let go of her arm. Graceful as ever, she took her seat, and he did the same.
“How has your day been?” he asked as one of his servants began to pour the tea.
“Lovely indeed. I was able to get some painting done before starting the journey here.”
Nigel’s brow raised. “Painting? I did not know you paint.”
“Oh, I do. It is more of a hobby. I am not especially gifted.”
Nigel’s lips curved. “Why do I have the feeling that you are being awfully modest?”
She was quick to disagree. “Modest? No. I am simply being truthful lest you set your hopes too high. I would hate for you to be disappointed.”
“You plan to show me some of your paintings, then?”
“If you would like to see them,” she answered swiftly.
He did not miss a beat. “I would love to.”
There was a small pause as she sipped from her cup. He could see the corners of her mouth twitching. When she pulled the cup away, she had managed to mask her smile.
“Very well then. Perhaps, when next you visit, I shall show them to you.”
“I find it cannot wait. Despite your insistence, I cannot help believing that they would be a sight to behold, just like their artist.” He said the last part in a soft whisper, leaning into her so she would hear.
It did not take long for him to realize that their faces were merely inches apart. Time ceased and they remained still, staring at each other.
Eventually, he cleared his throat, breaking the moment. As he pulled away, he worked on collecting his thoughts.
“Will you also show me the one you painted this morning?” he asked.
“If it is ready at the time of your visit. I have been working on it for a while now.”
“What is it?”
She seemed pensive for a moment. “I cannot quite say. It is different this time. I always have a picture in mind before I paint. However, it is as though the brush is leading me this time. I have no inkling what it is I am painting.”
“Surely, the picture is already starting to come together on the canvas.”
She nodded. “Indeed. Another few hours of good work and it will be done.”
“Then surely, you must be able to guess what it is becoming by now.”
Again, she seemed to be in thoughts. “You are right. Now that I think of it, it does seem strangely familiar. Like a ballroom. A scene I have been in before. Yet, I cannot remember any of the balls which I have attended this season being the way I am painting this one.”
It was his turn to think. “Hmm,” he said after a moment. “Perhaps you should wait until it is done. I am certain it will come to you, then. All will be made clear.”
She drank from her cup. “Yes, I believe so as well.” There was a moment’s silence before she spoke again. “And you, my Lord? Apart from playing croquet and cards, what other hobbies have you?”
His eyes lighted up. “Oohh. I love a good horse race. Sometimes, I join the polo games.”
She seemed pleasantly surprised to hear this. Her eyes widened as she laughed.
“Truly? You do?”
He nodded, thrilled to see her eyes twinkling so. “Have you ever been to any of those races?”
“Several! With my father and Lewis, of course. Alicia came along a few times, as well. Now that I think of it, I could have seen you racing on one of those occasions!”
She appeared really excited by the thought.
“You certainly could have.”
“Have you stopped? Racing, I mean?”
“No. Although, I do not have as much time as before. What do you say I let you know of my next match? Will you come?”
“Of course! I will be there to cheer you on. Best believe, I will also put my money on you. It would be wise to do that, would it not?”
The mischief in her eyes told him she was going to tease him irrespective of his answer. So, he decided to humor her.
“I think not. You would be better off placing your money on any of the other racers. I simply do it for the thrill. I never win.”
She broke into gale laughter, and he relished the glorious sound that it was. As she recovered, she said, “Thank you for being so honest. I shall do well to keep that in mind.”
“Yes. That you should.”
They continued to talk, speaking of everything and nothing. Nigel was awfully aware of the night that was fast approaching.
He knew he would have to send her home soon, as much as he hated to see her go. Nevertheless, he found consolation in the thought that shortly this would be her home too. She would never have to leave.
With this thought in mind, he decided that it was the best time to ask her to marry him. Right there, after a wonderful afternoon of fascinating conversation and warm laughter.
“Imogen,” he started, taking her hand. Like he had done with her father, he stared right into her eyes.
It was as though she knew what was coming, for he sensed as she immediately grew nervous.
“Yes?” she asked.
“There is something I wish to say to you.”
She arched her brows, urging him on.
“Yesterday, in your father’s study, it is true we spoke about business. However, we also spoke about you.”
“I do hope he did not tell you embarrassing childhood tales,” she jested. A nervous chuckle broke free from her lips and she withdrew her hand from his to cover her mouth.
As she recovered, she returned the hand to him. Happy, Nigel took it again.
“No. Although, now that you mention it, I believe I will be asking for them on my next visit.”
“Please do not. They will all be lies, anyway. I happen to have had a perfect childhood.”
“I am certain. All the more reason to hear of it, do you not reckon?”
She gave him the side eye and he chuckled, smitten by how adorable she looked.
“What did you discuss then? If it was not how I fell trying to ride a pony when I was six?”
His eyes widened at that piece of information and he carefully tucked it away, deciding to return to it at a later time. “Well, since you are so eager to know, I shall tell you. I asked for his blessing.”
Nigel’s heart stilled as he waited for her reaction.
“His blessing?” she asked.
This is it. Once I utter these next words. There is no going back.
Summoning what was left of his courage, Nigel nodded.
“His blessing to marry you.