The Earl, the Lady and the Song of Love by Fanny Finch
Chapter 5
They met again after that day. Twice.
He sent her a letter the first time, inviting her for a walk in the park. Imogen considered asking Alicia to come, but decided against it as soon as the thought crossed her mind.
She found that she could no longer trust her best friend.
It was quite unfortunate that it took a gentleman whom she had only just met to sow the seed of distrust, but it was what it was.
Instead, she took Elena along with her. It was a lovely afternoon. They spent the entire time walking and talking—well, Lord Exeter did most of the speaking.
As much as Imogen cared for him, it was taking a while to get rid of her shyness where he was concerned. She supposed the feelings she bore for him was all the more reason for the difficulty.
Nevertheless, she had relished every minute of the moments they shared together.
They had enjoyed being in each other’s company so much that they did not realize how much time had gone by until the sun began to set.
Reluctantly, they had said their farewells and parted ways.
The next time they met was at a ball. Alicia was occupied with another gentleman who would not stop trying to attract her attention and that afforded Imogen more time alone with the baron.
Their friendship continued to grow, and Imogen hoped, into something more.
Her dreams began to come true a few days later when Lord Exeter called at her home again.
This time, she was with Lewis in the drawing room, as Mr. Ramson informed them of the baron’s presence, but explained that the baron had asked to see her father first.
As Imogen waited for his arrival, she tried her best to keep calm.
“What do you reckon they are talking about at this very moment?”
Lewis rolled his eyes as he sighed for the umpteenth time. Imogen knew her brother had grown weary. She would not stop asking him questions ever since Mr. Ramson broke the news.
“I would not know, Imogen. I am right here with you. Father’s study is all the way across the hall.”
She chewed her fingers mindlessly. It was a terrible habit she had had as a child. Her governess had tried to scold it out of her, but it always returned when she felt terribly nervous.
“You should have let me go. I would have been able to eavesdrop quietly.”
“No. That would be rude. We will know what they discussed. If Exeter does not tell us, Father will.”
“Yes, I suppose you are right.”
Lewis eyed her then. “You are doing it again.”
“What?” she asked innocently.
“Chewing your nails. Do you think Exeter will be impressed knowing that you cannot keep your teeth off them?”
She immediately dropped her hand, hiding it away.
Lewis’ lips tilted in a smirk, and she fought the urge to smack his head.
“Do you think he will ask for my hand in marriage?” she asked again after a minute’s silence.
“He would have to first ask to court you. One must come before the other.”
“Oh dear . . . what if he is doing that right at this moment? Goodness! I do not think my heart can take it. Oh! I do hope Father says yes.”
“You like him that much?” Lewis asked, his face covered in a frown.
Imogen nodded. “Yes. You do not?”
“I do not know enough about him not to. Just as you do not know enough about him to . . .” He looked like he was going to say more but he stopped abruptly, turning to the door.
Imogen followed his gaze and there he was, Lord Exeter, looking as handsome as ever.
She did not think that she could ever grow accustomed to seeing him. Her heart would always tremble. If it did not, her belly would churn from excitement.
She almost jumped to her feet. “Lord Exeter!”
He stepped into the drawing room then. “Miss Hartford, it is wonderful to see you again.”
She bobbed her head. “Likewise!”
“Mr. Hartford,” he nodded, turning to her brother.
Lewis only rose then, although, he appeared as though he would rather not have. He took the hand Lord Exeter extended, shaking it firmly.
“Lord Exeter,” he greeted as well.
“We meet again. I suppose we would be meeting even more often now that I have gotten your father’s permission to court your lovely sister.”
Imogen stilled. Had she heard right? It was indeed, just as she had thought. Just as she had hoped for.
Heavens!
Lewis did not appear to be the least bit surprised. She supposed he must have known.
And he acted as though he was just as clueless!
“Oh, did you now?” Lewis asked, his face stony.
Lord Exeter nodded. “I believe it is only right to seek your blessings as well. I have a sister too, although older and married with her own children. I do know of a brother’s love. It is why I cannot ask for you to give it freely—your blessing, that is. Nevertheless, I hope with time, you will come to trust that I will care for and cherish your sister with all my heart.”
Imogen had never been so touched. How could Lewis not like the baron? How could he not see how besotted the baron was?
She would make him see it. By God, she would.
Lewis simply nodded as he ended the handshake and withdrew his hand. “Time will tell. I suppose congratulations are in order?”
Lord Exeter beamed. “That is correct. I believe this calls for celebration. I was hoping Miss Hartford would be willing to go to the tearoom with me. You are welcome to come along, Mr. Hartford. She would be needing a chaperone after all and it shall give us needed time to . . . bond.”
Lewis smiled. “You have sought my father’s permission and my blessing, but you have yet to ask the very lady you wish to court. Am I to take it you do not care for her thoughts on a matter which directly concerns her?”
Imogen’s heart faltered. She had assumed a truce had been called but it appeared that was not the case. In truth, Lewis made reason when one considered his words carefully.
Of course, her answer was yes, but she would like to be asked, nonetheless. It was only right, was it not?
It must have been an oversight on Lord Exeter’s part.
She was only worried that it had further reduced his chances of gaining Lewis’ acceptance.
Thankfully, Lord Exeter handled it gracefully. Smile never faltering, he quickly apologized.
“Please, pardon my manners. I was simply too overcome by excitement.” He turned to her. “Miss Hartford, I beg your forgiveness. You must know, it is your answer that counts the most to me. What do you say? Will you allow me to court you?”
It was certain now, she thought—the dreams she continued to have ever since that first night, they were all going to come true.
This was only the beginning.
Heart thudding heavily in her chest, she nodded. “Yes. I believe I would love that. Very much!”
He heaved a sigh and she smiled as she saw relief wash over him.
“Once again, you honor me. I will never forget this, neither will I take it for granted. You have my word,” he promised.
It was all that Imogen needed.
***
Half an hour later, they arrived at the tearoom. Lord Exeter stopped to say hello to a friend while Lewis and Imogen found a table at which.
As they did, Lewis spoke. “You have stars in your eyes. You make it too easy for him.”
Imogen’s brow furrowed in a frown. “As opposed to?”
“You should have told him you would need some time to think it through.”
“Whyever? My answer will remain the same.”
“Precisely,” he answered simply.
Imogen shook her head. “I do not understand. There is no use pretending to be uncertain when you are not. I am glad I said yes already. It is foolish to wait any longer when I want to be with him as much as he wants to be with me.”
The baron stopped speaking with his friend and began to walk towards them, so she immediately changed the subject.
“It is quite warm today. It is the perfect weather for a walk in the park.”
“Or the fields,” Lord Exeter said as he joined them.
Soon enough, they were served tea.
“So, how is it, being the Baron of Exeter,” Lewis began as they started to drink.
Lord Wilkins nodded. “Well, the title has been in my family for six generations. I have been groomed for it all my life, so it feels completely natural to me.”
“Your father has passed away?” Lewis asked.
He nodded. “My mother as well. The only family I have left is my sister.”
“Who happens to have a family of her own,” Lewis pointed out.
The baron nodded. “Precisely.”
“It must be lonely . . .” Imogen said, joining the conversation. “Being all alone.”
Lord Exeter was ever amiable. He still had the grace to smile ever so brightly, bless his soul.
Nodding again, he answered. “On some days. Others, not so much. When I am out with friends like this, I tend to forget I have almost no one to call my own.”
Her heart went out to him.
That will end soon. You have me now. We are going to be a family and we will fill our home with lots of children. You will never be alone again.
“How did you lose them, your parents?” Lewis asked.
Imogen couldn’t help feeling offended. “That is hardly a conversation to be had over tea, is it? We have gone far enough as it is,” she scolded.
Lewis immediately looked sorry and this pleased her. Lord Wilkins appeared not to mind, though.
“Oh, it is fine, Miss. Hartford. It has been such a long time ago; it does not hurt as much anymore. I lost my mother first to a terrible illness. I was only twelve then. We were all shaken by the loss, but my sister made certain we did not feel it too much. She stepped into the shoes Mother had left empty, and she filled them quite well.”
He paused as he took another sip. “My Father, I lost when I was eighteen. It was a carriage accident during a wicked storm. It has been seven years.”
Imogen remembered losing her mother like it had only happened the day before. The memory was still fresh in her mind, the pain, ever searing her heart. It had been a difficult time for her family. They had all loved her mother dearly and had mourned her death just as deeply.
Nevertheless, they had had each other. Her father had been strong for them both, putting on a brave face. Many nights, though, she heard him cry alone in his chamber when he thought the world was asleep.
Lewis had become even more protective of her, barely leaving her side. They had comforted one another, drawn strength and given as well. The first year had been tough to get through but they had, altogether.
She could not imagine experiencing it again. She could not dare think the thought.
“You are a strong man, Lord Exeter. To still find the strength to smile and be so cheerful despite the hand that fate has dealt you. We too lost our mother,” Imogen shared. “Four years ago. It was the darkest time of our lives. I cannot conceive going through that pain again.”
“I am so sorry. I guessed but I was not certain, and I thought it would be too rude to ask so soon.”
Imogen shook her head. “It is fine. Entirely so.”
“Was it an illness?” the baron asked hesitantly.
It was Lewis who answered. “Yes. We sought the help of many physicians but none of them could heal her.”
There was a moment’s silence. Imogen understood it was in honor of the dearly departed.
“I am certain she is in a good place now,” Lord Exeter said as the moment passed.
Imogen nodded. “It is the thought that comforts us. I believe the same for your parents.”
His voice was thick with emotions when he responded. “Thank you.”
They soon went on to speak about a host of other things, leaving the dreariness behind. The season, business, and several interests such as science, music, and art.
As evening began to set, Lewis declared that it was time to return home.
“I had such a wonderful time, Miss Hartford. As always, I look forward to seeing you again,” the baron said as they stepped outside the tearoom.
Imogen wished they never had to say goodbye, but she knew it was only a matter of time until those days would come. So, she said simply, “As do I.”
He looked at her brother. “Mr. Hartford, I must thank you for giving us some of your time. As heir to your father’s business and all that he owns, I understand that you are a very busy man.”
Lewis managed to offer a warm smile in return. “I would do anything for Imogen. She is the most important thing in this life to me.”
Once again, Lord Exeter beamed. “As she should be. I bid you a good day.”
“You too, Lord Exeter.”
His gaze returned to Imogen. He took her hands for a feather-like kiss.
“Until we meet again.”
It was only a light brush, but it made her tremble, nonetheless.
“Yes,” she said simply, not trusting herself to speak further.
The ride back home was quiet, and it afforded her the chance to think only thoughts of the baron.
She wondered when she would see him again, how long she would have to wait for a proposal.
Now that she knew of his family and the fate he had suffered, she was even more endeared to him.
She was so lost in thought that she did not realize when the carriage stopped as they arrived home.
“Imogen!” her brother called out to her, snapping her out of her daydreams.
“Yes?”
“We are home.”
“Oh.”
With his help, she got down from the carriage and the silence continued, following them until they reached the stairway that led to the second floor where their chambers laid.
As she began her ascent, Lewis held her arm softly, stopping her.
“You really should be careful, Imogen. There is something about Baron Exeter that I cannot shake off. He does not seem genuine. He is not to be trusted so easily.”
If she did not hear the clear concern in his voice, she would have been offended. Instead, she was simply touched.
She gave in to the urge to roll her eyes as she sighed.
“You would not trust anyone around me. You do not think anyone is good enough for me. You never have. I understand your concern, truly, I do. However, you must understand that I am no longer a child. I am capable of making my own decisions now.”
“Imogen, it is not . . .”
She lifted her free hand in the air, stopping him. “Let me finish. You have always been protective of me. From the moment I was born. However, it grew worse after Mother died. You became overprotective. I understand that you love me dearly and you do not want to lose me. You are afraid, I know, but you cannot continue to keep me by your side. I shall have to marry someday, Lewis. If not for anything, so that you will finally get to live your own life.”
“I do not understand your meaning.”
“Of course, you do not. You are twenty-four years old. Yet, I have never seen you moon over a girl, or speak fondly of anyone. At some point, you will have to let yourself fall in love as well, start a family of your own. I am afraid you will never do that as long as you have me to worry about.”
“But I am your brother, it is my duty to worry.”
“Which is precisely why you must let me find a husband. Once I marry, it becomes his duty and worrying over your wife becomes yours.”
“I will always worry over you,” he grumbled.
Imogen smiled as she patted his cheeks softly. “I know, and I will always love you.”
There was a moment’s silence as he closed his eyes, rubbing his cheek against her palm. When he opened them, he said,
“It is not that I do not want to let you go. It is that I do not want to see you hurt. I cannot help feeling Lord Exeter is hiding something, but I could be wrong. He simply seems too perfect, as though he is trying too hard to come across as a good man.”
Imogen chuckled then. “You already made it clear that you do not like him, Lewis. You can hardly fault the gentleman for going out of his way now, can you? Give him a chance, dear brother. Please. For me?”
Lewis heaved a sigh. She knew then that she had won him over.
“You know I cannot deny you a thing. Very well, a chance. It is all that I am willing to give. It is all that he is going to get.”
Imogen smiled at him, aware that they had reached an understanding.
“It is more than enough.”