Page 106 of Enslaved to the Seduction of a Lady
“Shall we finally retire to the drawing room now?” the Duchess asked. “I wouldn’t mind a little music. Perhaps Teresa would be so kind as to play a little? She’s terribly good, you know?”
“Of course, Mother,” Teresa said. “I’d be delighted.”
Their chairs clattered back, and they made their way to the drawing room, where already glasses of port were laid out and waiting.
Teresa went straight to the grand piano in the corner, and David followed. As her long fingers began to stretch out over the ivory, he gazed lovingly down at her, seemingly unable to take his eyes off her. The sight warmed Alison’s heart, and she hoped to one day experience it for herself.
And hopefully not too far in the future.
“This is such a beautiful song,” the Duchess said, her eyes closed and a smile on her face as she swayed.
“It is,” the Duke said, “and she plays it so well. We are so lucky to have two such talented daughters.”
Lord Denninson cleared his throat and looked pointedly at Luke. Luke closed his eyes briefly, taking a deep breath, then looked up and smiled.
Alison felt oddly on edge all of a sudden, aware that something was about to happen, only she didn’t know what it was.
“Your Grace,” Luke said. “I… I wish to remind you of our conversation yesterday. As you know, I have loved your daughter for many years, and I would dearly love to have her hand in marriage. And so, I am asking the question again. Would you consider accepting me as a suitor for Lady Alison?”
Lady Alison didn’t know whether to grin with delight or cry at his sweet words. Instead, she pushed her lips together and forced herself to stay quiet, turning to look at her father impatiently. She had not known Luke had intended to do that.
The Duke smiled, first at Luke, then at his wife, and then his daughter.
“I was hoping you would ask again, Mr. Jones,” the Duke said. “Had you not, I would have taken you as something of a coward, or at the very best, too easily dissuaded.”
“Mr. Jones,” the Duchess said, her lips in a pout. “May I ask how you propose to support my daughter? As a groom—”
“Please excuse the interruption, Your Grace,” Luke said, his hand held out. “But I am no longer a groom. As of yesterday, I have joined Lord Denninson’s business. Admittedly, I still have a lot to learn—”
“But you are a natural at it,” Lord Denninson added.
“But I aim to make my own way in the business world, and I can promise you that I will do everything I can to protect and love Lady Alison.”
Teresa had stopped playing and was now intently listening. Alison didn’t dare turn to look at her for fear she would squeal with happiness. Instead, she held herself tense and quiet.
“He is also purchasing one of my properties,” Lord Denninson asked. “A townhouse not too far from your own London residence. He can move in straight away, and then repay me later.”
A townhouse?
That was the first Alison had heard of that, also. It seemed Luke had thought of everything.
“It’s a beautiful house,” Luke said, gazing at Alison. “Big enough for a family of at least five or six.”
“Six!” Alison squeaked the word. She hadn’t even thought of one, let alone six. They were not even betrothed yet, let alone married and with child.
The Duchess chuckled. “The idea may seem far-fetched now,” she said, looking lovingly at Alison. “But once you’ve had your first, you will be craving several more.”
“I need to be married first,” Alison said, grinning. She nudged her head in Luke’s direction and raised her eyebrows in question. Her mother couldn’t help but smile. And then she nodded her head, almost imperceptibly at first but with more force.
Alison gasped and looked to her father, who glanced back, and then turned to Luke.
“Mr. Jones, with your clear work ethic, and your brother and the Duke’s promise of guidance and wealth, I can see how you make an excellent suitor for my daughter.”
Alison squealed excitedly, and Teresa dashed back to the seating area, eyes wide. Salsbury held a finger in the air, though. He had not finished.
“I can see—any fool would be able to see—how much you love each other, and that is vital for the happiness of any marriage. But do not count on love alone, Mr. Jones. You have a hard journey ahead of you, but I have faith you will get there.”
“Does that mean—” Alison said. The Duke held his finger up again, but he didn’t take his eyes of Luke.
“Mr. Jones,” he repeated again. “I wish to formally accept your offer of marriage to my daughter, Alison Heymouth.”
