Page 108 of A Torn Allegiance
“What?” Elsie leaned forward.
“Certainly, at the beginning, I had a small concern. One of my assignments from the secretary of war and the Colonies offices is to keep an eye on all foreign dignitaries that enter the country. You are considered a low threat, but we wanted to do our due diligence. None of our men were available, so I asked Elsie. I suspected you were a good man. I would never have asked Elsie to do such a thing otherwise.”
Elsie sat back in a confused huff. “So you didn’t even need me?”
His eyes held an apology, but then he shook his head. He held up a hand. “I must amend my comment. We did need you, but not for as long as you thought.”
She considered him for a moment more. “I suspect we all allowed it to go on for longer than necessary.”
Her father grinned at Hayes. “You were just so blasted friendly.”
Elsie choked in surprise.
“And a good man. And I could tell Elsie was developing a tendre for you.”
And now Elsie wished not to be in the room any longer, her mortification complete.
“But then you would surprise us and spend time with Lamoreaux, which would spur a slight unease and a curiosity and, honestly, another excuse for the two of you to be together.”
Elsie shook her head, unsure if she should be irritated or grateful.
“And at the races?” Hayes asked.
Elsie’s eyes darted to her father.
He dipped his head. “At the races, I was being ruled by pride and disappointment. And that whole flag incident hit me in just the wrong way.” He hung his head. “There aren’t very many times in my later years when I can remember playing a victim to my vices like that, but Napoleon’s flag flying into the air while Lamoreaux appeared to have won just tore at me.” He shook his head. “I know you are fighting him just as we are. You didn’t deserve what I said, and I wouldn’t be at all surprised if you were to leave with my precious daughter and never see any of us again.”
“Father.” Elsie’s heart tightened.
Hayes reached his hand out to her.
When their fingers again laced together, she knew they would be all right. She would stand beside Hayes for the rest of her days, and that knowledge reassured her more than anything else could.
“Your Grace, it is an odd sort of situation to be in, isn’t it?” Hayes surprised Elsie by laughing. “Quite odd. But providential as well, I submit.”
Her father nodded. “I would agree with that, certainly.”
“There is nothing to forgive. Let us consider it in the past.”
Her father poured two cups of brandy, and they raised glasses together. “In the past.” Then they drank.
No one offered her any. No one looked in her direction. Had they forgotten she was there?
But then Hayes turned his clear and happy eyes in her direction. “And now, Your Grace, I have asked Elsie for her hand in marriage, and she has made me the happiest man by accepting. I plan to love and cherish her every day hereafter. Might I have your permission to make her my wife and the future Queen of Oldenburg?”
Elsie was astounded again as her father dabbed at his eyes. “Father?”
He waved her to come closer and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I am so happy for you. Is this the man of your choosing, then?”
She nodded as quickly as she could. “Yes, he is.”
“Then, I give my whole permission. I could never have chosen a better man had I attempted such a thing myself, heaven help me.”
Elsie laughed and shared such a look of love with Hayes that she thought to be swallowed up in their joy. Her father rang the bell. When the servant arrived, he said, “Send for the duchess.”
Elsie’s mother stepped around the corner shortly thereafter. “I’m here.”
“Come, darling. You must participate in this happiness.”
