Page 80 of A Duke Reformed
Howard's smile dropped in an instant. "It's not?" he asked, tilting his head sideways. That's disappointing, Your Grace. I assure you, my current business endeavors will yield massive profit. All that it needs is some faith and good investors." He cleared his throat and sat up. "But if it's not business, then what brings you here, Your Grace?"
"Your daughter," Solomon answered simply. "It appears she has captured something of mine, and I would like to negotiate the terms of custody."
Howard's eyes widened in shock, his eyebrows shooting up as he leaned forward in his chair. "Taken something of yours?Who? Emma? Cecilia? Or... Dorothy? Who would dare do such a thing?"
Solomon drew in a dramatic breath. "I'm afraid it's Emma, Lord Lockhart."
"Preposterous!" Howard exasperated. "I know my daughter quite well. I'm... I am sure this is all just some misunderstanding."
"I'm afraid it is not," he answered. "Emma has stolen my heart, and while I do not wish to get it back, I would like something in return. Her hand in marriage."
Howard's confusion deepened as he sat back, the shock evident in his eyes. He blinked a few times, trying to make sense of Solomon's words. "Her hand in marriage?" he repeated slowly, skeptical. "You... you are serious?"
Solomon gave a small nod, as his expression turned solemn. "I am, sir. I am in love with Emma, and I would be honored to have her as my wife. I am here to seek your permission to make her my own."
Howard simply stared at him, seemingly processing his words. He sat back, rubbing scratching his side burns. "Deep down, I knew this day would come even though I tried so hard not to hope for it," he said finally and leaned forward. "It's been one too many seasons. At some point, it was best to just... stop hoping that she would finally be bold enough to go after something... someone."
Howard let out a breathy laugh and shook his head. "Emma is... the bond that holds this family together. Emma is..." he paused then turned to Solomon with a puzzled look on his face. "Emma? Why Emma? How did you – Where did you... I know my daughter, and I know how fiercely she guards her heart. Why are you seeking her hand in marriage?"
Solomon smiled. "It wasn't a sudden whim or a passing fancy, Lord Lockhart. When I first met Emma, I had no intention of falling in love. But somehow, she became the center of everything. My everything. I will chip away at the walls of her heart, if she would let me, and camp there, like she has built a camp in my heart."
Howard sat back again. "I... I must admit, I wasn't expecting this," Howard finally said. "I know this might not be conventional, but I need to call Emma in here. You don't understand, Your Grace, my daughter can be quite stubborn about her heart. She might try to hide it, but I know. So, she will tell me if this is what she wants, before I give you my blessing."
Solomon nodded. "That is more than fair, Lord Lockhart. I understand completely."
Howard gave a stiff nod before gesturing for the butler to fetch Emma. A few moments later, the door opened. Solomon stood still as Emma entered the room. His breath caught in his chest. She looked every bit as beautiful as ever.
For the first time in his life, Solomon felt nervous. His confident, commanding demeanor faltered ever so slightly. He had facedbattles, losses, and challenges, yet none of it had ever affected him like this. The thought of Emma rejecting him flash through his mind and it terrified him.
She didn't even acknowledge him right away, her focus was solely on her father. But he couldn't help but watch her, soaking in every movement of hers.
"Take a seat, Emma," Howard said to her, leading her to sit by his side, facing Solomon. "I believe there are matters here we need to discuss with you present."
When Howard spoke to her, she nodded without answering immediately, her gaze still on the floor. It was as though she was shy all of a sudden.
His pulse quickened, and despite himself, he reached up to adjust his collar, a nervous tic he hadn't indulged in years. Emma's eyes flickered to him, and their eyes locked for a split second. In that moment, everything around him seemed to fade away. The uncertainty that had gripped him only moments before melted into something far more certain. The fleeting doubt vanished in the depths of her gaze, and in that instant, Solomon knew he had nothing to worry about.
"Emma, the duke is here to ask for your hand in marriage. Now, I'm not privy not anything that might have transpired between you two, at balls or functions, so I need your input here."
Emma sat there, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. She inhaled deeply, and then met Solomon's gaze again, unwaveringthis time. "Papa," she began to say. "I love the duke. I have loved him for quite some time now."
The room seemed to exhale in that moment and so did Solomon. Solomon, who had been watching her intently, smiled, a soft and tender smile that reached his eyes.
Howard regarded them both, his gaze lingering on Emma for a moment before he turned his attention to Solomon. "Well then," he said with a deep sigh, a reluctant but genuine smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "I suppose I have no reason to stand in the way of love. Trust me, I know better. It's just... surprising, that is all. Pleasant, but surprising. I cannot seem to imagine the house without Emma in it."
Emma and her father exchanged glances for a moment. "I give you my blessing, Your Grace," he finally said. "You needn't worry about Emma's dowry. I know we have somewhat of a rumor about our finances right now, but it will be paid, of course. I would not send my daughter into marriage without the dignity of her portion."
Solomon raised a hand gently. "Thank you, Lord Lockhart, but that won't be necessary. Whatever sum has been set aside for her, let her keep it. Use it however she sees fit. Invest it, give it away, or spend it on books if she likes. I do not want a penny from her. I want Emma. That is all."
Howard gave him a long look. "Very well," he said. "You're an unusual man, Your Grace."
Solomon smiled. "Lord Lockhart, if you don't mind, may I have a moment alone with my fiancée please?"
"Of course," he said, standing to his feet.
"I'll take him around the garden, Papa," Emma said, standing up too. "We won't be staying here."
Solomon rose as she did, offering a short bow to Howard before following Emma out of the morning room and into the hallway. The moment the door shut behind them, the air shifted. It was like stepping out of something weighty and into something light.
