Page 123 of The Secret Love of a Gentleman
Drew shut the door behind them. ‘How may I help?’
‘I asked Caro to marry me. I thought it polite to ask for your agreement.’
Drew’s eyebrows shot up.
‘I can support her,’ Rob continued. ‘You were wrong when you told her to give me time. I did not need it. I am renting a property with farmland.’
‘I know you can support her, that was never my objection. But you are young to settle dow?—’
‘I am, but it is my choice and Caro’s choice, not yours.’
‘I am aware of Caro’s feelings, but I am concerned you may change your mind after time.’
‘I will not.’
‘Are you certain of this?’
‘Yes. Why can you not believe that I know my own heart and mind?’
Drew sighed out a breath, then laughed. ‘Probably because I am thinking of the shallow affections in my family; I forget the depth of feeling in yours.’
‘I am marrying Caro, Drew. With respect, I am merely asking in order to be polite. You cannot actually say no to me.’
Drew laughed again. ‘And so, you have my blessing. I know you will make her happy.’
Rob nodded.I will always make sure she is happy.It was a mental oath, like the oath he made to himself in the summer.
‘I shall fetch Mary,’ Drew said. ‘She will hate that I heard your news first.’
‘She will be upset with me, then, because Caro spent the night in London at John’s. He and Kate, Mama and Papa know, aswell as my sisters. The announcement will be in the paper tomorrow. The wedding will be at St George’s on Tuesday.’
Drew smiled. ‘You will be in trouble with Mary, then.’
‘Drew,’ Rob said. ‘If I leave Caro here, would you ask Mary to help Caro buy what she needs for the wedding, and drive her back to town. We will be leaving for my new estate in Yorkshire immediately after the wedding.’
‘Of course.’
‘Thank you.’
‘Uncle Bobbie!’ George’s cry rang out. A moment later the door opened and George barrelled through. As George charged into Rob, pain seared up his leg. ‘Ah, George. Be a little careful. Let me sit down so I may hold you.’
‘Robbie!’ Mary swept into the room as excited as her son.
‘He and Caro have some news,’ Drew stated, his eyebrows lifting.
‘We are engaged,’ Rob said.
Mary looked at Caro, her mouth gaping, appearing truly surprised. ‘You are happy?’
‘Yes.’ Caro smiled at Mary’s confusion.
Rob laughed. ‘I hope you are, Caro. If you are not, I will be very sad.’
Mary looked at him. ‘When did this happen?’
‘Yesterday. We fell in love here in the summer, but it has taken us too long to agree to marry. I have a special licence now. We will be married on Tuesday.’
Mary beamed her excitement. ‘I am happy for you. This is wonderful. Will you stay for dinner?’
