Page 102 of The Reckless Love of an Heir
She nodded. They had made their choice, it could not be undone.
‘My father will be upset too, and he is not in the best state to hear this news,’ he told her. ‘I am sorry.’
‘No. I am sorry,’ she said.
‘You are sorry… I pressured you into making a choice when you were not ready. Forgive me, but I do not see whatyouhave to be sorry for…’
His brown eyes still had the lost look of yesterday. He was fighting with grief and she had added to his burdens not helped him. She took her hand from his, turned and wrapped her arms about his neck, offering the comfort she longed to give him yesterday. ‘I am sorry, because now was not the right time for this.’
His arms came about her, holding her securely in return as he rested his cheek against her bonnet. ‘I am not sorry.’
She clung to him as the carriage rolled on, and when they broke apart his arm rested about her shoulders and pulled her close.
She leaned against his side. He was hers. ‘I feel treacherous.’
‘For falling in love… I told you to think of yourself for once. I would not change that to make our fathers and Alethea happy, and ourselves miserable? I knew nothing of love before this summer, but now I know love cannot be ordered or told.’
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Henry held Susan’s hand securely as they walked across the cobbles to the front door, the fountain serenading them. His plan was written in his head. He would speak with his father and mother then leave Susan here so she need not face Alethea’s anger and disappointment, while he went to York to obtain a special marriage licence from the bishop.
Davis opened the door before they reached it. He bowed. ‘Master Henry, Miss Susan.’ He did not look at their joined hands but kept his gaze on Henry’s face.
Henry smiled. ‘Where is Papa?’
‘In the family drawing room, my lord.’
Henry nodded and let go of Susan’s hand. ‘Here, would you take these?’ He took off his hat and gloves, and handed both over.
‘My lord.’ Davis gave him a deferential nod.
Henry took hold of Susan’s hand once more then pulled her along with him. His strides were quick. He wanted this done. It should be less uncomfortable than it had been talking to Uncle Casper, and yet William had only been buried yesterday…
He breathed out a measured breath when they neared theopen door. Then looked at Susan. Her free hand clutched his forearm for a moment. She was terrified. ‘Come on,’ he said quietly, then walked into the room, her hand still clasped in his.
His parents were alone and standing together, holding one another. They broke apart. There were tears in his mother’s eyes, and he could see the barrier holding back the emotion in his father’s eyes. Perhaps his mother had been trying to talk some sense into his father, about how life had to go on. It had to. Time did not stop. And there were his brothers and sisters to be thought of. His father could do that and not forget William.
William. William. Henry repeated his brother’s name in his mental voice, because he had not forgotten, even though his life was already progressing.
‘Papa. Mama.’
They had looked down at his hand which held Susan’s in the same moment. He raised Susan’s hand. ‘I wish to tell you I am engaged to Susan and we are to be married immediately. I am going to ride over to York now to obtain a licence.’
‘Henry…’ His father looked incredulous, his forehead creasing in a heavy frown. He looked at Susan then. ‘Forgive me, Susan. But…’ He looked at Henry. ‘What of Alethea?’
‘My affection is for Susan.’
‘Your affection…’ He stared at Susan for a moment. As though he could simply not understand. Then he looked at Henry again. ‘Why now? Can this not wait? It is hardly the time for family upsets.’
Henry’s mother stood with her mouth agape at his revelation.
Henry swallowed against a dry throat. He would have spoken bluntly had he been alone, but not with Susan beside him. ‘It cannot wait, Papa,’ was his answer. Yes, he had acted recklessly again; his father’s eyes held the accusation.
‘Henry.’ His father’s brows pulled together.
Henry looked at his mother. ‘Mama, will you not welcome Susan to the family?’
‘Oh, goodness.’ She instantly snapped out of her shock. ‘Of course. Of course, dear.’
