Page 62 of Foolish Bride
“Yes. She would say that when one goes, one should go with determination.”
Middleton touched the loose strands of hair around her neck.
She turned sharply, and he backed up a step, as she hoped he would.
“And does the Countess of Malmsbury always arrive in such a state?”
Elinor laughed. “Almost never.”
He grinned and made way for her to precede him to the bench.
“You have a way of always putting me at ease, your grace.” She sat.
“I would be honored if you would call me ‘Preston.’ Or ‘Pres,’ if you prefer.”
“That is very kind.”
Middleton paced, and it was the first time she had seen him looking troubled. He clasped his hands behind his back and faced her. “I realize that you have interests elsewhere, Elinor. I cannot say that I am happy about that, but I understand, and there is nothing to be done. I would like to offer for your hand, but will not do so until I have your assurance that this is something you also wish. I do not want you to marry me because your parents forced the match. I am sure they would if I brought my contract directly to them. I am fond of you, and I believe you perhaps like me to some degree. While this is no indication of a grand passion, I think it is a good start and bodes well for a comfortable and happy life together.
“If you were my wife, I can assure you that you would always be treated with respect and you would, of course, be well cared for. You would want for nothing and would live by standards much higher than those you were raised with.”
Elinor’s heart pounded, and she had to catch her breath.Had he just insulted her father?
Her thoughts must have flashed across her face, for he addressed her concern. “I am certain your father has always provided for you amply, but this cannot compare to what my level of wealth can provide. I am exceedingly rich.” Middleton took a deep breath and looked down. “My word, but I sound like an ass.”
Elinor wished she didn’t like him so much. It would make what she had to do so much easier. Preston Knowles was a fine catch and wanted to marry her. A large weight settled on her shoulders. “Is that it?”
His back straight and, wide-eyed, he looked about to laugh. “Except to say that I think it would be best if you did not answer me now. I realize that you have a great deal to think about. I wanted you to know my intentions at the start, and now you may have as much time as you need to make a decision.”
“That is very kind of you.” It sounded like a business dealing.
He sat next to her and took her hand from her lap. “You understand that I am proposing, don’t you?”
The giggle that escaped was an accident, but the entire thing, her entire life, had become a tragic comedy and she couldn’t help it. “You think we would be a good match because you are fond of me, and I seem to like you. You see, your grace, I heard you clearly.”
He groaned and dropped his head in his hands. “I have really botched this, haven’t I?”
She patted his arm. “Well, it was not the most romantic proposal a girl might gain during a given season.”
“I apologize.”
“It was well thought-out, though. And it could not come from a more worthy gentleman. I thank you very much, Preston. I am exceedingly flattered by your offer.” It was the truth. If she had never met Michael Rollins, she would be jumping for joy at Preston’s proposal no matter how unromantic.
He took her hand and met her gaze. “Then you will consider being my wife, Elinor?”
She wouldn’t have thought her answer was important to him. He was a duke and could gain the hand of almost any young lady of the ton, but he really did wish to marry her. “I will think about all you have said, Preston, and I will give you an answer soon.”
His expression relaxed, and the smile returned to his eyes. Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed her gently. “Thank you. Shall we join the picnic before we are too badly missed?”
* * * *
Michael watched from the shadow of the line of trees. He couldn’t hear what was said, but he imagined that he was in trouble. When Middleton sat and dropped his head in despair, elation shot through him. Not gentlemanly, but he hoped Elinor had refused Middleton. Then she touched her suitor’s hand, and he kissed hers.
Michael neared his breaking point. He was tempted to rush out of hiding and challenge Middleton to a duel, but he held his position. If Preston was what Elinor wanted, then Michael would have to learn to live with her decision. Though, he had no idea how he would manage the task. He watched as they left the privacy of the gazebo and walked together toward the gathering on the lawn near the pond.
The pond was large and fed by a creek, which in turn led to a larger river that ran through the Marlton property. The river brought him back to his school days, when he would go home with Daniel rather than face his drunken father. As boys, they’d loved the spot where the creek met the pond.
He sought to be alone, but when he approached the place where he and his friends had gathered as boys, he heard voices. His brothers had found the best spot on the pond. “What on earth are the two of you up to? You are supposed to be picnicking.”
