She heard her father sigh, and she imagined that he looked tired and distressed. She continued smiling with determination, hoping to assuage her father’s fears.
“I will send for him at once,” he said.
Chapter Thirteen
Val was staring at the pages of a book he was trying to read to keep his mind occupied. He knew that he had only visited Dervinshire Manor the day before and that it could be a few days before he heard word from Lady Cecily or the Earl. But each moment that passed was another moment that allowed doubt to creep up into his mind. What if Lady Cecily rejected him? Or what if he never heard from her or her father again?
He fiddled with the pages of the book, the name of which he had forgotten the moment he sat down with it. He thought of what both Henry and his mother had said to him the previous day.
He knew that Henry was concerned about his feelings and that his mother was thinking of both Val and Lady Cecily. But in his heart, he truly believed that a union between the two of them would be nothing but a good thing. It was in Lady Cecily’s hands now, however, and the wait was driving him mad.
“Your Grace?” Frank said, startling Val so bad that he jumped from his chair, sending the book tumbling to the floor.
“Mercy,” Val breathed, shaking his head. “What is it, Frank?”
The butler gave him a sly grin.
“Lord Dervinshire has just delivered a message for you,” he said. “He is requesting to meet with you right away.”
Val’s heart stopped. He stared at the butler for a moment, unsure of himself.
Frank walked over and put a hand on his master’s shoulder.
“I have already ordered a carriage to be made ready,” he said kindly. “It will be waiting for you whenever you are ready.”
Val gave his valet a nervous smile.
“Am I well dressed, Frank? How do I look?” he said.
“Your blue well-coat is fine matching with your yellow breeches and polished boots, sir. Please just let me fix your cravat and you’re ready to go,” his valet said. “You’re now ready, your Grace.”
“Thanks Frank.”
The man bowed.
“Pleasure. I shall await your news, Sir.” Frank said, winking.
Val looked at him, confused. He had not said anything to Frank about what he had done the day before. But Val did not get the chance to voice his question.
“I heard you speaking with Lady Archington yesterday,” he said knowingly. “Now, go. You mustn’t keep the Earl waiting, your Grace.”
***
Val was more nervous than he had known any man ever could be by the time he climbed the steps of Dervinshire Manor for the second time in as many days. He used the knocker to announce his arrival. Even though he was expecting the door to open, he still was startled when it did, and the butler welcomed him inside.
“You are expected in the study, sir,” he said warmly, motioning for Val to follow.
He did so quietly, his heart pounding more loudly than his footsteps echoed through the hallways. He prepared himself to address the Earl as directly as he had the day before, but he was not prepared for exactly what he saw when he entered the study. Lord Dervinshire was there, of course. But he was not alone.
Sitting beside him was Lady Cecily herself. Val’s heart leapt into his throat. He had not expected her to be taking part in the meeting. He thought he would speak with her afterward if her decision had been in favor of his proposal.
He quickly collected himself as the beauty rose to her feet. Her light blue morning dress completed her remarkable beauty. Despite her fading sight, she moved gracefully on her feet as she dipped into an elegant curtsey. She also looked almost directly at his face, which gave him another view of her clear, breathtaking blue eyes.
“Good day,” he said, bowing, unsure of what else to do with himself at that moment.
The Earl also stood and bowed, giving Val a brief nod.
“Good day, my Lord Duke,” he said. “My Cecily has made her decision.”
