Page 32 of ?n Arranged Betrothal with a Blind Duke
“I have,” he said. “And I asked her to marry me yesterday.”
He felt the surprise radiating off his aunt. Clearly, she had not expected him to bring such news so soon.
“Well, that’s wonderful,” she said cautiously. “But what made you act so soon?”
Clearing his throat, Adrian told his aunt everything that Miss Ludlow had told him the day before. When he was finished, Marjorie reached out and took his hand.
“Adrian,” Marjorie began, her voice warm and filled with genuine concern. “Can we discuss this proposal? Are you sure this is the right time?”
Adrian nodded, his heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and excitement. He was surprised at his aunt’s reaction, as marriage had been her idea in the first place. He had admired Miss Ludlow’s grace and intelligence since the day he met her, and now he had taken the bold step of asking for her hand in marriage. Yet, there were doubts lingering in the depths of his mind, doubts that Marjorie's guidance could help dispel.
“I must admit, Aunt Marjorie, that I feel a certain trepidation,” Adrian confessed, his gaze fixed on his tea. “While I find Miss Ludlow captivating and our union may bring benefits to both of us, I cannot help but be fearful.”
Marjorie patted his hand gently.
“Oh, my dear boy, I understand your concerns,” she said. “Marriage is a sacred bond, one that should be founded on love above all else. I too have stood at the crossroads of such a decision in my youth.”
Intrigued, Adrian turned his attention fully to his aunt, eager to absorb her wisdom.
“Tell me, Aunt Marjorie, how did you know that love was the guiding light on your path?” he asked.
Marjorie's lips curled into a wistful smile as she spoke, her voice imbued with fond remembrance.
“It was a sunny afternoon, much like this one, when I first laid eyes on your uncle, Edward,” she said. “From that moment, a spark ignited within me, and love bloomed. We shared laughter, dreams, and even tears, and it was through those moments that our bond grew stronger.”
Adrian felt a surge of hope and yearning. He longed for a connection as deep and genuine as the one his aunt described.
“But Aunt Marjorie, how can I be sure that such love exists between Miss Ludlow and me?” he asked. “How can I be certain that our marriage will be built on the solid foundation of true affection?”
Marjorie's gaze met his, unwavering and wise.
“Love, Adrian, is a journey of discovery,” she said. “It begins with genuine admiration and respect, but it flourishes with time and shared experiences. Trust your heart, my dear boy, and listen to its whispers.”
Adrian bit his lip.
“But I am going into this blindly,” he said. “I care enough about her to be pained to see her distress at her situation. But I do not know if that constitutes love, or if it means that we will have a loving marriage.”
There was a brief pause, and Adrian guessed that his aunt was thinking over his words.
“Perhaps, that is true,” she said. “But would you have extended the same offer to any other woman? Or did you make the offer to Annabelle because of something you feel deep within yourself?”
Adrian closed his eyes, trying to summon the image of Annabelle, the radiant smile he heard so often in her voice, and the twinkle he always imagined that existed in her eyes. In his mind's eye, he saw her vibrant spirit, her kindness that extended beyond society's expectations. And in that moment, he realized the truth.
“No, Aunt Marjorie,” he whispered, a smile playing at the corners of his lips. “I wouldn’t dream of making that offer to just any woman. When I am in Miss Ludlow’s presence, I feel an undeniable connection. Her laughter brings light to my world, and her dreams resonate with my own. Love, true love, is indeed the foundation upon which a successful marriage can be built.”
He could feel it when Marjorie beamed at him, and he imagined her eyes sparkling with pride and contentment.
“Oh, Adrian, my dear, I am overjoyed to hear those words,” she said, embracing him. “Follow your heart, for it shall lead you on the path to happiness. Trust in love, and let it guide you in making the decision that will shape your future.”
As Adrian took a sip of his tea, the warmth spreading through him, he knew that he had found his answer. Love, as his aunt had so beautifully reminded him, was the compass that would guide him through the intricacies of life. He would embark on this journey alongside Miss Ludlow, ready to build a future rooted in the depths of their shared affection. They enjoyed one another’s company, and they had strong common interests. If any couple could build a love based on that, it was the two of them.
***
After breakfast, Adrian sought brief refuge in his study, his gaze fixed on the flickering flames dancing in the hearth as he collected his thoughts. The crackling fire mirrored the whirlwind within his heart, as he wrestled with a decision that held his very honor and the fate of Miss Ludlow in its balance. The conversation with his aunt had been enlightening, her words of love resonating deeply within him. But the conversation ahead of him would surely prove difficult. Indeed, it might be the end of his intentions of marrying Miss Ludlow, no matter how appealing the notion was to him.
Protecting her was his paramount duty, of that he was certain. His disability, the lingering reminder of a past tragedy, cast shadows of doubt on his heart. Could he truly provide her with the life she deserved, one filled with joy and fulfillment? The weight of his limitations pressed upon him, an invisible barrier threatening to confine his hopes and dreams. And the uncertainty of the capacity of love for one another gave him further pause. He knew that Miss Ludlow had stirred something in him that he had never felt before. But could that ever be love?
Adrian, go, a voice that sounded much like his father’s rang in his mind. You mustn’t waste time. She accepted your proposal, knowing of your disability. Do not fail her by failing in the task ahead of you because of uncertainty.
