Page 27 of A Scandalous Love for the Enticing Duke
“The Lady Agnes Birmingham,” Edward announced as she neared, and Nicholas rose. Head held high, spine straight, shoulders squared, and hands clasped in front of her to hide her anxiety, she floated into the drawing room. Her mother beamed at her, so did Elizabeth. One thing was as clear as day, they thoroughly approved.
“My Lady, regal, as always.” She unclasped her hands, so that she could fit her left hand into Nicholas’s outheld one. As she did, he took it and bowed, placing a cool kiss atop. Even now, she felt absolutely nothing. A vast contrast to what she felt any time Alan touched her. Oh. Alan. He had written to her last night of his arrival. She hoped to see him soon, one last time to say her goodbye. Just one last time. Masking the turmoil in her heart with a pleasant smile, she dazzled.
“As you, Nicholas. You look dashing.” He did, in his black trousers, grey coat, and white shirt. He tied a grey cravat around his neck and it brought out the colour in his eyes. They were the hue of a thundercloud, quite unique and equally as beautiful.
“To what do I owe this honour? And to think you have brought the Duchess along with you?” Retrieving her hands, she gathered her skirts to go to the Duchess who was grinning from ear to ear. Upon reaching her, she halted about three feet away and dipped into a very low and perfect courtesy. It was for her mother. As she rose, she caught Victoria glowing from the side of her eye, and she gave herself a pat. If Alan listened to her tonight, her parents may never see her again. There was no way she would let go of her happiness without a fight. No way.
“It is an honour to have you here, today, My Lady. I shall summon for tea, right away.”
On her command, the maids hurried away and soon returned with a pot of tea and four ceramic cups. She quickly went to work. Calling years of practice into being, she lifted the pot and began to pour. In no time, she had perfectly filled every cup with tea, then she began to share. These were her visitors, she had to be the one to play hostess.
As she settled into her seat, she helped herself last, to her cup of tea. Pinky finger up in the air, she brought it close to her lips and took a sip.
“Father, I take it he is not in?” The question was directed to her mother who nodded.
“That is so. Away on a business call as always, I’m afraid. However, we have his blessings, and we must carry on. I shall make sure to inform him of every bit upon his return.”
Of course, Agnes thought. She would only be more than happy to do so.
Shifting her attention to Nicholas who had taken his seat only after she did, she asked again, “You finally find the time to call on me, My Lord. I hope this has not disrupted your activities so much?
“Absolutely not. I have marked out today, especially for you, milady. I offer my sincere apologies that I am only just fulfilling my promises now. The season has been awfully demanding. Thankfully, as the days went by, I thought of you more often, and I made my decision. Lady Agnes, we only have met on two occasions, but each time was wonderful. It is my belief that you are what I seek in a woman who is to be my wife. Graceful, sensible, and most of all, in possession of a beauty that radiates from the inside. Our parents have already consented to this union, and I see no reason why I should delay further.”
Agnes gave a pause, even though she already knew this was coming. Still, his words sounded so rehearsed, and though he held her eyes, she saw no emotion in his. None at all. She was no fool. Nicholas Stamford was interested in this marriage, as much as she was. Why then was he going ahead with this sham? He did not have to do this. He was a man in his prime still, could definitely get any lady of his choosing. Why her? Aware that those were questions to which she would never receive answers, she gave an inward sigh and kept a composed expression on her face as he walked over to her. Then he reached her, and before she could blink twice, he was on one knee.
On cue, she held her breath, and when he brought out a small box and opened it to reveal a very thin silver band with a glittery blue sapphire atop it, she gave a dramatic gasp. She had a feeling the other gasps she heard around her were every bit more genuine than hers. It was indeed a beautiful ring, but this was not the ring she wanted to receive.
“Nicholas, what is this?”
He said nothing, only removed the ring from the box, and after setting the latter aside, he took her left hand in his, while his right held the ring.
“Agnes, I would be the most honoured man on earth if you did me this favour of being my wife, My Lady, the madam of my household, and a mother to my heirs. I hope that I have many more years ahead of me, and soon, I shall ascend to my title. I do not think there is anyone better suited to rule my dukedom with me. Lady Agnes Birmingham, would you do me this great honour?”
She was not her mother’s daughter if she could not perform theatrics. Reaching for her fan, she began to blow herself, giving the impression that she was suddenly feeling hot. She willed herself to flush, so that at least, some colour would stain her cheeks. She must have achieved that feat for every one gave dreamy sighs. She gave herself a mental congratulation and proceeded to the next phase.
“Oh Nicholas! I... This… I... Heavens! I am afraid you have rendered me speechless.” She took a deliberate pause as though to gather herself and continued, “That was very sweet of you Nicholas and this, is very beautiful. How can I ever dare to refuse you when you ask so sweetly? Indeed. Yes, I will marry you!”
Cheers went up around them, and he promptly slipped the ring on her middle finger. She made a show of fawning over it before giving him her cheeks to kiss. She could not bear the thought of his embrace, talk more a kiss on her lips!
“You have made me a very happy man, Agnes. Please, accept this as a token of my love, a proposal gift, you may call it. I do hope that you love it.” He went to his mother who handed him a small box, and he returned with it. She took it from him and opened the chest with a click. In there laid the most beautiful necklace she had ever seen. It was adorned with rubies.
“Oh my! You should not have. I fear you will spoil me with all these exquisite presents.”
“I have only just begun, dear fiancée.” While those words caused trepidation inside of her, she smiled like it was music to her ears.
Rachel appeared by her side, and she handed the box over to her. It would be returned together with the ring which adorned her fingers if her plans went well.
“Mother and I have decided that a short courtship would be best. I do hope you do not mind. It would very much please me if we were to be married by the end of the season,” Nicholas announced.
She looked at her mother, not in any way surprised by this. “Isn’t that barely two months away? Is this possible, Mother?”
“Of course it is! I am Victoria Birmingham, after all. Anything is possible once I set my heart to it. By the end of the season, it shall be. I declare that the whole of London is about to witness the grandest wedding ever. You just leave it to me! Elizabeth dear, can you believe we are to be in-laws?” Then rising from her seat, she walked over to Nicholas and Agnes. As she placed her hands on both their cheeks, the happiness in her eyes radiated.
“You have done us very proud, my children. Well done.”
That was it; it was settled. A lot of formalities followed after his proposal. Her father arrived and was informed of the news. Preparations began, and agreements ensued. After what seemed like hours, Agnes was finally excused and allowed to return to her chambers. As soon as she did, she began to hatch her plan. First, she picked her quill and a piece of paper, then began to write.
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