Page 64 of A Date with Dishonor

‘Oh, would you let Mrs Francis know of his presence? I’m sure she’ll gladly fetch the boy a drink and a bite to eat.’ Elise felt guilty for only belatedly seeing to the tiger’s comfort; she’d seen him outside when she’d been with Alex in the morning room. It pleased her that Alex had been less short-sighted, proving himself a caring master.

Colin nodded acceptance of her errand. ‘Then I must set off and see my patient in Woodley.’ He took out his pocket watch, briefly consulting it. ‘I will be back later to check on your father...but not to dine, that was not my intention in mentioning my return,’ he added hastily.

‘It would have been nice to have you as our guest,’ Elise said simply. Even on short acquaintance she knew she liked Colin Burnett. ‘I’m sorry you witnessed such...unpleasantness earlier.’ A wry smile pulled down the corners of her mouth. ‘We are usually a very sedate household, you know. Too sedate, we might have said...up until today...’

Colin gestured away her apology. ‘You would be surprised how often I minister to people with ailments arising from family upset. It is all part of life’s rich tapestry.’ He cleared his throat, levity vanishing on asking, ‘Has your sister been very distressed by what has gone on?’ He glanced towards the stairs rather wistfully, as though hoping Beatrice might appear and put his mind at ease.

‘She is calmer now the shock has passed.’

‘Would you let her know I said not to bother herself with potting the plants we dug out, but that I shall certainly return later.’

‘I’m sure Beatrice will like to see you.’ Elise smiled before turning apprehensive eyes on the door of her father’s study. In response to her wordless plea for encouragement Colin put a hand on her shoulder. ‘Go on,’ he urged gently before turning away and setting about his business.

* * *

‘I’m so sorry, Papa, that you have found out this way.’

‘Did you think such shameful behaviour wouldn’t eventually reach my ears?’ Walter demanded in a thin voice.

‘I hoped it would not.’

‘Well...at least you’re honest with your father.’ Walter ground his head fitfully against the chair back, patting his palms in a restless rhythm on his knees. ‘What were you thinking of? Have you learned nothing from your mother’s mistakes?’ he cried in muted anguish.

‘It is not the disaster it might have been.’ Elise moved swiftly closer to soothe her father with an explanation. ‘The viscount came here to speak to you and to me. He has asked me to marry him, Papa...and I intend to accept his proposal.’ There was barely a wobble to her voice hinting at the momentous decision she’d made, but her conflicting feelings were mirrored in her father’s face.

‘Well!’ Her father’s gruff incredulous snort accompanied the barked word. ‘He did not speak to me on that matter. And I’d sooner have any good intentions from the person promising them. He mentioned debts outstanding to me. You can’t blame a father for believing a rich fellow might tender cash as a remedy for disgracing a poor man’s daughter.’

‘You’re wrong, Papa, he isn’t like that...he’s an honourable gentleman.’ Elise shook her head, nervously clasping then unclasping her hands so they might flutter to emphasise her convictions. ‘The viscount has said nothing to you about his marriage proposal because...I’ve already refused him.’

Walter’s jaw sagged towards his chest. ‘You’ve refused him?’ He raised a limp wrist in exasperation. ‘You said a moment ago you intend to accept him.’

‘I’ve changed my mind and will agree to marry him now.’

Walter tipped up his tilted head, peered judiciously down his nose at his daughter. ‘Ah...I see...you do not love the fellow, but realise you are backed into a corner and can see no other way out.’ Walter shook his head and sighed. ‘I can see few alternatives either, miss, but if you need proof of where a lack of affection in a marriage might lead you need only cast your mind back on your own parents’ mésalliance.’

His colourless eyes softened on Elise, his expression altering in a way that merged all his past misery and humiliation into a sad little twitch of the lips. ‘I loved your mother dearly, but she merely tolerated me for as long as she could. So I shall not lecture you on which road to take as, once you set on it, it will be a long one. It must be your decision, my dear, and you need to decide whether to make it with head or heart. Of course, you have your sister’s future well-being in the palm of your hand. But choose wisely for yourself, too, for rancour and regret strengthen with the passing years and become a horrible burden.’

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