He did not want to be too obvious, but Esther was the best possible person to go to if he wanted more information on Frances.
“Yes, I lost track of how many introductions I had to do for my mother last night. She was quite relentless in her pursuit of finding a suitor for Frances,” Esther admitted.
Christopher felt an uncomfortable feeling stir in his chest. Hadn’t Frances told him that she had no prospects? He knew that couldn’t be the case, given how beautiful she was.
“Any luck?” he asked nonchalantly, trying to make himself seem as disinterested as possible.
“Hmm, I’m not too sure. My sister is picky, and my mother is in a hurry. The two do not make a great combination.”
Picky.
Christopher had gotten the sense that Frances was someone who kept to herself and did not let too many people into her life. Knowing this made it all the more astounding that she wanted to marry him straight away.
“But I am sure something ought to work out soon. Frances keeps to herself, but the right person for her would bring out the best in her. Perhaps we shall even be attending her wedding soon,” Esther continued.
Christopher felt annoyed at the thought of Frances marrying someone else. Sure, he felt nothing for her. But they had already come to an agreement, even though he was having second thoughts about it.
She should be reserved only forhim.And no one else.
He checked himself, then. What on earth had gotten into him? He should not be having thoughts like that about someone he had only met a handful of times.
“In fact, I believe my mother mentioned that they were supposed to meet some suitors today,” Esther admitted.
“Today?” Christopher repeated.
He had wasted so much time trying to make up his mind already, whereas Frances was already being pursued by someone else. He had to act fast.
“Yes.” Esther looked at him with a strange expression. “Do not take offense, but why is it that you are so curious? Frances expressed a similar curiosity about you yesterday. Did the two of you speak?”
“Of course not,” Christopher said immediately. “I am just trying to show interest in the things that you are telling me. But I shall not take up any more of your time. Best to leave you both to tend to the children.”
Esther and Phillip exchanged a look at his hasty exit, likely suspicious that something was going on with him. But he was not about to explain yet.
“Christopher?” Phillip called out to him just as he was about to leave. “Good luck with the decision to marry. I hope you make the right one.”
Christopher only nodded in response, before slipping away. The decision had already been made. He instructed his carriage driver to take him straight to Ramsbury Manor. Now, whether it was good or bad, only time would tell.
When Christopher arrived at the manor, it was evening already. His appearance was a surprise, as he had not sent a prior notice. Only Frances knew of his intention to visit, and that too had not been set in stone.
It was her father who greeted him. His expression was a mix of astonishment and delight.
“Your Grace, to what do we owe the honor of this unexpected visit?”
Christopher, maintaining his composed demeanor, replied, “I hope you’ll forgive the intrusion, My Lord. I come on a matter of some urgency and great importance.”
“Please, sit down. We can discuss over some tea,” William urged.
After the two gentlemen were seated, Christopher spoke again.
“Lord Ramsbury, with your permission, I would like to discuss a matter concerning your daughter, Lady Frances.”
William nodded, eyeing him with curiosity. “I was not aware that the two of you knew each other.”
“We have only recently become acquainted,” Christopher clarified. “I do not want to waste more time. My Lord, I have come to ask for your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. And then, William’s face broke into a broad smile, any surprise overtaken by the prospect of such a match.
“This is indeed an honor, Your Grace. You have my blessing, wholeheartedly.”
