“Good morning, my lord,” Tristan replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “I hope I’m not interrupting anything important.” He felt his nerves beginning to rise again at the marquess’s words; surely he knew why he was here? He thought that Diana would have warned him, or at least given him a hint of the conversation that was about to happen.
“Not at all,” Lord Kingsman replied, waving a hand dismissively. “I was merely attending to some correspondence. Please, have a seat.”
Tristan took a seat opposite the marquess, the seriousness of the moment pressing down on him. He felt as though he were being scrutinized under a magnifying glass, and he could sense Diana’s father’s keen gaze assessing him.
“I understand you have been to visit Diana at Arlington House,” Lord Kingsman began, his tone measured.
“Yes, my lord,” Tristan replied, his heart racing. “Diana is - she is very special to me.”
“Is she?” The marquess leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his chest. “And is she more special to you than Lady Grace was, just a few weeks ago?”
Tristan coughed. “My Lord, I know that some of my actions have been reprehensible,” he began. “But I did not know my own heart, my own feelings. I did not know what I truly wanted.”
Lord Kingsman nodded, but said nothing. Tristan felt as if he should say more, so he continued. “I did not intend to hurt Lady Grace, and I think that she has not been gravely wounded by what has happened. In fact, in the long run I think she will be much happier. But I also know that Lady Diana will be happy with me. I am sure of it. In fact, I swear to it, with all my heart.”
Tristan thought that he saw a slight smile playing at the corner’s of Lord Kingsman’s mouth, but then his face became serious again.
“And what is it that you propose to offer her?” the marquess said, his tone rather severe.
“I intend to offer her my heart, my loyalty, and a life filled with love,” Tristan replied, feeling a surge of determination. “I want to marry her, My Lord.”
For a moment, silence enveloped the room, and Tristan felt the weight of the marquess’s gaze upon him. His expression was stern, and Tristan could not shake the feeling that he was being evaluated, judged. He felt rather intimidated, and a surge of fear washed over him as he realized that Diana’s father might not allow the match. He might think that Tristan had been too inconsistent, that his behavior had been dishonorable.
“Do you understand the responsibilities that come with such a commitment?” Lord Kingsman asked, his voice firm. “Marriage is not a lighthearted endeavor, Lord Silvermere. It requires dedication, respect, and an unwavering promise to protect and cherish your wife.”
“I do understand, My Lord,” Tristan replied, his voice steady. “I would never take such a commitment lightly. I love Diana more than anything, and I wish to build a life with her.”
“Love can be a fickle thing,” the marquess said, his brows furrowing slightly. “It can lead men to make rash decisions. You have already been inconsistent in your behavior towards my daughters. How can you assure me that you will not let Diana down?”
Tristan’s heart sank as he struggled to find the right words. He had come prepared to express his love, but Lord Kingsman’s doubts weighed heavily on him. “I can only promise to be honest and faithful to her,” he said finally. “I will stand by her side through whatever challenges we may face.”
Lord Kingsman regarded him for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. Tristan felt the urge to fidget under the marquess’s intense scrutiny. He had never feared the man before, but now, uncertainty gnawed at him, along with the thought of how he would feel if the man refused his permission. What on earth would he do then? The idea did not bear thinking about.
Just then, the door swung open, and Diana entered, her eyes brightening at the sight of Tristan. “Father, I was just?—”
“Diana,” her father interrupted, his tone softening slightly. “We were discussing your future.”
Tristan’s heart raced as he turned to Diana, who looked between her father and him, sensing the tension in the air. “What is happening?”
“We were just having a conversation about your suitor,” the marquess said, a hint of amusement flickering in his eyes. “He seems quite determined to win your hand. I am not so sure, though, whether I should allow it?”
Diana looked confused for a moment, then when she saw the look on Tristan’s face, a smile slowly spread across her face, and she began to laugh - softly at first, then more freely, the sound lightening the atmosphere in the room.
“Diana?” Tristan said, his brows knitting together in confusion. “I don’t understand what’s so funny?”
“Tristan, I’m sorry,” she gasped between giggles. “But you look so serious. You did not think that he was really going to refuse you permission to marry me, did you?”
Tristan released a huge sigh of relief when he realized what was happening. The tension dissipated as he watched Diana’s laughter transform the room. “I was frightened for a moment then,” he admitted, a grin spreading across his face. “But I am serious about my intentions, and I was prepared to fight my corner for you, Diana, if it came to it.”
Lord Kingsman’s expression softened as he watched his daughter laugh, and he could not help but smile. “Very well, Diana. Do you agree to marry him?”
“Yes!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with joy. “Of course, I do!”
Tristan felt a surge of happiness wash over him, and he could hardly contain his excitement. He reached for Diana’s hand, his heart swelling with love. “Then it’s settled,” he said, his voice filled with warmth.
Lord Kingsman cleared his throat, his expression turning serious once more. “However, Lord Silvermere, let me be clear. If you ever hurt my daughter, I will ensure you pay for it.”
Tristan met Lord Kingsman’s gaze. “I wouldn’t dream of hurting her, My Lord. I would do anything to make her happy.” As he spoke the words out loud, he knew that he meant every one of them; in fact, he had never been so serious about anything in his whole life.
