Seven
The drawing room of Thorne Manor was a scene of festive splendor as the guests relaxed after their Christmas feast of roasted goose, honey-glazed ham, and other delectable dishes that had made mouths water in anticipation.Hundreds of candles cast flickering shadows on the walls, illuminating the garlands of holly and ivy that adorned the room, while the crackling fireplace radiated warmth and comfort.
Elizabeth stood by the window, her blue eyes sparkling like the frost-covered landscape outside.Her hair was styled into an elegant chignon, with tendrils framing her delicate features.She took in the joyous atmosphere of the gathering, delighting in the laughter and conversation filling the air.
“Elizabeth, do come and join us,” beckoned her sister-in-law, Olivia.Her brown hair shimmered in the candlelight and her warm amber eyes reflected her kind and spirited nature as she beckoned for her to join them.She smiled warmly at Elizabeth, her hand resting gently on William’s arm.
“Of course, Olivia,” Elizabeth replied, her vivacious spirit shining through as she gracefully made her way to the settee.
Louisa sat beside her husband, Stephen, Earl of Stone, on the opposite settee.She was a vision with her light brown hair and green eyes that danced with mischief.“Elizabeth, you must tell us all about your latest exploits in London,” teased Louisa, her laughter like music to Elizabeth’s ears.She knew that despite their sibling banter, she could always rely on Louisa for support and understanding.
“Ah, but where would the fun be in revealing all my secrets?”Elizabeth responded, playfully batting her eyelashes as her family erupted in laughter.
The Duke and Duchess of Cleburne, Juliet and Giles Fortescue, sat at the end of the cluster in high-back chairs.“Indeed, Lady Elizabeth,” chimed in Juliet, “your adventures are the talk of the town.It is said you left a trail of broken hearts last season.We simply must hear the tales from your own lips!”Her bright blue eyes sparkled.Her cheery disposition and endless optimism were infectious, while Giles, with his more reserved manner, provided a grounding balance to his wife’s spirited personality.
Elizabeth could not help but laugh.“I fear the gossip has run rampant, for surely no hearts were broken.”
As the guests made merry, the clinking of glasses mingled with the lively conversations, creating an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement in the drawing room.It was a night none of them would soon forget.
The joy and elation in the room was palpable as the guests’ laughter rang out, their faces flushed with happiness and the warmth of the crackling fireplace.The flickering candlelight cast a soft glow upon the faces of Elizabeth and Everett as they sat across the room from each other, their eyes meeting frequently and communicating an unspoken affection.
Everett could not help but steal glances at Elizabeth.Her vivacity and wit had captured his heart since the moment they met, and he was determined to make her his wife.
As the lively chatter continued, Everett’s nerves grew, knowing the time had come for him to act on his feelings.With each passing second, anticipation simmered within him like a pot about to boil over.He strode toward Elizabeth, determination giving him strength.He nodded in greeting to her companions, then turned to her.
“Elizabeth,” he began, his voice soft yet resolute, “I cannot keep my feelings for you a secret any longer.”
Her heart skipped a beat, her fingers trembling slightly as she set down her glass.She looked up into Everett’s grey eyes, finding a depth of emotion there that both terrified and thrilled her.
“Everett, I…” she hesitated, searching for words that could convey the storm of emotions raging within her.
“May I have the privilege of speaking with you privately?”he asked, his voice full of hope and sincerity.
“Of course,” she replied, sensing the gravity of the moment.She stood, and they excused themselves as politely as possible, given their eagerness to be alone.
Once they reached a secluded alcove near the festively decorated hearth, Everett took Elizabeth’s hand in his, his touch sending shivers down her spine.His face was a mixture of determination and vulnerability as he gazed deeply into her blue eyes.
“Elizabeth,” he began again, his voice thick with emotion, “from the moment we met, I knew there was something extraordinary about you.Your wit, your kindness, and your unwavering belief in true love have captured my heart completely.”
He paused for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady himself.“I cannot imagine my life without you by my side.And so, with all the love and devotion within me, I ask you, Lady Elizabeth Breckenridge, will you do me the greatest honor of becoming my wife?”
As his heartfelt words washed over her, Elizabeth’s mind raced with memories of their short time together—the stolen glances, the whispered conversations, and the undeniable connection that had drawn them ever closer.She realized Everett embodied all she had been searching for in a partner: a man whose love was as fierce and unwavering as her own.
A myriad of emotions cascaded over Elizabeth, her heart swelled with happiness, and her eyes filled with joyful tears.She looked into Everett’s eyes, which shimmered with hope and love, reflecting the sincerity of his proposal, and the room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them standing in their own world.
“Everett,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion, “you have filled my heart with a love I only dared to dream of.Yes, my dearest, I will marry you.”
At her acceptance, the room erupted in cheers and applause.The guests, who had been watching the couple intently, now beamed with delight, their faces alight with joy as they clapped and shouted words of congratulations.
“Bravo!”cried the Duke of Thorne, his blue-gray eyes twinkling with pride for his sister.“Well done, Lord Brookfield!We welcome you with open arms.”
“Congratulations, sister!”chimed in Louisa, as she embraced Elizabeth warmly.“I always knew you would find your true love.”Her green eyes sparkled mischievously as she added, “And now we shall have a splendid wedding to plan!”
“Indeed, we are all thrilled for you both,” Olivia said as she smiled at the couple.
“Here, here!”agreed the Duke and Duchess of Cleburne, their voices joining the chorus of well-wishes that filled the grand dining hall.
As the sounds of merriment swirled around them, Elizabeth turned back to Everett, her eyes brimming with love and gratitude.He pulled her into his embrace, his arms strong and secure around her as they shared a tender kiss, sealing their future together.
