Likely, I represent everything they hate, which is why this will be so much fun.
The dwelling was a modest townhouse, nowhere near as grand as his estate and the manor that sat upon it. It told him immediately that the Ashbury family was not wealthy like he was used to, which in turn suggested that this proposal would be easier than he had thought.
They might not like Gabriel, but they would want him to marry their daughter, if for no other reason than it would elevate them in the eyes of their peers. And so long as he didn’t do or say anything to upset or incite rancor, he imagined this would be a rather simple process.
So long as I can keep my tongue under control, that is. It does have a habit of flapping when it ought to stay still.
The door was answered by an elderly valet who directed him through the home and toward the drawing room. There, he was told to wait. He did just that, eyeing the liquor cabinet for some time, wondering if it would be rude to have himself a drink…
He was saved from this decision when the door to the drawing room opened and in walked Lord Ashbury, Lady Ashbury, and their daughter.
“Your Grace,” Lord Ashbury greeted immediately. He strode forward and extended his arm for Gabriel to take, which he did at once. “This is a most unexpected visit.”
“Hopefully a welcome one,” Gabriel said with cheer. “And Lady Ashbury…” He turned and bowed deeply. “A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“As it is mine,” she said politely.
Lord and Lady Ashbury were everything that Gabriel expected. They were both possessed of a look that suggested somethingsmelly had been smeared under their noses; the way they pointed those noses high, pinched their lips, and wore constant, severe frowns, of displeasure.
Their expressions contrasted well with their daughter, Miss Sophia, and Gabriel could not help but smirk as he looked between them.
Miss Sophia was just so… unknowable. An odd choice of word, but Gabriel felt that it suited her. Physically, she was a beauty, elegant and refined, soft and subtle, unassuming, but done on purpose. Her hair was golden and curled, her skin was porcelain, her eyes hazel and just a tad too big for her face. She stood with the same refined posture as her parents, and her loose-fitting gown betrayed the curves of her body beneath.
She refused to meet Gabriel eyes, as if ashamed to do so. And she stood back from her parents as if trying to hide. Gabriel eyed her, noting how hard she worked to appear invisible. Which she just might be, did he not know her true nature.
I wonder if her parents know it? Or have they trained her so hard that she is an expert at hiding who she really is? Does she even know who she is? I suppose I am about to find out.
“Might we sit?” Gabriel asked.
“Of course.” Lord Ashbury gestured to two couches by the open window. Gabriel sat on one, Lord Ashbury and his wife sat on the other – apart, not too close – while Miss Sophia remained standing to the side.
“Ah, that’s better,” Gabriel groaned as he stretched his legs. “I rode here, and while I am adept enough in the art of husbandry, my stiff legs might beg to differ.” He laughed.
Lord Ashbury remained stoned faced. “I must confess, Your Grace, your presence here is somewhat confusing. Not that we object, of course, and we are delighted by the fact. Only, and forgive me for asking, but I cannot remember having had business with you.”
“Not forgiveness required.” Gabriel waved him down. “And you are correct in your confusion. Until today, I doubt that you would even recognize my face were we to pass in a crowd.”
Gabriel’s grin was generous, and he took pleasure in seeing how confused Lord and Lady Ashbury were. They shared a glance and then looked back at their daughter who kept her gaze averted.
I wonder if she is having second thoughts. And if so, is she the type to voice them?He hoped not because despite his reservations concerning marriage, there was a part of Gabriel that was… not excited, for that felt too gratuitous. Rather, curious about marrying her.She is not who she pretends to be, and I delight in the idea of finding out more.
“I suppose I should cut straight to the point.” He slapped his thighs and sat up straight; Lady Ashbury winced. “I find that is often best in these most confused situations, no?”
“Please, whatever you are here to say, we will help in any way we can.”
“Glad to hear it.” His smile was all teeth. “As you likely do not know, I am currently searching for a bride. Yes, yes…” He shook his head and rolled his eyes. “Based on what you know of me, such a statement might shock you.”
“We would not presume to be,” Lord Ashbury said.
Gabriel flashed his eyes. “Good, because I have thought long and hard about this and I have decided, finally, on who I wish to marry.” He let that sit, the tension building. “And as I am here, before you, it should come as no surprise that I would like to ask your daughter, Miss Sophia, for her hand.”
He had expected surprised gasps, although why he did, he could not say.
Lord Ashbury and Lady Ashbury kept their composure entirely. Lord Ashbury raised an eyebrow at his wife, her brow furrowed, and they looked between one another quickly.
Then, they both turned and focused on Miss Sophia.
She still stood behind them, and she still had her head bowed as if trying to turn invisible. Even with her parents eyeing her, she refused to look up. It was so darn awkward that Gabriel almost laughed.
