A look of disbelief crossed Wrexham’s face. “I would sponsor Alice through another season, and happily. Why didn’t you just tell me you needed more funds?”
“Pride, you lummox! I would have swallowed it to work and earn what I needed, but my damned leg and heart prevented me from being able to support my own daughter.”
“Edward,” Wrexham said as the man lifted a hand to hide his face in shame, “I didn’t realize the allowance I gave you wasn’t enough. I never would have let you worry over money. You should have told me.”
“I felt like a fool for having to rely on my brother. You’ve been more than generous when I couldn’t provide for myself, but medical costs added up and I wasn’t about to ask for more.”
Wrexham lowered his head to his chest and shook it. “I understand, I’d have a hard time getting over my pride, too, if I needed help. But good lord, Edward, don’t make Alice suffer for the sake of money. Let her marry the man she loves. I’ve met the fellow, he’s a good man. I admit we are not used to gentlemen working, but he does it out of passion, not need.”
Ethan felt Priscilla’s hand on his arm and he gave her a small smile. He knew he should leave and not continue to listen to a conversation about himself. But his future hung in the balance, and he was grateful to know he had Wrexham in his corner should Alice’s father remain stubborn. Deciding he should in fact leave and not tempt fate as things were finally turning in his favor, he turned toward the door right as Alice burst into the room.
“Father! The staff was murmuring that you were awake. Why didn’t you send for me at once?” She ran across the room and flung herself down on the bed, gathering him into her arms. “I’m so . . . so sorry,” she said into the counterpane through tears. “I thought I was going to lose you.” Edward patted her on the back and reassured her he was fine.
Alice sat back up after a few minutes and assessed her father. “How are you feeling? You look much better, but I need to know you are strong.”
“I am well, my girl. I’m sorry I scared you so.”
Alice eyed him critically. “You do look better, and that’s good because, Papa”—Edward sucked in a breath at the endearment—“I need to tell you something.” He nodded for her to continue.
“I never want to disappoint you, Father,” she said, voice quivering, “but I also need to take my own needs into consideration. I need to live my life in a way that will make me happy as well as those around me.” Alice paused and took in a fortifying breath. Ethan could only hope he knew what she was about to say next.
“I love Ethan, Father. He is a good man, and though he may not be what you envisioned for me, I’d like your blessing to marry him. But know that I will marry him with or without it.”
Ethan’s chest swelled, and he thought his heart might burst with pride. Priscilla gripped her shoulder and sniffed away a tear of her own at the scene. Slowly, however, Alice’s moment ofbravery trickled away and she almost shrank in on herself, wary of how her father might respond.
“Of course you have my blessing, my dear girl.” Edward had tears in his eyes as he reached over to cup her cheek. “I’m sorry that I have put my pride and fears above your own needs. Your uncle was just convincing me to let appearances go and do what’s most important, let you be happy.”
Alice let out a sob and collapsed on her father’s chest while Ethan, West, and Priscilla silently made their way out of the room.
Alice had to find Ethan. She had to let him know that she’d done it—even though it had almost killed her, she’d courageously told her father that she was choosing a future with him.
Quietly closing the bedroom door, her father now peacefully asleep after reassurances they would talk in the morning, she turned around in the hallway only to find Ethan once again leaning against the wall in waiting.
Alice simply leaned forward and fell into his opened arms. Ethan buried his face into her hair and held her tight, exactly as she needed.
“I love you,” she said into his chest.
“I know. I love you too,” he replied into her hair.
Pulling back, she looked up into his face. “I told Father. I told him that I plan to marry you.” She paused in amazement, still unable to process what she was about to share with him. “He gave me his blessing.”
“I know that too,” he said, smoothing her hair out of her eyes. “I was standing in the back of the room with West and Priscilla. I heard the whole thing.”
“You did? I didn’t see you there!”
“We snuck out soon after. But not before I heard other things as well.” Ethan leaned forward and kissed her gently, just once, before tipping his forehead to hers so that they were eye to eye. “I heard your father say how much he loves you and that all his previous wishes had only been to ensure your security and your uncle’s favor. I believe all will be well, my Alice.”
Overwhelming love surged through her, and she stood up on her toes, smashing her mouth to Ethan’s. This beautiful, wonderful man who told her she was worth fighting for, who she could now claim as her own.
They stayed there, lost in each other for several minutes before Alice had to break away for want of air. Panting against Ethan’s solid chest, she asked, “What’s next? What do we do now?”
“Well, you will remain here and help your father get stronger while I return to Hampton House and arrange a home for us on the estate. We’ll write to each other daily, and once your father is well enough to travel, you’ll come back to me and we’ll be married.”
Alice closed her eyes, picturing life on the estate with Ethan always beside her. It was a picture of happiness indeed.
“There is only one problem with this picture that I can see, Mr. Beaumont,” Alice said coyly.
“Oh, really,” Ethan said, a grin splitting his face. “And what would that be Miss Pembroke?”
