Anthony calmed his racing heart and climbed up beside his driver. He would have gone to Scotland after her, if necessary. He’d have tracked her to the ends of the earth.
“Ever been in love, John?” The efficient man glanced at him sideways. Of course, Anthony wasn’t one to have personal conversations with his employees. He hadn’t been in the past, anyhow.
“Only once.” John responded.
Love wasn’t something Anthony had sought. He’d dreamt of a loving family, of shared holidays filled with laughter and joy, but he’d not realized how much love for his wife was built into that vision.
Until he’d met Charlotte.
“I never believed much in love myself. Was it worth it?”
John grimaced but nodded nonetheless. “Marrying my wife was the best decision I ever made. I’m only happy she accepted me. I wouldn’t have blamed her for turning me down, with what little I had to offer her.”
Nerves struck Anthony. Would Charlotte have him? Of course, she would.
Wouldn’t she?
But what if she refused?
“Not that it’s any of my business,” John inserted. “But I thought you decided not to marry Miss Fairchild.”
“You thought right.” Anthony responded. He surprised himself then, by announcing. “Damn fool that I am, I’ve fallen in love with her companion.”
“Miss Drake? Hell, I think we’ve all fallen a little bit in love with that one.”
And again, doubt assaulted him. Anthony apparently wasn’t the only man to notice her.
Was it possible she might not love him back?
Was it possible he’d find her, make his offer and then be refused? But no. He couldn’t believe that. Her gaze last night had held nothing but love. Of course, she’d marry him!
Wouldn’t she?
The few miles they needed to cover passed slowly but Lord Mapleton, Earl and Peer, failed to appreciate the picturesque winter scenery. Instead he began rehearsing the speech he’d make when he saw her again.
He’d damn well have to nail this proposal.
Chapter 12
The Proposal
Anthony was jolted out of his mental preparations when the coach drew to a halt at the tidy little vicarage. He sat up straight, tugged at the collar beneath his greatcoat, and then took a deep breath. “Wish me luck?”
John laughed beside him. “I doubt you’ll be needing any of that. You’re Mapleton, after all. What servant girl wouldn’t jump at the chance at becoming a lady?”
But Anthony knew what servant girl might not jump: Miss Charlotte Drake. Given, she hadn’t taken to performing the duties of a companion, but she hadn’t been willing to become a kept woman in order to be free of them.
She’d said she had forgiven him for the insult, but what if she had not?
He jumped off the driver’s box and landed easily on an area of packed snow. In the same instant, the front door opened, and Miss Frye peaked outside.
“Why, Lord Mapleton, to what do we owe the pleasure of a visit on Christmas day? My brother’s finishing up the notes for his Christmas sermon right now but I’m certain he’ll be willing to take a break to meet with you. Come in, my lord. You must be chilled to the bone.”
Anthony cleared his throat. “Is Miss Drake here?”
The vicar’s sister paused and then raised her brows to the very top of her forehead. “Why yes, as a matter of fact, she came to us this morning.” And then she studied him with narrowed eyes. “My brother was well acquainted with the young lady’s father. God rest his soul.”
Yes. Yes. He’d known that. Perhaps… “Would it be possible to have a word with the vicar?” He could not speak with her father, and he had no idea how to contact her brother. Was it possible that the vicar would be willing to give him permission to offer for the young lady?
