Circumstances were less than ideal; he’d be the first to admit. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t do his best to bring some level of propriety to this affair.
“Most certainly, my lord.” She took his coat and scarf and then led him into a nearby parlor, notably unoccupied, before disappearing to find her brother.
Charlotte was here.
Had she sat in this same parlor this morning? The vicar’s sister hadn’t held back in her Christmas decorations. Holly, ribbons, and mistletoe dressings happily declared the joy of the holiday. He hoped he’d have something to celebrate as well.
Would Miss Fryge be informing her of his arrival? Anthony went to tug at his cravat and realized he’d already loosened it considerably. His life, his happiness, hung in the balance today.
If she said no, he’d be devastated. He’d be ruined for all other women. At some point he’d go on to find a bride––not Miss Fairchild––but some other debutante. He’d always know that the woman who was his other half had gotten away, but he would go on to find some sort of peace and contentment.
Eventually.
He hoped he didn’t have to find out.
“Mapleton.” Dressed all in black, wearing his cleric’s collar, the vicar Anthony had known for as long as he could remember, strode into the room, hand outstretched. “Merry Christmas, my lord. What brings you to the vicarage today?”
Anthony cleared his throat. He’d been doing an awful lot of that this week. “I understand Miss Drake is here.” He’d not beat around the proverbial bush. “I’m here to ask for her hand and thought, without her father to go to, that you might be willing to stand in his place?”
The serious-minded man nodded sagely. “Sit down, my boy.”
Without warning, the words pierced something in Anthony’s heart. He’d not been called a boy by anyone, anyone at all, since his father’s passing.
Anthony lowered himself onto the worn settee.
“I’ll not condescend to ask if you’ve given the notion a good deal of thought. Is this the actual reason her employment at Glenstone Hollow was terminated?”
“I believe so, sir. I didn’t intend–” His throat filled with that something annoying that had plagued him all day. “I feel horrid that Lady Denton saw through me.” He’d admit the truth to this man.
Mr. Frye nodded once again. “Is that the reason you are here? Do you feel guilty that Miss Drake has lost her position?”
Anthony was shaking his head before the vicar could finish his question. “Not at all, sir.” And then he decided to make his position as clear as he possibly could. “I’ve fallen in love with her. I was prepared to betroth myself to Miss Fairchild but when all was said and done, I could not see myself going on without her––without Charlotte, Miss Drake. I realize the situation is not ideal, sir, but I’ve talked with my brother and sister and they support my decision.”
For the first time since walking into the room, the vicar cracked a smile. “Well, then, I imagine you’d like to ask the lady herself. If you don’t mind waiting, I’ll have my sister fetch the gel.” He rose with a grimace and then reached out to shake Anthony’s hand. “Her father, I believe would approve. As do I.”
Charlotte smoothedher dress as she peered into the small looking glass. She was to attend church with Miss Frye. As this was to be the Christmas day service,hewould most definitely be in attendance. Likely with Miss Fairchild at his side.
“Miss Drake?” The vicar’s kind sister peeked around the door. “There is a guest here to see you.” And then the lady, unable to contain a pleased smile, flushed a very bright pink. “Lord Mapleton has had a word with my brother, and now wishes to have a word with you.”
But how? Why?
“TheEarlof Mapleton?” Anthony was the only Lord Mapleton in the district, of course, and yet she felt the need for clarification.
“Yes, dearie.” Miss Frye giggled.
“In the parlor?” Charlotte bit her lip. Miss Frye was acting as though he’d come to ask for her, which of course was ridiculous. And yet.
It was Christmas.
But she’d already been granted two miracles: the letter telling her about her great aunt, and then a place to stay until she could travel.
It would be greedy to wish for one more.
And then a horrid thought crossed her mind. Anthony may have come to renew his initial offer, of which she’d…
Of course, she’d decline it. And then hate him forever after.
“Do you require a moment to compose yourself? Although, he is an earl…”
