Only now, with the added pressure of Marianne’s hope added into the mix, and the warning words of his wife drifting about his subconscious, Christopher wondered if he shouldn’t have been so darn cocky.
The price of no longer hiding my emotions, unfortunately. It can’t all be positive.
“I promise that I will do what I can –”
“That’s not what you said earlier.” Rose swept in. Hands on her hips, one eyebrow cocked, she wasn’t about to let him get away with something. “You told me it was assured.”
Christopher balked. “Did I say that?”
“You did.”
“Is it?” Marianne was still holding him by the hands, and she pulled them into her chest and looked upon him with such hope that it was damn near impossible not to feel pity.
“I promise...” Christopher swallowed as both women looked upon him; their emotions vastly different from one another. “I will convince your father to allow you to…” He cleared his throat. “… to marry Mr. Julian Ford.”
“Thank you!” Marianne threw her arms around him, and she was just about sobbing with gratitude. “How can I ever repay you?”
Christopher found Rose over Marianne’s shoulder. She wore an unamused expression, no doubt aware of Christopher’s fledgling confidence, and her sister’s desperation that he do as he promised. He tried for an apologetic smile, but it did not land.
Once the pleasantries were exchanged, Marianne led them into the manor and toward her father’s office.
“He won’t be expecting you,” Marianne explained as she walked ahead; she was brimming with nervous energy and couldn’t slow her pace, forced to scurry back continuously every few steps. “But I thought that best. What is it called? The element of surprise? I think I read that somewhere.”
“It will be fine,” Christopher said as he tried to find focus.I really should have planned something. At least write a few things down.
“I think it best if I introduce you,” she continued. “Yes, it would be improper if you announced yourself with him –”
“Marianne,” Rose snapped. “Will you please just… stop talking. My husband is trying to concentrate.”
“Oh!” Marianne’s eyes widen. “Your Grace, I am so –” She caught her tongue, eyes like dinner plates, and spun back to looking ahead.
Rose took Christopher’s hand and squeezed it lovingly. He looked up and found her smiling at him, and he returned it with gratitude. Despite the doubt, Christopher knew that Rose believed in him. More than that, she trusted him.
It was for her that he was doing this, and that was why it would succeed.
They arrived at Lord Strathvale’s closed office door. Rose strode ahead and knocked before Marianne had the chance. At her father’s command, she stepped inside and closed the door. Christopher balked, not at all sure what was going on. He looked for Marianne, who was pouting at the closed door.
It opened quickly, and his wife stepped back out. Leaving the door slightly ajar, she took her sister’s hand and guided her away, pausing as she passed Christopher.
“He’s ready for you,” she said with a sly smile.
“What does that mean?” Christopher asked.
She shrugged. “That he’s ready.” She kissed him on the cheek quickly and then hurried her sister down the hallway. Marianne was muttering a complaint, but Christopher didn’t hear it.
The door was ajar, and Lord Strathvale was waiting for him. Christopher stood tall, straightened his collar, made sure to look every inch the Duke of Thornwall, and walked into the office.
Why does it feel like I’m walking into the lion’s den…
“Why are they taking so long?” Marianne paced the room frantically. “What could they possibly be saying?”
“I am sure it is fine,” Rose said calmly.
“And he didn’t tell you what he was going to say?” She looked expectantly at Rose. “He gave you no indication at all?”
“All he said was that he would take care of it.”
“But what does that mean!” she wrung her hands in the air. “He could be saying anything! What if Father says no? What if he is even more upset with me than he was before? What if --"
