"“This is no circumstance for levity, Gabriel," Lady Agatha said.
"No, it's a farce. You've brought a bishop and a solicitor to intimidate us into breaking our betrothal, but you've failed to understand the most important point."
"Which is?"
"We're already bound in every way that matters. Legally, I've already had settlements drawn up. Spiritually, we've loved each other since childhood. And physically... well, I believe the entire household can attest to that particular bond."
The bishop made a choking sound. "Are you saying you've already... consummated this relationship?"
“With utmost ardour,” Gabriel confirmed. “Upon many occasions. With a striking ingenuity, if I may be so bold as to observe.”
"Gabriel!" Clara protested, though she was fighting laughter at the bishop's expression.
"What? He asked. I'm simply being thorough in my response."
"This is highly inappropriate," the bishop managed.
"So is attempting to prevent two people who love each other from entering into matrimony," Gabriel countered. "Which is the greater sin, Your Eminence? Love expressed physically between betrothed partners, or the attempt to destroy that love for social convenience?"
The bishop opened his mouth, closed it, and looked desperately at Lady Agatha.
"The Church's position on…"
"The Church's position is that matrimony is sacred," Clara said quietly, finding her voice. "That it should be entered into with full commitment and honest hearts. Gabriel and I have both. Can you say the same about the matrimonies you've blessed between strangers for dynastic purposes? How many loveless unions have you sanctified because the bloodlines were appropriate?"
“That is quite distinct…”
"It's exactly the same, except we actually love each other.
"This is still highly irregular," the solicitor attempted.
"Irregular is not illegal," Gabriel said. "Unless you have actual grounds to prevent this matrimony, I suggest you take your documents and return to whatever rock you crawled out from under."
"Gabriel," Lady Agatha's voice was tired now. "You're making a terrible mistake."
"The only mistake I've made was waiting this long to propose."
"She's nobody...”
"She's everything," Gabriel interrupted. "And if you can't see that, then you're blinder than I thought."
"I see a fortune hunter who's manipulated…"
"You see what you want to see because accepting the truth would mean admitting you're wrong, and Hales never admit they're wrong, do they?"
"We admit when we've been deceived."
"Then admit it now. Admit that you were wrong about Clara, wrong about what I need, wrong about everything except your own prejudices."
Lady Agatha drew herself up to her full height. "If you wed this woman, you'll be cut off from the family."
"What family? You're the only one left, and frankly, It is but a mere trifle.”
"You'll be socially ruined."
"I was already socially ruined. At least now I'll have company."
"You'll regret this."
