Total pages in book: 103
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94964 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 475(@200wpm)___ 380(@250wpm)___ 317(@300wpm)
* * *
“The law is a flimsy thing, and you know it as well as I. He is a landlord and thus is protected especially since there is no demonstrable physical harm to you.”
* * *
She sighed. “Still…I would prefer if no violence were perpetuated on my behalf.”
* * *
“You are a soft-hearted lady, but if we do nothing, he will be emboldened. He must be punished.”
* * *
“Well then, we shall hope the magistrate is able to do just that for us. Let us wait and see.”
* * *
Arthur sighed in resignation. If that was what Janice wanted, that is what he would do. But he would not rest until he knew who Hemsworth’s accomplices were. For his own well-being and peace of mind, he needed the answer. He took Janice’s hand in his, brought it to his lips, and kissed it. “I shall do as you ask. But you must do as I ask and not venture out on your own until this matter is resolved.”
* * *
She smiled shyly. “I promise.”
* * *
He nodded. “Thank you.”
* * *
She blinked up at him. “Now that we have that resolved, tell me when we can find some time to be alone. I have missed you so.”
* * *
Arthur took a step back from her, removing his hands from her waist and clasping them behind his back as he straightened up to his full height, chin up. “Well, I intend to approach your father and see if he will allow me the honor of taking you as my wife. Would you be agreeable to that?”
* * *
She smiled slowly. “Of course. But only if you are ready.”
* * *
“I am.”
* * *
“What has changed?”
* * *
“The thought of losing you had me paralyzed and I realized I would not want to live if you were not with me. Fear held me back. Fear and inadequacy. But now I realize there are worse things.”
* * *
She nodded. “I understand. I think there is much still to discuss but I am happy to do that as your wife. There is nobody I have met that I would rather spend the rest of my life with than you. With all its trials and tribulations, I think we could be happy together in this life.”
* * *
He chuckled softly. “What a way with words you have my dear.”
* * *
“Why thank you, my dear.” She curtsied prettily.
* * *
He took her hands again in his, looking intently into her eyes. “Well then, since you’re agreeable, I shall go in search of your father at once. This is your last chance to change your mind. Once you are mine, I am never letting you go.”
* * *
She smiled coquettishly. “You make that sound like a threat.”
* * *
“It is a promise, I do assure you.”
* * *
She nodded. “Then go, find him. And then come and find me. I do still wish to meet your mother and welcome her to her new home.”
* * *
Arthur smiled. “And so you shall. Allow me to take temporary leave of you. I shall return here as soon as I have spoken with your father.”
* * *
She nodded, a single tear falling down her face. “Alright.”
CHAPTER 37
Arthur found Lord Benjamin puttering about in his greenhouse. He knocked gently against the door before stepping into the cool interior. Lord Benjamin looked up from the plant he was attending to and smiled at him. Janice’s father considered Arthur’s face before straightening up and facing him. “So, it is time?” he asked.
* * *
Arthur nodded, his lower lip trembling with emotion. “It’s time.”
* * *
Lord Benjamin nodded. “And what do you need from me? Permission? My blessing?”
* * *
“I am requesting the former and hoping for the latter as well,” Arthur said, his chest tight.
* * *
Lord Benjamin walked towards him. “You have both my permission to ask my daughter for her hand and my blessing. I wish the both of you every happiness.”
* * *
Arthur opened his mouth to say…he knew not what. Maybe he wanted to give an apology for compromising Lord Benjamin’s daughter, maybe he just wanted to thank him for accepting him despite all the mistakes he’d made. He didn’t know and in any case, words failed him.
* * *
Lord Benjamin clapped him on the shoulder. “In the short time that we have been acquainted, I have come to look upon you with fondness, as has the rest of my family. I think that you will do your best to make my daughter happy. If you do not, she knows she always has a place here, no questions asked.”
* * *
Arthur nodded. He understood perfectly and heartily approved. If his mother had felt she could run away back to her parents, perhaps she would not be in the state she was in now. It was strangely reassuring to him to know that he would not be given the chance to repeat history even if he was so inclined.