Page 90 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
Her shriek could be heard into the village.
In the next moment, Alexander was swallowed up in her enormous bosom. “I knew it had to be love. I’m so happy!”
She tore out of the vicarage toward town.
“Blessed saints,” Alexander said with a laughing groan, “I have never seen that woman move so fast in my life. The entire village will know within minutes. I had better get back to Ardley Hall before my family hears the news from someone other than myself.” He turned to the vicar. “Will you be all right while Viola and I return to Ardley Hall to tell my family?”
Viola gasped. “I should not have let Mrs. Bligh run off. I cannot leave my father on his own.”
“Nonsense.” The vicar waved them away. “She’ll be back in a few minutes, child. Get on with you. His lordship is right to want you by his side. You must tell his family together.”
“No, no. Look at me.” She patted her hair and glanced down at her serviceable work gown. “I cannot meet them looking like this. I will not.”
Alexander realized she had her pride and would not come to them looking like the kitchen help…which is what she had been for purposes of his house party. “Viola’s right. I will come around to fetch her later.”
He took her hand in his. “Have supper with me and my family tonight. You will look beautiful no matter what you choose to wear or how you decide to style your hair. Just be yourself. I do not need you putting on airs. I fell in love withyou, not what others think you ought to be.”
He then rode back to Ardley Hall, knowing he had work to do not only to calm Viola but his father as well. He would not put it past the old man to undermine his plans.
“There you are, Alex,” his father said, coming toward him as he strode in. “I was wondering where you were hiding.”
“Not in hiding, just at the vicarage making certain all was well.”
“You were with that Ruskin girl again.”
“Her father is in very bad health, as I’ve told you. We had to summon the doctor, for he was unable to get out of bed this morning. But he is much steadier now. Still too weak to leave his bed. Viola’s cooking perked him up.”
They walked out onto the terrace to join the other family members who were enjoying lemonade and a poppy cake Viola had made for them before leaving this morning. She had also made a platter of those little cheese tarts his father adored.
So typical of the thoughtful girl.
He wanted her back here.
She belonged with him at Ardley Hall.
His sunlight.
Indeed, the sun would always shine for him no matter the storms raging overhead so long as she was by his side as his viscountess.
“Alex,” his father said, regaining his attention as they settled in with the rest of the family, “I’ve been giving your situation some thought.”
He arched an eyebrow. “I don’t need anyone meddling in my business. In fact, I would like to speak to you about Viola.”
“What you do about her is my business. You are my heir, and for the sake of the family and the earldom, I must be certain you are not about to make a decision you will come to regret.”
“I won’t. And by the way, it is too late. I have made my decision and already asked Viola to marry me.”
His father leaped out of his seat. “Are you mad? You are intoxicated with this girl and need to clear your head of her. This must end now! Come to London with us for the month. Wilson can take care of whatever needs to be done here while you are away. Have him look after the vicar and his daughter, if you must. We’ll settle a tidy sum on her to keep her quiet and end this misbegotten affair.”
Alexander rose, steam pouring out of his ears. “Not another word, Father. She will not be bought off. She will be my wife. And you had better get used to it.”
Gabriel rose to stand beside him. “Father, be reasonable. Can you not see she is good for Alex?”
Graelem and his grandmother also voiced their agreement.
To his relief, he seemed to have the support of everyone else in the family. Even Lady Withnall was thumping her cane and declaring Viola to be a gem. “Trent, that girl is quality. Why do you refuse to see it?”
Alex turned to her. “Thank you, Lady Withnall. I am sincerely grateful for your approval.”
