Page 53 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
“I think that must be true. If you see such good in her then it must be there. Your father was an excellent judge of character and you inherited that. You know, I knew your father before he ever met your mother,” Lord Kensington said.
“Indeed. He used to tell me stories of how he tried to mentor you when he was barely your senior,” Nathaniel laughed.
“It is true. I was probably only eighteen or nineteen when we met. He had just been betrothed to your mother and he was less than thrilled with the match,” Lord Kensington divulged.
Nathaniel was surprised to hear this spoken of so openly. He wasn’t certain that he wished to know more.
“It was difficult to see him pushed into it and I didn’t know how I felt about the way he responded at times to the marriage. But in the end, he conceded to truly make an effort to love your mother. You were born within the year. They loved you very much. Having children can often cause a husband and wife to drift apart, but I saw how his affection for your mother grew with every day that passed after you came into this world,” he continued.
The story was one that Nathaniel had never considered or imagined.
“I believe it was the knowledge of the partnership they had in raising you that gave them a common goal, something they dearly needed. All couples need a common goal. I do not know what that goal shall be for you and Miss Digby, but I am sure you will find it,” he remarked.
Nathaniel nodded, remaining quiet as his thoughts were so loud. It left him somewhat uncomfortable having heard these things, but at the same time, he was relieved. He knew that what was between himself and Miss Digby had already transitioned beyond mere affection.
Yes, they would find a common goal, but at least they had already discovered love between them. That had to count for something, did it not?
“Perhaps the goal that you shall find is having to convince everyone that you belong together,” Lord Kensington chuckled.
Nathaniel laughed with him, recognising the truth that could be in that statement. If he was having to convince even his dear friend that the two of them belonged together, certainly the rest of society would have to be convinced.
Even Miss Digby’s father had not consented to the match. It was rare for a father to not seek out a match in which his daughter’s status might be elevated, but Mr. Digby was not such a man. He was quite the opposite. Still, time would tell whether or not society would allow them to live in peace in their affections and whatever might happen, Nathaniel knew that it could not break them apart.
“Now, I fear that perhaps I have stayed too long. You have to get back to your preparations, do you not?” Lord Kensington asked.
“Most everything is ready. My grandmother should be arriving at any moment. There is no need for you to return to your home and then come back again. You may remain if you like,” Nathaniel offered.
Lord Kensington accepted and they decided to wait for Lady Kirby in the parlour. She arrived an hour before the ball was to begin and looked magnificent as always.
“Lady Kirby,” Lord Kensington greeted.
“How wonderful to see you, Mr. Chalmers,” she replied. The three sat comfortably and Nathaniel wished for a moment that he could have some time to speak to his grandmother alone.
He was grateful when Lord Kensington recognised that and asked if he might browse the library for a moment.
“Indeed, you must enjoy. My home is yours,” Nathaniel told him.
When he and his grandmother were alone, she leaned forward, conspiratorially. “Now, tell me. Is she coming? She is, of course, isn’t she?” she enquired with excitement in her eyes.
“Yes, Grandmother. Miss Digby and her sisters are all coming this evening,” he confirmed.
“And?” she urged.
Nathaniel smiled. “And I have every intention of asking her to be my wife,” he told her.
“Oh!” she exclaimed, throwing her hands together in delight.
“But please do not give the news away to anyone. I shall take her out to one of the balconies and have a private moment in which I shall ask for her hand. There is no need for everyone to see it or hear about it. She is a private young woman and I still have not received her father’s approval,” he noted.
“Yes, but that shall come at any time. You are doing the right thing and I am entirely thrilled that you are going to become formally engaged this evening,” she grinned.
“Well, that is certainly my intention, but there is always the chance of her saying no or telling me to wait until we have her father’s blessing,” he pointed out.
“That is nonsense and you know it. She will say yes. I am certain of it. Not only that, but her father will turn easily when he considers what a benefit it will be to his family. Do not let him convince you of anything otherwise, Nathaniel,” she urged.
He wished that he could be so certain, but his grandmother seemed not to understand how frightened he was that Mr. Digby would never give his consent. That day, when he had listened to their conversation, everything had gone wrong.
Nathaniel felt overwhelmed by the possibility that perhaps they would never receive the approval of Olivia’s father. And if that were the case, he would simply have to accept it and move on.
