Page 74 of A Lady’s Fairytale Come True
Being as it was, he knew that he wished to give her those answers. He wanted to be a hero if he was capable at all.
When her father had been willing to listen to him, Nathaniel knew he was being given a chance to prove himself. He didn’t deserve it and there was no reason for Mr. Digby to allow for it, but it had touched him nevertheless.
Then, when he had agreed to accept the letter and give it to his daughter, Nathaniel wondered if he had been given the greatest fortune in the entire world. Her father had actually approved of him enough to agree to something he hadn’t ever expected.
Arriving at the home of the Digby family, Nathaniel felt ready to face whatever fate awaited him. He hoped with all his heart that Miss Digby would be forgiving and accept him, but he knew he had already demanded so much of her. He could easily have lost his chance for another such opportunity.
But if her father had been willing to forgive him, that meant there was hope. Nathaniel had not only done damage to his daughter, but he had also encouraged her to disrespect him, something that no father would take lightly. And yet, Mr. Digby had shocked him by not only giving him permission to speak with his daughter at her approval, and to give her the note, but also said that he would make every effort to keep her at home the following day.
Indeed, Nathaniel knew he had behaved grievously and deserved nothing at all in return but a swift urging to the door. But he was shown another mercy.
Summoning all his courage, he managed to knock on the door bravely. She would be there, he was sure of it. She had to be.
The door opened to reveal the youngest Miss Digby, just as it had the day prior. It seemed as though she was the one who most appreciated visitors and loved to see company arrive. Nathaniel was amused by her youth and innocence, the sweet demeanour, and the frightful attitude that mirrored her sisters.
“You’re here again?” she asked, her tone very proper although her words were not.
Nathaniel tried not to laugh. “Yes, I am here again. Might your eldest sister be around?” he asked.
“I think so. But I am still not sure if she wishes to see you or not. She has been all manner of confusing lately,” she said, pursing her lips.
“Yes, oftentimes it is the vexed that grow vexing. But if you wouldn’t mind letting her know that I have come and would dearly like to speak with her, I should be most grateful,” he said.
“I think Father would be all right with it. He didn’t care much for you before but yesterday he was very happy after you came,” she spoke openly.
“I am rather glad to hear it. And did you see your eldest sister at all after your father then spoke with her?” he asked.
“Oh, she just went into our room and I did not see her again,” she replied.
That gave Nathaniel little hope. He had been imagining that perhaps if her father was happy then Miss Digby might have been seen with some sort of dreamy look on her face, the portrait of satisfaction. But that was a fairytale of his own making.
“Well then, if you wouldn’t mind informing her that I am here to speak with her, I should be most grateful,” he sighed.
“Very well. I’m off to it,” she declared, charging back into the house.
For a brief, agonising moment, Nathaniel waited. But he heard her footsteps before he saw her face.
The moment she came into view, his breath caught.
Miss Digby was in one of her simple dresses, her hair tied back and tucked up. The eyes he had grown so fond of looked back at him in wonder. But most important of all, the expression on her face was not one of hurt or hatred. Rather, it was the face of a woman who held understanding in her heart.
And yet, he could not allow himself to have hope so quickly. Nathaniel knew there was much to discuss with Miss Digby. Surely, she could understand if he was slow to hope just as he could understand if she was slow to trust.
“Miss Digby,” he said in what came out as a sigh.
“My lord,” she curtseyed, the hint of a smile tugging at her lips.
Nathaniel remembered himself and bowed to her. The beauty that he saw in her was causing him to be even less calculated. Indeed, she was captivating him in every facet.
“You…you look well,” he said.
“Thank you, my lord,” she replied, looking away shyly.
“Might you do me the honour of speaking with one another? Although I understand that I have no right to such a request,” he said.
“My lord, it would be very good for us to speak. I am glad that you would wish to. I, as well, have much that I should like to say, although first I would like for you to join me for tea,” she told him.
“Tea would be perfect,” he replied, following her as she led him into the house.
