Page 56 of An Earl to Save the Diamond
“What London nights are you referring to? Can anyone please explain?” Andrew interjected with a relieved smile.
“Oh, Gerard! Then why did you say no at first? Why did not you just say this in the first place?”
“Because your brother did not give me a chance to explain myself. Did you really think that I would do all that, court you openly, have certain liberties with you, if I did not have marriage in mind? You forget, My Lady, that I am an honorable man.”
Ellen needed no further invitation, and she hugged him. Andrew, who had been watching coughed, and moved toward them to pull them aside.
“It is good to know that you will do the right thing by my sister, but save this show of affection for after the wedding,” he said.
Gerard smirked as he watched Andrew stretch forth his hand for a handshake, and Gerard took it, and they shook hands firmly. Gerard nodded at him as he gave the newly betrothed couple some privacy.
Gerard led Ellen to a sofa, seated her, and then got down on one knee. “You are home for me, Ellen. It is with this in mind that I implore you to make me the happiest man in all of London by agreeing to be my bride.”
Gerard watched her nod and then laughed. They both laughed, holding each other.
“When do you think it will be a good time to inform your mother? Andrew said the doctor said she would be all right.”
Ellen shook her head. “She is still resting, but as soon as she is awake, we will inform her immediately.”
“All right. I shall go to inform my grandmother at once. I will be back to check in on you.”
* * *
Ellen took a walk in the garden, lost in thought, but there was a smile on her face. Her mother woke up late last night, and her health had been improving since. Ellen felt good, and she was eager to tell her mother that the Earl of Ridlington asked for her hand. She gazed thoughtfully around when she sighted a familiar figure coming toward her from the house. She gasped and ran toward the figure when she saw that it was Marjorie. They met each other in the middle of the garden and exchanged a warm hug.
“Marjorie! It is so good to see you!”
“I came as soon as I got your letter! Engaged to the Earl of Ridlington! Tell me everything about it.”
“Oh, Marjorie, where do I begin?”
“From the very beginning, of course. Come, let us sit at that lovely shady spot over there,” Marjorie said, gesturing toward the gazebo.
“My brother caught us in a compromising situation.”
“Oh, Ellen! Not Andrew. You know how he is such a stickler for the rules. Especially when it comes to you.”
“I know, and he demanded that Gerard duel with him to defend my honor.”
“But why would he ask Gerard to do that if Gerard already wanted to ask for your hand?” Marjorie asked, confused.
“Well, Gerard did not want to at first,” Ellen confessed.
“What? What happened?”
“It turned out that he did not agree because he did not want to be forced to marry me. He did not want me to think that was why he was doing it,” Ellen explained.
“Because he already had plans to ask for your hand?”
“Yes. And well, a lot of things were happening at the same time.”
“Like what?” Marjorie raised her eyebrows, curious.
“Like, the fact that I mentioned that you were pregnant with Andrew’s child.” Marjorie went silent.
“Oh, Marjorie, you must forgive me. Mama was being so overbearing, and I was angry that Andrew would not defend me. I am so terribly sorry,” Ellen pleaded.
“You promised you would not tell anyone, Ellen,” Marjorie sighed.
