Page 62 of An Earl to Save the Diamond
When Gerard got home that day he proposed the first thing he did was look for the Dowager Countess. He was informed by her maid that she had to attend to pressing matters concerning the book club and would be back soon. He went up to his chamber and took a bath. By the time he was finished, he could hear the Dowager Countess’s carriage pulling up at the Manor. He hurried down and made his way to the drawing room so that she would see him. The first look on her face told him that she was weary, and he almost felt guilty not letting her rest, but this could not wait.
“Why, Gerard, it is not often that I get the pleasure of your company; pray tell, what seems to be the matter?”
Gerard held his grandmother’s hands and gestured that they sit down. “Grandmother, do you remember how we had that conversation about love and Lady Ellen?”
The Dowager raised an eyebrow, her interest piqued. “Yes, I remember.”
“Well, I asked for her hand today.”
“Gerard! My dearest boy! You have made me so proud. Declaring for her hand already! I am so proud of you. Tell me all about it.”
“Well, maybe not all,” Gerard said sheepishly, and the Dowager’s eyes narrowed.
“What do you mean? Do not tell me you have caused that poor girl a scandal.”
“No, nothing of the sort, Grandmother; it is just that her mother, the Dowager, is ill, and she does not know about the engagement. I am frightened that she will disagree.”
“Nonsense. Anyone would kill to have you as an in-law. You are London’s most eligible bachelor, and I would think that Lady Grant, for all her airs and character, would be more than thrilled to be associated with me.”
Gerard grinned. “Grandmother, she does have her reasons.”
“I do not care what they are. You and Ellen both have good heads on your shoulders and can do whatever you want. Leave Lady Grant to me. I will talk to her.”
Gerard nodded. “I wanted you to know about my engagement beforehand. I will be paying Ellen a visit tomorrow.”
“Oh! I have to start preparing for a wedding. Finally!”
“Grandmother, I expect you to take it easy. I would like something small and intimate, just us and the family.”
The Dowager Countess looked so appalled by his words that for a moment, Gerard regretted saying them.
“Impossible! That is just impossible! These halls haven’t seen a ball in years. Your father did not want an elaborate wedding and would have run off to obtain a special license if I had not met his demands, but not this time. We are going to give the whole of London the wedding of the century. Leave all the details to me, dear grandson. I know just what to do, and who to call! Oh! We need to get new curtains for the windows. Gerard, are you listening to me? Gerard?” She looked around to find that Gerard was nowhere to be found.
“That boy never listens!” she huffed and then made her way up to her chamber to get the rest she deserved, so she could plan properly for the wedding.
Gerard arrived at Grant Manor at noon holding a bouquet of flowers in one hand and sweets in the other. As he was admitted by the butler, he went to the drawing-room where he knew that Ellen would be waiting for him. He handed her the gifts. “I could have had them delivered, but I thought it was better to see the expression on your face myself. Tell me, Lady Ellen, do you like them?”
“I love them, Gerard.”
“More than the person who delivered them?”
“Not at all, Gerard; you see, I am quite partial to that person.”
“I see,” Gerard said, but he smiled to show that he was pleased, “and I am quite partial to you as well.”
“Are you ready, My Diamond?”
Ellen nodded, grinning. “I am, My Lord.”
They walked hand in hand toward the Dowager’s chamber. They entered to find Andrew had dozed off on an armchair and was startled awake when he saw them come in. Lady Grant was wide awake, reading the Gazette, and her eyes narrowed suspiciously when they both entered.
“Mama, it is so good to see you looking better.”
“Thank you, Ellen.”
Gerard stepped in. “Your Grace, I am glad you are all right.”
“Thank you, Lord Ridlington. So, to what do I owe this pleasure? Not to make me sicker than I already am, I hope?”
