Page 81 of Without Pride and Prejudice
“Colette has prepared tea for us,” Anna commented. Colette was a member of the estate’s staff.
Monroe sidled up to me and took my hand. “Did she make her shortbread biscuits?”
“Just for you.” Anna smiled.
I was just now realizing how much happier Anna was when Monroe was around—not that I saw a lot of Anna. She traveled often and owned a flat in London. She kept her suite here, but she rarely visited. I imagined once Monroe moved in, she would visit more often.
“Cookies make everything better.” Monroe swung our hands between us as we walked through the double cedar doors.
We paused in the entryway on the polished marble floor under the crystal chandelier that had been in my family for over a century. Both of Mother’s Cavalier King Charles spaniels ran down the staircase, yipping all the way and running straight for Monroe as if they’d known she’d arrived.
Monroe crouched down, waiting for them.
I stood, admittedly nervous, knowing Mother wouldn’t be far behind. I’d only talked to her once in the past week, and that was just to let her know that Monroe was my choice and there was nothing she could do or say to change my mind about it. To say she was unhappy was a vast understatement. When I asked for my grandmother’s ring, she categorically refused to give it to me, saying I’d have to pry it off her cold, dead finger.
Mother did indeed follow her dogs. She wore a tailored navy pantsuit, her neck dripping in a diamond necklace. Grandmother’s ring was displayed prominently on her right ring finger. She never wore the ring, with its oval ruby surrounded by a halo cluster of diamonds, and I knew she was doing it just for spite. As she descended the stairs, staring coldly at Monroe playing with her beloved dogs, the air crackled with tension. Though Mother was petite and even a little frail, her narrowed pale-blue eyes said she was not to be trifled with.
“Hello, Mother,” I said as casually as possible.
She ignored me and walked straight to Monroe.
Monroe scratched each pup’s head one more time for good measure before standing and facing her opponent. Although Monroe was much taller than Mother, Mother’s contemptuous attitude added two feet to her stature.
We all stood, waiting to see what would happen. Both women sized each other up. Mother scowled, and Monroe’s face broke into a bright smile. “Oh, Mum B.” She threw her arms around Mother, who stood there stiffly, and rested her gorgeous head on top of Mother’s snowy-white hair. “We are going to be the bestof friends. Two duchesses in a pea pod. By the way, I brought a bonnet for you.”
I had never loved Monroe more than at this moment. If I could, I would have married her on the spot. I knew then it would all work out. Monroe would be the finest Duchess of Blackthorne yet. English society had no idea what was in store for it. I don’t think I did either, but I couldn’t wait.
Mother untangled herself from Monroe’s grasp, smoothing out her suit and looking indignant. She marched off without saying a word. When she was gone, snickers erupted from everyone, even from Kingston, who only ever showed the utmost respect for every member of our family.
I took Monroe’s hand and pulled her flush against my body. “You are bloody brilliant.”
“It’s probably going to get bloody. She’s going to be a tough nut to crack.”
“You have no idea, darling.” I gazed into her beautiful brown eyes. My future looked brighter than ever. Before I even thought about it, the question I’d wanted to ask her for years fell out of my mouth. “Will you marry me?” It was not the romantic setting that I’d imagined, but I had to know.
Silence fell among us.
Monroe blinked a few times as if I’d stunned her, but she quickly recovered and responded with a simple, “Yes.”
Relief and hope like none other filled me. “This is most excellent news.”
“The best news,” Monroe said.
Anna clapped and exclaimed, “It’s about time.”
It was about time, and I would waste no more of it.
Monroe’s lips teased my own, but before I could capture them, she smiled and quoted Elizabeth Bennet, “Now, be sincere; did you admire me for my impertinence?”
“That and more.” Monroe had taught me to love without pride and prejudice. For that, I would always love her.
“Oh, Lizzy! Do anything rather than marry without affection.”
MONROE
“IS THIS CRAZY? ARE WE doing this too soon?” I asked my dad as I held on to him tightly and looked around the incredible, although masculine, bathroom with dark wood and stone tile. Within a few hours, I could officially call it my own, and it definitely needed a feminine touch—although the clawfoot tub was to die for. I didn’t feel like Fitz and I were rushing, but some would disagree—mainly Mum B. She still hated it when I called her that.
Dad, in his tux, chuckled and squeezed me tight. “Honey, you would be crazy not to get married so soon. Take it from a man who lost the love of his life: Seize these moments and cherish them, and each other. You two kids have loved each other for so long, it only seems right.”
