She darted towards Peter and let out a sigh of relief when she finally caught up with him.
“Peter,” she called out, breathing heavily.
“My dear sister.” Peter was all smiles, but a look of concern clouded his features as he saw the state his sister was in. “Are you all right? You seem distraught.”
“I’ve just narrowly escaped the clutches of a man who could be aptly titled the world’s most boring individual,” she admitted. “However, I trust you have some good news to tell me to wash away the awful aftertaste of having a conversation with him.”
Peter chuckled at her antics. “You have come to the right place, then.”
“How did your secret meeting with Emma go?” Deborah asked, impatiently. “The two of you only narrowly escaped being caught. You are welcome, by the way.”
“Of course,” Peter gushed. “I owe it all to you. Thank you for keeping guard. I was finally able to confess my true feelings to Emma.”
“Go on, then,” Deborah egged him on, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “Do not leave me in suspense. What did she say?”
“My dear, if all goes according to plan, then wedding bells will be heard soon at Shalrow Estate,” Peter announced with a grin. He seemed quite proud of his accomplishment.
Deborah squealed in delight. “She said yes to your proposal?”
Peter nodded. “In fact, she thought that I should have asked her sooner. Now that I have her approval, I will ask for her hand first thing tomorrow. You must help me look presentable for the occasion, since the Duke has high standards.”
“Peter, you are a respectable man. I see no reason for the Duke to not accept you.” Deborah smiled, feeling a surge of pride.
Seeing her brother so happy warmed her heart.
“I should hope so.” Peter nodded. “But even if that is not the case, I will put up a fight. I intend on marrying this woman even if it is the last thing I do.”
“I am relieved she accepted your proposal,” Deborah said. “I had to ward off the gentleman that wants to ask for her hand. It would have been most dreadful if even after all my efforts, he got to marry her.”
“Was he the man that showed up outside the maze?” Peter’s eyes widened.
Deborah nodded. “As I said to you before, the two of you made a very narrow escape. You should consider yourself lucky.”
“I am impressed,” Peter said in awe. “How did you manage to distract him?”
Deborah’s cheek tinted as she recalled the kiss. Feeling embarrassed, she knew she could never admit what she had done out loud to anyone.
“Let us not fret over the details of the matter,” she replied, changing the topic swiftly. “What matters now is that he is no longer in the picture and that the two of you will get married to one another. This calls for a celebration.”
“A celebration is called for, indeed.” Peter nodded in agreement.
A celebration of the union of two people in love.
And for Deborah, relief that she would never have to see the face of the man she had kissed ever again.
Everything worked out, and Deborah felt herself bursting with happiness for Peter.
CHAPTERFOUR
There was an air of anticipation in the drawing room of Hopestyn Estate as Peter finally arrived. The Duke had been informed about the meeting early in the morning, and there had been a constant chatter amongst the women of the household ever since.
Emma sat by her brother’s side, quietly observing the two gentlemen as nervousness coursed through her veins. Beside her, the Dowager Duchess sat perfectly poised, observing the scene. Even though the intentions of Peter’s visit were obvious, they were waiting in anxious anticipation to see how the scene would unfold. All eyes were on him.
Peter cleared his throat to speak.
“Your Grace,” Peter began, his voice composed and measured, “I am thankful that you have agreed to meet with me today. I would like to discuss with you a matter of great importance.”
The Duke nodded earnestly. “Indeed. From your message this morning, I gauged the gravity of the discussion you wish to have.” His gaze was unwavering.
