“He’s here! He’s here! He’s here!”
It was exactly two days later that the door to her chamber burst open, revealing a fluttering Joyce, who kept repeating the same thing over and over again. Her eyes were wide and sparkling, her cheeks rosy and flushed.
“Who is here?” Phyllis’ asked, putting down the quill pen she was holding, in an effort to write a letter to a friend of hers, inquiring about her. Obviously, it was a futile attempt, as Joyce’s excitement was contagious.
“The viscount!” Joyce exclaimed, clapping her hands like a little child. “He is downstairs, waiting to speak to Father! I think he has come to ask for Father’s permission to court me!”
Phyllis got up and walked over to her sister, placing her hands gently on Joyce’s shoulders, in an effort to calm her down, as much as she could, under the circumstances.
“That is wonderful news, Joyce,” she said tenderly.
“Oh, I do wish to be present for it,” Joyce exclaimed.
“You know very well Father would never allow that,” Phyllis reminded her.
Then suddenly, Joyce seemed slightly concerned. “Do you think he will allow it?”
Phyllis nodded without a doubt. “Of course, he will.”
Joyce’s countenance radiated an infectious happiness, her eyes gleaming with the prospect of their union and love. Phyllis, on the other hand, couldn’t help but feel a swell of gladness for her sister. After all, the effort she had put into this clandestine charade had paved the way for this joyous moment, which had finally come. Truth be told, it was only the first step in the path of many, but their father’s approval was a strong cornerstone of Joyce’s happiness.
Joyce paced about the room nervously, walking over to the window, only to glance outside, not looking at anything in particular.
“Why don’t I call for some tea to calm you down?” Phyllis suggested with a tender smile. “You’ll wear out a hole in the carpet from all that pacing about.”
Without thinking Joyce looked down at her feet. Then, the sister locked gazes and burst into a chuckle.
“I am so nervous,” Joyce admitted.
“I can tell,” Phyllis assured her. “And I can also tell you that there is no reason to be nervous. Everything will go according to plan. I promise you.”
After what probably seemed like an eternity to Joyce, a servant was sent up to inform them that they were expected in the drawing room. With a shared breath, the two girls rushed downstairs, each step echoing in tandem with the cadence of their own heart. As they entered the drawing room, the air developed them like an embrace. The smile on both men’s faces told them all, without any words.
“Joyce!” Elias Walford, Viscount Colemill, stood up and rushed over to Joyce, taking her by the hand and placing a soft, reverent kiss on her hand.
“My lord,” she smiled back, curtsying sweetly. Her gaze rested upon him with a sweet glow. Her eyes, alive with love and promise of things to come, revealed everything that was in her heart.
He returned her gaze, as he stood before her, tall and distinguished. His regal countenance was defined by his chiseled features, complemented by a well-groomed beard and impeccably styled hair that adhered to the latest fashions. His attire, a testament to fashion sensibilities, boasted a meticulously tailored coat, a cravat secured with a subtle pin, and trousers.
Phyllis observed them both, as a gentle smile graced her lips. The viscount’s distinguished demeanor and Joyce’s exuberant elegance seemed to complement each other like the harmonious notes of a sonata. Amidst the tenderness that seemed to reign in the opulence of the drawing room, Normal St. Clair made the joyous announcement.
“It is with pleasure that I share with you, my dear, that I have granted the viscount permission to court you,” he said, addressing Joyce this time. His usually stern countenance softened with paternal pride as he made his declaration.
Joyce and the viscount exchanged a meaningful glance, their fingers intertwined. Joy radiated from their faces, and Phyllis knew that she had made this happen. Even their father seemed happier than he had been in a long time. For a brief moment, everything seemed perfect.
Even though her own story would not be one with a happy end, at least her sister’s would be. Joyce’s story would unfold with promises of courtship, romance, and the timeless embrace of a loving man by her side.
CHAPTERNINE
Upon Alexander’s arrival in London, he swiftly turned his attention to the pressing matters that required his presence. Dressed in the tailored elegance befitting a man of his station, he navigated the bustling streets with a purposeful stride. His dark brown hair, neatly combed, framed a countenance that bore both the weight of responsibility and a hint of determination.
This was the perfect distraction. As he stepped into the realm of business, the clatter of carriage wheels and the hum of city life surrounded him. The cobblestone streets beneath his polished boots echoed his progress through the financial heart of London. His destination, an imposing building that housed the affairs demanding his attention, loomed ahead.
This was where he was to be seated at an imposing mahogany desk, delving into ledgers, contracts, and correspondence. All the people who had ever conducted any business with him, knew him to be a man of focused demeanor, revealing a man accustomed to the intricacies of business dealings, navigating the complex tapestry of financial responsibilities that accompanied his status.
After having spent several hours in this manner, he realized that despite him convincing himself that there would be no time for any social visits, the ticking of a nearby clock assured him otherwise. In fact, there was plenty of time. Days even, seeing that his plan was to remain in London for four days, so he would be able to get all of his business affairs sorted out.
Yes, business affairs, he thought to himself as he settled in his carriage, urging the coachman to take him to a specific address he had never been to before. Customs dictated that he informed them of his visit, but it was completely unplanned. The truth was, he thought he would be far too busy with sorting out everything to even think about visiting Phyllis. However, it seemed that fate had other plans for him, and he had to admit that it wasn’t all that hard for him to comply.
