“Indeed, likewise.”
She returned his greeting with a warm smile, her eyes fixed on him with a hint of curiosity. The silence that followed between them was uncomfortable, the weight of her gaze making him uneasy.
Ruth parted her lips, ready to speak again, but before she could utter a word, he interjected in a solemn tone.
“I beg your forgiveness, Lady Borthwell, for the stain I have cast upon Lady Bridget’s reputation,” he apologized, his tone laced with regret. “My base desires overpowered my reason. I hope you and your family can find it in your hearts to forgive me for my transgressions.”
Ruth’s gaze bored into Abel, her eyes piercing with intensity as she inspected him. With firmness in her voice, she cut straight to the point.
“Why have you really graced us with your presence this day, Your Grace?”
Abel inhaled deeply, steeling himself for the moment of truth. With unwavering resolve, he declared his purpose for the first time, his voice carrying the weight of his convictions.
“Lady Borthwell, I have come to do what is right. I have come to seek your daughter’s hand in marriage.”
Ruth clapped her hands together in sheer joy, and she let out a delighted squeal, her eyes sparkling with delight. “I knew it! I knew you were in love with Bridget!”
Abel felt his cheeks flush, wondering if his emotions had been so evident. Part of him longed to deny it, but he knew deep down that he was too deep in to do so.
At last, he cleared his throat, the weight of his words hanging in the air as he spoke, “Well, the situation and its circumstances demanded this union. My sense of honor and duty compel me to be here.”
Ruth’s eyebrow arched, her disappointment evident as her expression faltered. She hesitated, her gaze fixed on him.
“Is that truly the manner in which you wish to present your proposal to my daughter?”
Abel furrowed his brow, his confusion evident as he scratched his head. “I apologize, Lady Borthwell. I find myself at a loss. What do you mean?”
Ruth let out a weary sigh and waved her hand in the air. “No matter,” she replied, her voice tinged with a hint of resignation. “Do not trouble yourself further.”
A tiny, tired smile flickered across her face, a glimmer of warmth amidst her weariness. “I do wish you the best of luck. May things work out in the way that both you and Bridget desire.”
Abel’s confusion lingered, but he nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you.”
“Your Grace,” Leonard’s familiar voice called out, capturing Abel’s attention.
Abel turned towards Bridget’s father and nodded in acknowledgment. “Good day, Lord Borthwell,” he greeted politely, doing his best to calm his nerves.
Leonard returned the pleasantries with a polite smile. “I trust you are well, Your Grace. What a delight it is to find you have graced us with your presence again,” he spoke, his tone respectful yet tinged with a hint of curiosity.
As Ruth excused herself from their presence, her departure accompanied by a final smile directed at Abel, he was left with a multitude of emotions swirling within him.
With Ruth’s departure, his focus shifted back to Leonard. There was a sense of urgency in his eyes as he spoke, his voice laced with determination. “Lord Borthwell, there is an important matter I must discuss with you.”
Leonard’s swift nod indicated his readiness to listen. “Of course, Your Grace,” he replied, his voice steady and composed. “Please, accompany me to my study. We can discuss the matter in private.”
As they made their way towards Leonard’s study, the grandeur of the estate surrounding them seemed to fade into the background. The weight of their conversation loomed heavily, the air thick with anticipation.
Abel’s heart pounded in his chest, a symphony of nerves and anticipation as he walked alongside him towards the study.
When they entered the study, Leonard gestured for him to take a seat, his expression tight with a mix of curiosity and apprehension.
Abel gathered his courage, taking a deep breath before he began to speak.
“I must start by apologizing, Lord Borthwell,” he started, his voice filled with sincerity. “I deeply regret the shame I brought upon your family with the liberties I took with Lady Bridget.”
A pause hung in the air, stretching the tension between them. Abel continued, his voice steady but laced with remorse. “I took advantage of her, and it is only right that I fulfill my duty as a gentleman by marrying her. So, I have come today to ask for her hand.”
Leonard’s face registered a profound surprise, his features momentarily frozen in astonishment.
