“I would appreciate you not speaking to my daughter,” Louise’s mother continued, as she began to walk away, “now, Louise…”
“I am patiently anticipating the end of the season when I would have the pleasure of watching you all get out,” he said.
“Do not let the nasty man becloud your mood,” her mother said.
The encounter with the heir had, however, altered Louise’s mood and as she entered the drawing room to entertain her guests, she plastered a big smile on her face.
She could not afford to let her affection for Callum hinder her from spending time with her suitors. After all, if her family would be able to leave the house by the season’s end, then she needed to snag a marriage proposal as soon as possible
ChapterEighteen
"What is this nonsense that the gossip sheets are writing about me?" the Duke asked, slamming the newspaper on the table angrily.
"What is that, grandfather?" Callum asked as he stuffed his bread in.
"The paper is reporting on my date with the lovely Lady Theodora yesterday," the Duke replied.
"You went on a date with Lady Theodora?" Callum asked, raising his eyebrow.
At the house party, Callum believed that his grandfather was simply fooling around with Lady Theodora. However, now that the house party was over and they kept seeing each other, Callum could not help but consider that maybe the couple had a serious thing going on between them.
"Of course, we took a walk and then ended up at the tea shop. And I have to say, Lady Theodora looked absolutely beautiful. I could not take my eyes off her," the Duke said, dreamily.
Callum realized what was happening to his grandfather.
"If you indeed went on a date with Lady Theodora, then why are you mad that the paper is reporting it?" Callum asked.
The Duke shrugged, "I suppose I would rather spend time with the lovely Lady Theodora without fearing that we are being noticed.”
Callum sighed. "Your Grace, are you in love with Lady Theodora? Ever since we got back from the house party, you have barely been able to make a statement without mentioning her name."
"I suppose I am in love with her," the Duke replied, smiling. "I have developed feelings for her and I am certain that she feels the same way about me," the Duke continued.
"I am happy for you then, Grandfather," Callum replied, taking a swig of wine. He still found it absurd that his old grandfather seemed so dedicated to being in love in his old age, but he knew that it was only right that he be supportive of his grandfather.
"Do you suppose the paper would stop reporting on me and Theodora and speculating about us if we became engaged and got married?" The Duke asked.
"Ma..married..." Callum momentarily forgot that he had wine in his mouth and when he tried to speak, the wine choked him. His eyes watered and he coughed to clear his throat. "You want to get married, Grandfather?" Callum asked, still shocked.
"Of course," the Duke replied, "what did you think would come out of my interaction with Lady Theodora? I am a gentleman."
"Does she seem to want to marry you too?" Callum asked.
The Duke nodded with enthusiasm. "In fact, we spoke about it yesterday," he replied, "and I have decided to announce my engagement to Lady Theodora in a grand manner."
"Grand manner!" Callum asked. He did not like the sound of what his grandfather had just said.
"Certainly. I want to throw a big ball to announce to everyone in thetonthat I am now engaged to Lady Theodora," the Duke said.
Callum smiled nervously. "You could simply have a quieter engagement," Callum suggested.
The Duke frowned. "Why would I do that?" He asked, "I love Lady Theodora and I want everyone in thetonto know it. After the ball, the wedding would be even bigger."
"Oh, is that so?"
"Indeed, I will not spare any cost at ensuring that everyone knows that I am in love. I am happy and I wish for everyone to know it. I cannot wait to share my happiness with the world," the Duke said.
"That sounds just lovely," Callum muttered as he pondered on the best way to talk his grandfather out of the ball and an extravagant wedding ceremony.
