The Bad Luck Bride (The Brides of St. Ives #1)(83)
Henderson was about to take his first bite of cherry tart, and he paused, staring at Alice, who pressed her lips together and looked at him with eyes full of what could only be described as pure happiness. He put the tart down, suddenly finding it difficult to breathe. “That is good to hear,” he said finally, then sat back as the meaning of his visit fully hit him. He was here to ask Lord Hubbard’s permission to marry Alice.
“Are you all right?” Oliver asked. “You look suddenly ill.”
“Quite the opposite, in fact. I do not believe I have ever felt better in my life.” He looked over to Elda, who’d been sitting across from him with a rather stern expression, and couldn’t help but notice she was smiling at him fondly with that old look that had always comforted him, always made him feel welcome. By God, if he’d been alone, he just might have wept.
“Well, I’m done with tea,” he announced, then glanced at his favorite treat, nearly untouched on his plate. “I expect I shall have a visit with his lordship now.”
He stood and the small group all followed suit, staring at him expectantly. Christina looked especially adorable, for it was clear she also knew the purpose of his visit. Henderson left the parlor, and a footman led him to Lord Hubbard’s room, even though he knew the way, another strange formality that only served to increase his nervousness. Surely he wouldn’t have been invited to tea if Lord Hubbard was going to reject his suit.
The footman entered the room in front of him and announced him. “Mr. Henderson Southwell to see you, my lord.”
“Send him in.”
At least Lord Hubbard sounded well and strong. And when Henderson got his first look at the man, he was vastly relieved to see him looking as he always had. He was sitting up in bed, wearing a robe over his night clothes, his hair neatly combed and his face freshly shaved. Lord Hubbard had prepared for this meeting, it seemed, and Henderson was glad he’d taken extra care with his own appearance.
“It is good to see you well, my lord,” Henderson said. “I want to apologize for any part I may have had in your illness. You should know it has been a heavy burden on me these last few days.”
Richard waved a dismissive hand. “I am on the mend.” Richard gave Henderson a hard, long look, and it took quite a bit of discipline not to squirm or look away. “My daughter believes herself in love with you.”
“For which I am eternally grateful. And I very much love Alice. I have for a long time, sir. I realize I do not have the pedigree you wish for in a son-in-law, but I am here to ask your permission for your daughter’s hand in marriage.” He let out a small breath of relief that he’d been able to get out the words without stumbling.
“What of India?”
“I must go back and complete my mission there, but then I will return to England and stay. I would like Alice to come with me as my wife.”
Lord Hubbard frowned at that, but he nodded. “Very well. You have my permission.”
The relief at hearing those words was profound. “Thank you, sir.”
“You have proven yourself a gentleman, more than once, Mr. Southwell. You have withstood my wrath, my disappointment in you, my doubts. And by doing so, you have gained my admiration. I think my daughter is a lucky girl to have found someone like you.”
Henderson swallowed thickly. “Thank you, sir. You have been a good example to me over the years.”
“Now go tell my daughter her father isn’t the ogre she thinks he is.”
Henderson grinned and held out his hand for Lord Hubbard to shake. “I will, sir. Thank you.”
Never in his life had Henderson felt as happy as he felt at that moment. It was almost beyond belief that he would finally have his Alice, forever. She would be his wife, the mother to their children. She would lie with him every night and he would wake up to her soft smile every morning. To be accepted, finally, was a gift he’d never thought to own. He flew down the stairs, propriety be damned, because he couldn’t wait to tell Alice the good news, even though he knew she suspected such a happy outcome. If he’d known what the tea invitation had been all about, he would have taken the time to purchase a ring. Having nothing, he stole a tiny white flower and stem from a flower arrangement and tied it into a small circle.
The family was still in the parlor, speaking in hushed tones, when he entered. He was grinning like a madman, so it must be evident that the interview with Lord Hubbard had gone well. As one, except for Alice, they left the room, Oliver patting him heartily on the back as he passed.
Alice had stood when he’d entered, but sat down with an audible flump as he approached. When he reached the chair, he dropped to one knee and she let out a small, happy sob.
“Alice Hubbard, I have loved you for as long as I can remember. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
With one hand pressed against her mouth, her eyes brimming with tears, she nodded. Then he took her hand in his and slipped on the silly little flower ring, making her giggle. “It’s lovely,” she said, gazing down at it as if he’d just handed her the largest diamond she’d ever seen.
Henderson stood, drawing her up with him, and pulled her into his embrace. “I shall get you the most beautiful ring I can find,” he said, and he could feel her shaking her head.
“I like this one.”
He chuckled. “Good, because that is all I have at the moment. This entire day was completely unexpected. However did you manage to convince your father?”