by Fiona Miers
“What do you want?” Emma asked.
Thomas stared upon the lovely Rebecca, whom he had lost his heart to, and clearly all his sense of reason as well. He stared hopefully at her, fearful that he had made the biggest mistake of his life.
It was true. He had not considered her feelings at all at the time, and that would surely cost him.
“I want to matter,” Rebecca said, and her gaze met Thomas’s from across the room. “I want to matter the most.”
REBECCA GAZED AT THOMAS, whose eyes were filled with guilt and shame. It was clearly visible on his face, and Rebecca felt remorse inside her soul. But she deserved more than what had been handed to her, of that she was certain.
“But you do matter the most, Rebecca,” Thomas said, and at least his words sounded sincere.
“It certainly does not feel that way.”
Thomas ran his fingers through his dark hair and slowly approached her. He knelt before her, his hands resting on her knees. Even though it was not the most appropriate thing to do, the duchess and the two ladies were at least present as chaperones.
“I am truly remorseful if it came across that way, Rebecca. The reason why I told your father that I would marry you was because I did not wish for your reputation to be ruined by the terrible things printed in the newspaper, which were not even true...”
“Well, at least not all of it,” Julia said, with a gentle reminder.
Thomas pursed his lips, avoiding turning his attention away from Rebecca. He took both her hands in his and drew in a deep breath. “I did not wish for your reputation to be tainted in any matter, Rebecca, and I thought that a request for courtship eventually resulting in marriage was the right way to go about things. But it was not. The only thing I succeeded in doing was to upset you and drive you away from me.”
“Thomas, you did not drive me away,” she said.
“You did not exactly fall into my arms at the thought of marrying me.”
“I was disappointed, as you had broken a promise you made me,” Rebecca said and glanced down at him.
He studied her for a moment, attempting to recall a broken promise. It was not in his nature to make promises without the intention of keeping them. “I do not...”
“You made a promise to me that the reason why you would ask for my hand in marriage would not be when my reputation was at stake.”
The memory slammed into him, making him rather ashamed at his recent behaviour.
“Indeed, you are correct. I did,” Thomas said, taking a slow, steady breath. “I am so sorry, Rebecca. It was not my intention to upset you or make you feel as though you don’t matter. I value your opinion. I simply asked your father’s permission as I wished to deflect his anger away from what had happened. It is certainly not an excuse, nor does it justify my actions.”
“No, it does not.”
Thomas cringed and placed one of her hands in his and placed his other hand on top of it. “Will you forgive me? Forgive this silly fool of a man who has treated you unfairly but wishes nothing more than your happiness. Please forgive me and allow me to prove to you that I truly care for you, more than I have ever cared for anyone.”
“It is true,” Emma said with a smile and Rebecca glanced at her.
“It is?” Rebecca asked.
“Indeed,” Emma said. “The first day he met you, he returned home and could not stop talking about you.”
“We all were under the impression he was inebriated, swooning dreamily about the hallways,” Julia said.
Rebecca giggled and gazed back at Thomas. “That is rather delightful to hear.”
“No, you are delightful, Rebecca. I have never met a woman as beautiful and kind as you, who also enjoyed going hunting for fossils. At first, I could not determine whether you only said it was interesting to distract me from the pain as you sutured my wound, but seeing the wonder in your eyes at the beach confirmed that you were truly interested.”
“I was. I would never pretend to be interested in something I was not, regardless of how charming or attractive the person may be,” Rebecca said.
The corners of Thomas’ mouth curled upward as he gazed at her. “You consider me charming and attractive?”
“I will refrain from answering that question for the sake of your brothers’ wives,” Rebecca said, a hint of warmth coming back into her eyes.
“Oh, do not mind us. You are most welcome to answer,” Emma said, fobbing her off and Abigail and Julia motioned to Rebecca, urging her to continue.
“Indeed, I do,” Rebecca said as her cheeks coloured.
Relief winged through Thomas’s heart and he pushed on. “From the first moment I saw you, Rebecca, I have been captivated by you. We’ve shared many laughs together in the short time we have known one another, and I would want nothing more than to continue to enjoy those things with you for the rest of my life.”
“Thomas...”
“Rebecca, please allow me the tremendous honour of courting you,” Thomas said, “And with every intention of an engagement, for the right reasons this time.”
Rebecca bit her bottom lip, and much to Thomas and his brothers’ wives surprise, she shook her head.
“Thomas, as much as I am touched by your words and the meaning that goes along with them, I must decline,” Rebecca said.
“What? Why?” Thomas asked and his grasp loosened on her hands.
She moved her hands away and rose to her feet, leaving him on the floor.
“Please, do believe me that I wish to say yes. With my entire being, I would gladly say yes without a moment’s hesitation...”
“Then why are you declining my offer if you wish to accept it?” he asked as he rose to his feet with the assistance of Emma. His leg was still tender, and he was not able to shift positions as quickly as he ought to.
“It is more complicated, and you of all people should be aware of it,” Rebecca said.
Thomas’ brow furrowed and he stared at her in confusion. “What on earth are you referring to?”
“Oh, Thomas. My lack of noble blood as well as my now tattered reputation makes it impossible for us to marry.”
He shook his head, fervently. “I do not care about that. Any of it. I want to be with you, and I know you want the same.”
“I do, but you must understand,” she said to him and her shoulders slumped. “Look at me. I am the daughter of the town physician. My family is not wealthy nor titled, and I am certainly not the best woman for you, according to society.”
“I do not care what society thinks, Rebecca. You are the woman I wish to spend my life with, and the rest does not matter to me. To the world and to society, you may only be a simple Miss, but to me you are the queen of my heart.”
Rebecca stared at him, her mouth open, her eyes wide and glistening with tears.
Emma approached her and offered Rebecca an embroidered handkerchief. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she smiled with apparent joy.
Thomas stared at her in concern and expectation, and she dabbed the soft handkerchief against her tear-stained cheeks.
“But your mother, Thomas. She...”
He shook his head fervently. “I don’t care what she says, what she thinks. I want to paint with you on the cliffs for the rest of my days. And if you are worried about where we will leave, I am certain that Charles will not allow my mother to punish us financially.”
Emma nodded and smiled. “You will always have a home, Rebecca. I promise you that.”
Thomas grinned, and looked expectedly at the woman who still hadn’t agreed to marry him. “So, Rebecca, my love? What do you say?”
“Well, it seems that I can deny you no longer,” Rebecca said with a sniffle and looked at him with love shining in her eyes. “I irrevocably accept your offer.”
Chapter Thirteen
Thomas had never understood the manner in which women’s minds operated. He was certainly aware of how to charm a young woman, flatter her, and make her laugh. He had an understanding of c
asual conversations and flattering, to wooing a woman. His brothers had even counted upon his advice regarding the ladies in their lives and it was sound advice, to say the least.
What Thomas did not have experience with was long-term and committed relationships. He was more than able to woo a young lady and begin to court her, but he had never endeavoured into a prospective marriage before.
Which was why the scene before him was rather unsettling. From the moment Rebecca had agreed to marry him, his brothers’ wives had swooped on her, determined to plan their wedding in a single night.
At present, they spoke simultaneously in regard to wedding flowers, lavish gowns and even the date in when his wedding to Rebeca would commence. They spoke in muddled sentences of things he had never heard of, and terms that were a complete mystery to him.
Rebecca had grown quieter while listening to the ladies around her speaking with much excitement. Thomas recognised her expression instantly. She wore the same powerless grimace on her face that he saw when he spoke with Dr. Morton regarding the plans to marry his daughter. Thomas certainly did not wish to upset Rebecca once more by allowing her to feel excluded from what was meant to be the happiest day of her life.
Rebecca, who was much too mild-mannered and polite, glanced at Thomas in desperation. He would most certainly not ignore the silent pleas from his future wife and approached the chaise lounge.
Thomas reached out his hand to her, and she placed her hand in his without a moment’s hesitation. As she rose to her feet, the three ladies gaped at him with wide eyes.
“And where do you think you are taking her?” Julia asked.
“Away from here,” Thomas said simply.
“But there is much to plan if you are to be married soon, Thomas,” Abigail said.
“And between yourself, Emma and Julia, you will be more than capable of doing so,” Thomas said.
“But Thomas...”
“Emma, please. My dearest is overwhelmed, and I simply require a moment alone with her,” Thomas said, his voice filled with a protective urgency.
“And how long would this moment last?” Julia asked.
“As long as it needs to,” Emma said, chiming in, and giving Thomas and Rebecca a nod of approval.
“Emma, you cannot possibly agree—”
“If Rebecca and Thomas require a moment—or more—alone, then so be it,” Emma said.
“But we do not have time to waste, Emma. A wedding requires much planning, especially one that must be memorable. He is the last Melton son to marry.”
“Julia, I myself planned and meticulously executed a perfect wedding in only three days. I think we shall be perfectly capable of doing the same. We are three this time.”
Julia pursed her lips and nodded.
Thomas mouthed a grateful “thank you, sister,” at Emma, who reciprocated by blowing a kiss towards them, granting them leave from the drawing room.
Thomas rushed Rebecca to the front door and as soon as they stepped outside, the fresh air immediately allowed them to feel better.
“I feel I must apologise,” he said as he turned to her.
Her hand was pressed under her bust, drawing in slow and deep breaths. “Why would you apologise?”
“My brothers’ wives... they have the tendency to be rather spirited at times.”
“Is that how you would refer to it?”
Thomas grinned and cocked his head. “And how would you refer to it?”
“Overzealous, perhaps. Spirited is hardly sufficient, in my opinion,” she said.
“Indeed. I was merely attempting to be kind and not set them in a derogatory light.”
“I do not think that would be possible.”
“You are certainly a part of the family. In my eyes, you always have been.”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “Thomas, you truly ought to give me the opportunity to finish my words. Your interruptions are not gentlemanly.”
“My sincerest apologies, my lovely Rebecca,” Thomas said with a smile and held out his hand. “Would you perhaps consider forgiving me for my brutish ways by joining me in my carriage?”
“And how would a carriage ride sway me into forgiving you?” she asked.
“Ah, but I do not recall ever saying we will be riding in the carriage.”
Rebecca cocked her head and briefly glanced at his outstretched hand. A giddy feeling exploded inside him as Rebeca’s eyes twinkled, and he grew excited about the prospect of being alone in a secluded carriage with his beautiful woman.
“Very well,” Rebecca said and placed her hand in his.
As they made their way to the carriage, Thomas glanced at her. “What was it that you wished to say before I so rudely interrupted you, my dearest?”
“Ah, yes. The ladies treat me as though I am already a Melton, a part of a family with high nobility. Never in my life did I ever imagine a duchess and two ladies would willingly spend their time with me.”
“I may not know what it is like to be a woman, but do not for a moment think that you have ever been insignificant. What you do need to remember is that you are important to all the people who matter. And the rest do not,” Thomas said, from the bottom of his heart.
“You truly are the most wonderful man in the world, Thomas. And although this may sound ludicrous and insensitive, I certainly am glad that you stepped into my father’s rooms bloodied and injured.”
Thomas grinned and nodded. “Despite the circumstances, so am I.”
He pulled Rebecca into his embrace and wrapped his arms tenderly round her waist. He leaned in and their lips touched in a gentle kiss. Sensations of love and intense happiness bubbled inside him.
He was certain that he would never feel this way about anyone else, and Rebecca Morton was the only woman he wished to have beside him for the rest of his days.
Their lips parted slowly, and Thomas said in a whisper, “Allow me to take you home first. I believe there is something I wish to discuss with your father. And I am certain he would care to see you, verifying you are safe.”
Rebecca nodded quietly, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight as they walked arm-in-arm to the carriage that awaited them.
“And I promise to call upon you tomorrow for a picnic and perhaps a boat ride on the lake. If it pleases you, of course.”
“Indeed, it does,” she said. “It pleases me very much.”
WHEN CARRIAGE CAME to a stop in front of the Morton townhouse, Rebecca and Thomas quietly made their way to the front door. It had been a silent journey in the carriage, but words were not needed.
Now, they simply had to tell her father what they had decided. Rebecca hoped that in discussing the matter with her father and with Thomas present as well, they would clear the air, and any misunderstanding between them would be resolved.
Rebecca was also aware of her father’s stubborn nature but hoped he would not be unreasonable in listening to what they had to say.
Rebecca entered her home, her head held high, followed closely by Thomas. Rebecca peered into the parlour, where she had last seen her father, but he was no longer there.
“Miss Rebecca.”
Rebecca turned and a smile formed on her lips as she saw Connie approach her with open arms. The maidservant embraced Rebecca lovingly, as a mother would embrace a child. In a manner of speaking, Connie had been a motherly figure to her after her mother passed away, and she was truly grateful to have her by her side. Connie had defended her many times, supported her when times were tougher than usual, and she’d provided Rebecca with a shoulder to cry on when the longing for her mother became overwhelming.
“My dearest, Rebecca, thank goodness you are safe.”
“Indeed. I am grateful for your concern,” Rebecca said with a smile. “I must apologise for causing you to worry.”
“I understand, but your father may need a tad bit more convincing,” Connie said. “He is in his study.”
“Thank you, Connie.”
Rebecca ca
refully made her way along the hallway, towards the study, and although her heart pounded in her chest, she felt steadier with Thomas behind her.
Her father was inside, holding a glass half-filled with whiskey. He turned to the door and stared at her and Thomas for a moment. Rebecca noticed the scowl on his face as well as the newspaper resting on the desk.
“Father,” she said to him.
Dr. Morton rushed to her side and embraced her, which came as a surprise. She had expected her father to yell at her and scold her for being irresponsible and careless by disappearing with his horse and returning after dark.
“I cannot tell you how worried I have been,” he said and looked at her with both guilt and relief.
“I am truly sorry, Father. I should not have left so abruptly and placed myself in harm’s way. I was upset that I was excluded by you and Thomas as you discussed our plans to marry, but also that you did not even ask me what I wanted,” Rebecca said and stepped away from her father.
“What is it that you want, my dear?” the doctor suddenly asked and set down the glass on the table beside him. “Tell me and I will give you whatever it is.”
“I wish to be considered in decisions that impact my life. I wish not to be excluded from those decisions because I am a woman. I also wish to be asked for my opinion, and my desires taken into consideration. I am a human being, not a prize to be fought over. Is that clear?”
“As clear as the skies on a July afternoon, my dear.”
“Good,” Rebecca said and glanced expectantly at her new fiancé. “Thomas wishes to say something.”
Thomas shifted his weight and cleared his throat. “Indeed, Dr. Morton.”
Her father narrowed his eyes, but looked at Thomas calmly, without reaching for his rifle, which was luckily still locked inside the cabinet at the far end of the study.
“Dr. Morton, Rebecca and I had a discussion regarding the marriage arrangements, and I realised that the manner in which I was discussing marrying Rebecca was wrong. Marrying her solely to save her reputation from ruin did not sit well with me, as your daughter deserves to be happy. She deserves to be in a marriage where she is treated with love and respect, where she is cared for and supported in everything she wishes to attempt and achieve. She deserves someone who has her best interests at heart, and who of course loves her for who she is, instead of trying to repair a ruined reputation.”
