Crispin balked at the suggestion, retreating to his old self and the comforts from before he had ever even given himself leave to care for a woman.
“That is ridiculous, Beatrice. There is a way to go about these things. First, I must gain the approval of her father. Then I am to properly court her. It is when I make my proposal that I am to tell her how she has affected my heart,” he said.
Beatrice laughed and rolled her eyes at him. “Oh, Crispin. Brother, you are being so foolish. You read plenty of novels whereby the hero and heroine fall in love and yet you find your comfort in solitude.
Now, when you wish to share your life, you are frightened by the prospect of telling this woman how much you care for her? I grieve for Lady Mary. She has chosen to care for a man who has no knowledge of how to properly share his heart.”
Crispin wanted nothing more than to protest, but he knew that his sister was right in many ways. As much as he wanted to argue the point, there was little reason to. He would only lose.
“And how am I to tell her what I feel?” he asked.
“You simply tell her. Tell her that you are in love with her. Tell her that she means the world to you,” Beatrice said.
“But what if I make a fool of myself? What if she does not feel the same?”
“I am quite certain that she does. Everything in her actions points to loving you,” Beatrice said.
Crispin’s heart was warmed by this. He wondered if it was true. Did she really love him? Was it possible that their feelings for one another were the same?
He hoped it was true. Certainly, his heart could not take it if she did not wish to be his wife, but if she cared for him enough to marry him and even if she learned to love him over time, he would be more than happy. But if Beatrice was right and Mary was already in love with him just as he loved her, there could be no better thing in all the world.
It felt wonderful to love her so deeply and to know that they might have a future. He had admired her from the moment they met and he had often thought about how she would be as a mother. Mary Goldfield was the most incredible woman in all the world and he would have given anything to spend his life with her.
And now, he just might have that chance.
“I can see your mind is working. Believe me, Crispin—there is hope between the two of you. There is love abundant and I have no doubt that the future belongs to you both. Your love for one another inspires me. When the day comes that I find a husband of my own, I hope that we love one another half so much as you love Lady Mary,” Beatrice said.
“And I shall do all that I can to aid you in finding a man who is deserving of your love, Beatrice. Before long, we shall both be married. We shall both be happy,” Crispin said, hoping with all his heart that it was true.
He stayed in the study for quite some time, wondering what may happen. He needed to speak with Lord Comstead, but he would need to be sure that the timing was right.
Just when he was starting to think he would have to wait a little bit longer, Crispin was surprised by a letter, presented by a footman.
“Here you are, sir,” he said.
“Ah, thank you,” Crispin replied. He opened the paper and his heart instantly leapt when he saw that it was from the blacksmith.
Lord Hanbrooke,
I have done as we discussed. I presented myself before my darling Charlotte. Her mother was shamed before the family and, as such, I expect that Lord Comstead knows now that there has been a great deal of deception. Although I cannot say he will care for you, I hope that this gives you your chance.
As for me, my darling and I are arranging for our future. She has promised to speak with Lord Comstead and to avoid her mother for the time being so that she might try and break free of the bondage Lady Rachel is so prone to creating.
I am not certain as to what may happen next, but I am confident that it is going to create an opportunity for the both of us and that we will soon experience the joy of love and affection with the women we love. I would strongly urge you to speak with Lord Comstead, just as I intend to do.
I wish you all the best with whatever is next for you.
Joseph Caldwell
Crispin stared at the letter in his hands. So, it had finally happened. At last, Lady Rachel had been exposed and there would be little opportunity for her to continue trying to ruin the family or keep Mary away from him.
Even Lord Comstead had likely seen the truth. And while Crispin had hopes that it would mean Lord Comstead would not listen to him, Crispin was also eager to consider what this could mean for Mary.
Would her father be kinder and gentler to her? Would he listen? Would he be willing to consider that she was a good woman who deserved great care?
Finally, he would find out.
With that, Crispin was even more relieved. He could hardly believe that it had truly been done! He would now have a chance to approach Lord Comstead and beg him for an opportunity to court Mary. And as soon as he was able, Crispin would tell Mary how he felt. He would express his love to her and see if she reciprocated.
Of course, the idea of approaching the man who would not see him was terrifying, but Crispin was determined to be brave. If he loved Mary as much as he thought he did, it was a small thing. And there was no reason to avoid the small things, particularly when they could lead to the greatest.