Chapter Eight
Riding through the night was not an option, but Marcus made it more than halfway to his destination without having to strain his horse. The coaching inn where he found a room was comfortable enough, but he was up before the sun and on the road again.
The sooner he procured permission for Ellen’s hand, the better. If he could have the banns read in each of their respective parishes by the coming Sunday, they could marry on December twenty-ninth, before the year was out.
The long ride gave him time to think. While he rushed through his last conversation with Ellen, it did not escape his notice she appeared less than enthusiastic when accepting his proposal. When he went over in his mind all they said, each detail he shared, he understood why.
Collin and Marianne told him how practical Ellen was, and he remembered her being an exceptionally level-headed girl, but at one point she must have had dreams of how her wedding would be, what sort of man she would marry.
Reality had a way of putting aside dreams as easily as an adult putting away a child’s playthings.
He arrived at Oak Lodge shortly after the household had taken breakfast. The butler informed him, with nary a smile, that only the Bringhurst gentlemen were at home. This suited Marcus perfectly.
He was shown into a comfortable study, where a fire burned high and warm, and father and son worked bent over a table. They straightened as he was announced and returned his bow.
Never, Marcus thought, had two men looked so confused.
“I am sorry to arrive unannounced, Mr. Bringhurst.” Marcus came closer to the table, trying not to smile when the two continued to stare at him. “I know it’s been many years since we’ve met. I believe Master Reginald was still a boy, no more than ten, at the time.”
Reginald Bringhurst collected himself, recognition dawning in his eyes. “Ah, yes! Cousin Collin’s friend. We met when I went to Aunt Falkham’s with Dorothea and Ellen one summer.” He held his hand out and Marcus shook it firmly. “Father, this is Mr. Calvert, the brother of Lord Calvert, Earl of Annesbury. He and Lord Falkham have been friends for years.”
Even when coming to ask for a lady’s hand, he was known first and foremost as the younger brother of an earl. Though it irked him, Marcus kept smiling.
“Ah, yes. The years have seen you grow into a fine man, Mr. Calvert. I did not know you at all. Still more of a boy when last we met.” The father now extended his hand and shook Marcus’s heartily. “Any friend of our family is most welcome. Are you in the neighborhood for a time?”
Marcus, amused by his welcome, tried to anticipate the confusion Ellen said he would stir with his errand. “No, I plan to leave again after my horse is rested. I have come from the Falkhams’ home, actually.”
The older man nodded. “Please, Mr. Calvert, sit. Tell us what brings you here.”
Marcus waited until his host was sitting behind the desk to take a chair across from him. Reginald leaned against the table and folded his arms, frowning. Though the youth had no part in this conversation, Marcus saw no reason to dismiss him from the room.
Marcus sat on the edge of his seat, leaning forward slightly. “I have come with a very particular mission, Mr. Bringhurst. One which involves your daughter, Miss Bringhurst. Though you may not know it, we often spent time together as children. She joined Collin and I in our games.”
“What has any of that to do with your visit today?” The father scratched his chin and sat back more comfortably in his chair. “Has she sent us a message through you? Is she in good health?”
“Miss Bringhurst is in excellent health,” Marcus assured him, repressing his smile as best he could. “I have come to ask your blessing on a marriage between Miss Bringhurst and myself.”
Reginald took in a sharp breath. His father stared, eyes wide. The man opened his mouth and closed it no less than three times, preparing to speak, only to stop himself. He did not wear a smile and while the look of confusion was brief, it was not replaced with anything more pleasant.
“I am sorry,” Marcus said, looking from father to son. “I have given you a shock. I did not expect that.” Indeed, he had expected a moment of surprise, then either a line of severe questioning or else happy congratulations.
“You have asked Ellen?” Reginald said when it became clear his father must gather his thoughts. “She accepted you.”
“Yes.” Marcus directed the answer to the lad, who did smile. At least someone was happy for Ellen.
“Ellen accepted?” Mr. Bringhurst repeated quietly, drawing Marcus’s attention back to him. “I’m surprised. I thought she had no wish to marry.”
“You did?” Marcus’s eyebrows raised. “I’m certain she liked the idea once it was presented.” What sort of father would expect his daughter would not wish to have a husband and home of her own?
Sighing heavily, the older gentleman looked to his son. “This is unexpected. Do you know anything of Ellen’s wishes?” He turned back to Marcus before the young man could answer. “And how long have you been courting her without my knowledge?”
Ah, a protective father was someone Marcus understood. “It is unexpected for everyone involved, but I hope it is pleasant news. I am in need of a wife. Miss Bringhurst and I happened to be present at the Falkhams’ home at the same time, we renewed our acquaintance, and I put the question to her. I find your daughter to be an intelligent, practical sort who meets my requirements for my wife perfectly. I offered her my name and protection, she accepted, on the condition we receive your permission and blessing.” He shrugged. “I have written a note to the steward of the estate I will inherit after marriage. He will be sending an accounting of all that I hold by courier, so you may look over things and be assured that your daughter will be well provided for as my wife.”
“Being related to an earl will help her in society, too, Father.” Reginald came forward to stand behind his father’s chair, a half-smile on his face. “Think what this will mean for Ellen. A home of her own, a family. She need not be uncertain of her future.”
“Uncertain?” The man blustered, looking up at his offspring and back to Marcus, his eyes wide. “How could she be uncertain? Many families have an unmarried miss who is welcome in every home. She would reside here, throughout the life of her parents. Then possibly go to one of her sisters, should you and your future wife not require her.”
Marcus listened in shock. While his suit had not been denied, it certainly wasn’t being accepted.
“Mr. Bringhurst, have you objections to my engagement to your daughter? If so, I would like to know. You are keeping me in some suspense.” He tapped the arm of the chair, impatient with the man and his strange vision for Ellen’s future.
The father stood and paced to the window and back, shaking his head all the while. “I cannot think of a good reason to deny you. I should like to talk to Ellen in person, to be certain of her mind. I give my blessing, contingent on hearing from her this is what she wishes. Reginald, go back with Mr. Calvert as my envoy. Send word on what you find your sister’s state of mind to be. If she is well, then we will proceed.”
Marcus stood. “Then we must go at once. Have you fresh horses? I would like mine to rest.”
Reginald looked surprised. “But you just arrived.”
“I know. I would like the banns to be read as soon as possible, in both our parishes as custom dictates. I wish to marry before Parliament convenes.”
“A man who knows his own mind. I suppose that is something.” Mr. Bringhurst nodded. “Yes, yes. Take our horses. I will dispatch a letter to Ellen’s mother to apprise her of the situation. Please, take some refreshment while Reginald prepares for the journey. Quick, boy. Mustn’t keep a prospective groom waiting.” He sighed deeply and shook his head again. “Very strange business, but nothing should surprise me anymore. Four daughters, married. That will be a feather in Mrs. Bringhurst’s cap.”
“Indeed.” Marcus settled back into his seat. Mr. Bringhurst said little else.
Marcus’s body might not thank him for the long hours on horseback, but he would happily travel twice the distance to ensure his future with Ellen and Orchard Hill.