‘She’s outstanding!’ Anne rose to the bait. ‘It’s so important for a lady to be musical, don’t you think, Caleb?’
Caleb looked up and frowned at his mother, as though she had interrupted his thoughts.
‘I am not musical; therefore the ability is not a priority to me,’ he explained factually.
‘A lady does so possess such elegance though, when she can seat herself at a piano and regale the audience with a beautiful tune…’
Finishing his mouthful roughly, Caleb wiped a napkin across his lips and dropped it to the table. He came to standing and excused himself.
‘Mother I have no time to talk – I have obligations this morning. Good day to you, sister,’ Caleb bobbed his head to Emmeline and let the room.
*
The Butler knocked on the heavy dark wooden door and upon hearing the Marquess’s admittance, pushed open the door, standing aside and announcing
‘His Grace, Caleb Exley, the Duke of Montwood, my Lord…’
Vincent smiled from behind his desk and stood to welcome his esteemed guest. The two gentlemen bowed to each other.
‘Please, Your Grace, take a seat, here by the window…’
Vincent moved away from his desk and gestured toward two sturdy leather armchairs that looked out upon a manicured green lawn.
‘Would you care for tea, Your Grace?’ Vincent queried.
‘No, thank you.’ Caleb was keen to necessitate all duties without being delayed by social niceties.
‘I was happy to see you dance with my daughter this evening past, Your Grace,’ Vincent smiled warmly.
‘Indeed, My Lord,’ Caleb hurried on, ‘Thank you for meeting with me this morning. It is my intention to marry Lady Hannah with some urgency. I propose marriage by special license within six days, eschewing the traditional reading of the banns.’
Vincent appeared a little taken aback, sinking back into his chair a moment.
‘Is there some burning purpose to expedite the nuptials, Your Grace?’ Vincent furrowed his brow.
‘No, My Lord. Only personal preference.’
‘No reason for alarm nor concern?’
‘None at all, you have my faithful word…’ Caleb sat straight as a pole, his hands calmly folded in his lap. His physical posture did not ring any alarm bells for Vincent, who took a deep breath, weighing up the implications of this rush.
Caleb sensed an uneasiness regarding the proposal and jumped in to reassure Vincent.
‘I am not a man who indulges in audience nor enjoys celebratory festivities. I would prefer not to perform on a stage for all to rejoice, but to take these personal milestones with discretion. I do hope you understand.’
Vincent narrowed his eyes slightly and leaned forward to clarify.
‘A touch of timidity?’ Vincent asked.
Caleb’s wish to rush through the nuptials was more due to his desire to sign and seal all business as soon as possible so that his duty to his father’s wishes was complete and he could move onward.
There were debates to attend, lectures to frequent, and issues to be resolved within the family estate – he had no time nor inclination to fuss about putting up the banns, attending social gatherings to announce their engagement, getting involved in colour choices, fashion selections and all that vacuous preparation he viewed as gratuitous.
But he supposed this might sound brash – it was, after all, Vincent’s daughter to whom Caleb would be referring to as ‘business.’
Caleb wouldn’t class himself as timid, but considering the man’s feelings and not wishing to offend, he acquiesced;
‘Perhaps a little timidity, my Lord.’
