Will you be well enough to attend the Blackmore Ball on Friday? I realize it may be forward for me to make such an inquiry, as we have no official connection, but as my days in the full flower of London Society draw to a close, I find I care far less for its restrictions and sense of false propriety. It may take a great effort of my will to maintain those standards for the next few weeks so that I do not mortify Cecily or put her match at risk. Having the company of a good friend at such an event would help me in that endeavor. We can sit in Spinster’s Row, drink foul lemonade, and cast aspirations on the rogues and scoundrels wandering the floor. Will you be there?
Yours,
R—
*
Friday, 27 May 1825
My dearest Rose—
Milestones.
I will respond to this in due course.
I am beginning to venture out some. The three brothers Ashton took our landau to the park yesterday, in order to tip hats and chat with people we do not really know. My presence seemed to raise a few eyebrows with my sling and cane, especially since the cane, unfortunately, is no longer an affectation.
You should know that there is news where my attack is concerned. We received news this morning that Messrs. Sullyard and Crago will no longer stand trial. They were killed last evening by another prisoner. No word yet on why a man already condemned to hang would do so.
Yes. I will be at the Blackmore Ball, sling and cane in tow.
Fondly yours,
Thomas
*
Rose stared atthe note spread before her, taking in the words—all the words—of his concise but impactful note, from the change in salutation to the shift to a more intimate signature. Not a syllable was unintentional or wasted. Unlike her previous letter, his contained nothing inappropriate, yet there remained an intimacy to it that made her breath catch.
She wasn’t quite sure how to respond. Or if she even should. Their letters over the last three weeks had become increasingly chatty and familiar—until this one. It felt as if he were trying to convey something beyond the words, some subtext she was not grasping. Had she overstepped in asking him about the ball?
A tap at her office door brought her out of her contemplation. “Yes?”
Davis opened the door. “Lady Rose, His Lordship asked if you would attend him in his study.”
She nodded absently, glancing down at the note again. “Yes, I’ll be right there.” She slid the note into a drawer, then followed Davis down the hall. He opened the study door for her, then closed it behind her.
At his desk, Edmund had several stacks of papers in front of him. Rose gave him a puzzled look as she approached the desk. “Is it budgeting time already?” She gestured behind her. “I would have to get my ledger—”
He motioned for her to sit. “Not yet. I have something for you to read.” He passed her a sheet of paper, and her chest tightened, the familiar left-slanted words jumping out at her immediately.
She grabbed breath. “Is this—”
“Sit. Read.”
She did.
Lord Huntingdale—
I fully realize how unusual this communication is, and I acknowledge that it is well within your purview to reject the following request in its entirety. Yet I hope you will also acknowledge that the recent circumstances of all our lives have been somewhat out of the ordinary and thus consider each point thoughtfully.
First, I ask your forgiveness for any embarrassment I may have caused you or any member of your family by my recent behavior. Because I know you are well aware of my current situation, I will make no other excuse other than to offer up an arrogance born of many years living outside the precepts of London Society. An arrogance I am striving to rectify through study with both the Duke and Duchess of Kennet. I am most eager to become worthy in their eyes as the heir to the title and estate.
Second, I ask your leeway to re-present myself as an appropriate suitor for your daughter’s hand. To be clear with my intentions, I hope to marry Lady Rose forthwith, if she will accept me. I would not want to interfere with the wedding plans of Lady Cecily, so my thought is to obtain a Special License and move forward with a quiet affair. If, however, Lady Rose would prefer a Society wedding, we could look to August for such an event.
Finally, I respectfully request an appointment with you to finalize the details. As with my previous request, with your blessing I would propose to Lady Rose at the first opportunity. If she accepts me, we can move forward with the contracts at your convenience.
Sincerely,
