“Society and I demand it,” said Sir Geoffrey.
This was sweet music to James’s ear. Not that he particularly cared what London high society thought of the matter, but the fact that Sir Geoffrey expected him to marry Leah was most encouraging. Her grandfather’s opinion could mean all the difference when it came to the point of convincing her that if she had to marry in order to escape her father, then James should be the one she chose.
“I thank you for your candor, Sir Geoffrey. It heartens me somewhat. To be honest, I had planned to speak to Leah soon about the current situation. The problem, of course, being that I cannot in all good conscience pressure her into marrying me. She must come of her own accord,” he said.
Sir Geoffrey snorted. “She must be made to see reason, is more like it. I am prepared to indulge my granddaughter only so far. I run the risk of creating a greater schism in the family if I openly defy her father once he discovers she is here at Mopus Manor. Things are bad enough between my son-in-law and myself already.”
He rose from the chair and after placing his hand in his coat pocket, he withdrew a small blue box. He offered it to James.
“This is a family heirloom. It belonged to my wife, Alice, and I know Leah has always had a particular liking of it. My wife was a strong woman, but with a kind and loving heart. Leah is so much like her that at times I have nearly called her Alice,” said Sir Geoffrey.
Since the topic of marriage was now being raised, it made sense for James to be honest about how he felt for Leah. If Sir Geoffrey knew James loved his granddaughter, it could only help to further his cause.
James looked at the box he now held in his hand. Sir Geoffrey’s blessing meant a great deal. “Her strength of character is one of the many reasons why I love your granddaughter,” he replied.
Sir Geoffrey smiled. “I was hoping you had formed a special affection for my Leah. She deserves to be with a man who loves her.”
James opened the ring box. Inside sat a thin band of gold, encrusted with alternating small emeralds and diamonds which circled the entire ring. He blinked. It was exactly the sort of ring he would have chosen for Leah if he had been tasked with buying her a betrothal ring himself.
“Thank you,” he said.
He put the ring box to one side, intending only to show it to Leah if she agreed to marry him. He would not, under any circumstances, be waving it under her nose as an inducement to get her to accept his proposal.
“There is one other thing,” said Sir Geoffrey.
“Yes?” replied James.
“I have written to your father.”
Chapter Thirty-Seven
“Ibought you some Cornish pasties. I hope they are still hot.”
James looked up from the bench he was sitting on outside his painting studio and nodded as Leah handed over a small cloth bag. “Thank you. I am partial to a pasty.”
“Just don’t tell my grandfather’s cook that I brought them back from Truro. She fancies herself as somewhat of a master of the art and might not take too kindly to the knowledge that we have eaten ones from foreign climes.”
The day spent in the town of Truro had been a delight. It was the first time she had felt safe enough to venture from the house on her own. Sir Geoffrey had insisted on her taking two burly footmen with her just in case her visit unfortunately happened to coincide with the arrival of someone from her family who had been sent from London to retrieve her.
“You should come over to Truro with me next time I visit. There is a color shop on Boscawen Street that I passed on my way to the baker’s. I expect if you need more paint colors, you could purchase some there.”
“Thank you. I might just do that. It would be good to spend a day away from the easel and freshen my mind,” he replied.
He sat the bag to one side, then patted the space beside him on the bench. “Come and sit with me. We need to talk.”
Leah immediately stiffened. There was something in his manner that put her senses on edge. He looked like he was about to deliver bad news. She had seen it enough times in her life to know the warning signs.
“Your grandfather came and spoke to me while you were in town.”
“About what?” she ventured, knowing in her heart that there was really only one topic of discussion her grandfather would have wanted to raise with James in her absence.
“About you. About us.”
Of course, her grandfather had spoken to James. It irritated her that he had waited until she was in Truro for the day to seek James out. People were always having conversations about her but not actually including her in the discussion.
Leah held his gaze, determined to get a full understanding of what had been said in her absence and, God forbid, what had been decided. She could only pray that James had not made mention of the kiss. Or indeed any of their kisses.
“None of what he said came as a surprise. What Sir Geoffrey stated is the obvious. In society’s eyes you are ruined, and I have been the one who caused your downfall,” he said.
