“Wrong is afoot?” Beatrix sobbed again. “Someone is trying to kill my daughter. I hardly think this is just some small crime of someone breaking into your shop.”
Violet shuddered, thinking of the note she had found in the drawer and the sobs of despair that had left her mother earlier when she learned of it. Violet didn’t wish to worry her any further but was unsure what might happen next until the culprit was caught. The sound of the front door opening made her set down her teacup as her father and Gideon came into the room. She wasn’t sure why the smile on Gideon’s face made her breathe a little easier.
Her father went to her mother and helped her from her place next to their daughter on the settee. “Come with me, Beatrix,” he said in a soothing tone. “Let’s allow Violet and Captain Tyler a moment to converse together.”
Beatrix cried into his chest. “We have to protect our daughter, Harry.”
“I know, dear wife,” he replied, nodding to Gideon as they passed and left the room.
Gideon came to sit next to Violet and took her hands, bringing them to his lips. “How are you doing this morning?”
“As well as can be expected, I suppose.”
“You’re being very brave considering all you have been through,” he replied, running his thumb over her skin.
“What choice do I have? I’m in a quandary on what I should do next in order to protect myself.” She gazed into those green eyes that could hold her spellbound. She offered him a weak smile. “You’re here very early. What did you and my father discuss?”
“Precisely what you’re worried about. Trying to wrack our brains on how we can keep you safe,” he answered with his own slight smile.
“And did you come up with a solution?”
“We did. Our main priority is to ensure your welfare,” he remarked, before running his hand over the back of his neck. “This wasn’t exactly the way I had in mind to ask you this but there’s no other course than to follow the path that is now laid out before us.”
“Ask me what, Gideon?” she inquired as he took her hands again and softly squeezed.
“I’m asking you to become my wife, Violet.”
A gasp escaped her considering she had only just forgiven him last night. “But putting a wedding together takes months of planning.”
“And you deserve everything that goes with all the festivities that would be expected under normal circumstances. But with you as my wife, I will have you under my complete protection and can keep you safer than if you are unwed and living in the country.”
“Even a special license from the Archbishop of Canterbury would take time and enough connections to receive one. I can’t even begin to imagine the expense. I know your brother is an earl, but the sum of maybe one hundred pounds is a lot of money,” she replied while her head began to spin at such a huge amount being spent.
“Which is why I told your father that my godmother is a bishop’s wife. I can go to them and get a bishop’s license if he’ll agree. This way the cost might only be around ten pounds. We can name your church here on the license and marry after the required seven-day grace period. As long as you are also willing, that is.”
“This is happening very fast, Gideon,” she said, feeling overwhelmed once more.
“I know, and I’m sorry for the rush.” He raised her hand again and placed a kiss to the inside of her wrist. “It was always my deepest wish when I came to Bracknell to apologize that I would one day win your love and ask you to marry me, Violet. I hold a deep affection for you no matter how short the time we have been together. Will you consent to be my wife?”
Her fluttering heart at his words was an indication of what shouldbe her answer. She would deny her feeling for Gideon no more. “Yes,” she finally replied. “I will marry you.”
Gideon leaned forward to brush his lips against her own and she sighed in pleasure at their brief kiss.
“You have made me a happy man.” He stood and helped her to stand as he enveloped her in a warm embrace. “I shouldn’t be gone long to London. Please stay with your parents or brother. Promise me you won’t be going out alone without one of them present, not even to the apothecary.”
“But what about my customers? They can’t go without the medicines I provide them or my services if they are needed. They would have to travel for miles,” she said with a worried frown.
“Your father and I already discussed this and he will speak with your brother. If you must go to the shop, then Owen can accompany you, or he can go in your place.”
“But—”
“I want you safe, Violet, while I am gone. Promise me you will only go out if you are with your father or brother,” Gideon urged.
“Very well… I promise,” she whispered.
“You have set my mind at ease. As for the wedding, I’ll leave all the arrangements to you and your parents and I vow we’ll have a proper reception to celebrate our union once this whole fiasco concludes.”
“I don’t need any fancy reception, Gideon. As long as I have you that is enough,” she replied as they walked to the front of the house.
