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“If you marry her, they can do nothing. Why would you not simply go and request her hand in marriage so that they may no longer have to worry about their daughter getting into trouble, and you may bring her to a place of freedom? Would that not be an option that you could all agree upon?” Harry asked.
Crispin hadn’t considered this. He didn’t think Lord Comstead would ever agree to it, but it was certainly a possibility.
“I wonder if he would actually allow me to marry her or if he would simply find another excuse. Her stepmother has been very crafty through all of this,” Crispin said.
“Then ensure she is not present. Come now, Crispin, there must be a way to do this. If her father is so worried about his daughter getting into trouble, I think he would be thrilled by the possibility of getting her married off and ensuring that she is no longer a threat to the family’s reputation,” Harry said.
Crispin knew that Harry was right. It really could be the best option for them. He didn’t want to continue watching Lady Mary suffer. If her father would approve of his proposal, this was a way that they could get everything they wanted.
“Very well,” Crispin agreed. “I shall go to Lord Comstead and ask for his daughter’s hand.”
“Would you like to go now? I will go with you and remain in the coach or as your ally. Whatever you prefer,” Harry offered.
Crispin smiled and nodded. With that, they rushed to don their hats and called for the coach to be made ready. After a moment, they were on their way to the estate of Lord Comstead.
Nervous excitement coursed through Crispin’s veins. He could not sit still during the journey. The idea that he was going to propose was shocking even to him. He had barely been given a chance to court Lady Mary, but if he was going to ask her father for her hand, at last he would have a chance to spend his life with her.
“I have never been more excited in all my life,” Crispin said.
“I can tell. You are clearly eager to make this woman your wife. Just think—soon enough, Lord Comstead will give you his daughter’s hand. He will not be able to refuse you. After all, this will give his family quite a bit of levity as well,” Harry said.
“I hope he sees it that way,” Crispin said.
They arrived at the estate and Crispin knocked at the door as he had previously, knowing the housekeeper would give him the same glare as before. But this time, when the door opened, her expression was entirely different.
Wide-eyed and nervous, she quickly stepped outside and shut the door behind herself, looking up at Crispin with an intense worry.
“Lord Hanbrooke, you must leave at once,” she said in a low voice.
“I am here to speak with Lord Comstead. I wish to make an offer that I think he will be quite pleased by. I beg of you, please tell him that I am here that we might reach an agreement. I am certain that he will be content with my offer,” Crispin said with urgency.
But the housekeeper shook her head rapidly. “No, Lord Hanbrooke. You must listen. Lord Comstead has forbidden anyone in the estate from speaking with you.
His wife had previously hoped that you might be a match for her daughter, but Lord Comstead has declared that you are an enemy of this family. He will not see you. I will be in terrible trouble simply for speaking with you and explaining this. You must go at once.” She tried shooing him away.
“But I need to speak with him. You do not understand—he will be happy,” Crispin repeated, desperate to make her listen.
“It matters not, Lord Hanbrooke. He even mentioned calling for the constable if you are seen at the estate. You must leave immediately or you will be subject to his wrath. I beg of you, please go,” she said.
Crispin was at a loss. He couldn’t believe this. His one chance, his one hope, and it was falling apart as well? Was this just a game to see how miserable Lord Comstead could make him?
Was this all merely an attempt to ruin his chances for happiness and ensure that he was kept as far from Lady Mary as possible? Or was Lord Comstead still so upset about Crispin’s words that he was willing to break ties with a duke who had great power and influence in society?
The housekeeper quickly opened the door and slipped back inside as Crispin stood there in shock. He didn’t know what more to do. He could write a letter to Lord Comstead, putting his offer of marriage on paper. But more than likely, Lord Comstead would refuse him now. If he was still so offended, he would never give approval for his daughter to marry Crispin. It would be impossible.
Crispin slowly walked back to the coach, his heart sinking further than before. Everything they had tried had failed and now, more than ever before, he was beginning to wonder if there was any hope to be found.
Was he simply not meant to spend his life with Lady Mary? Were they supposed to be apart? Would there ever be a chance for them, or was this always going to be their fate?
He didn’t know what to do next, but as he silently sat in the coach, with Harry next to him, remaining quiet, Crispin didn’t know if he had anything left in him with which he could fight.
“I fear that I am closer to giving up than I ever imagined I would be,” he said.
“Then you mustn’t. There still must be a way,” Harry said.
“You have not been here these past few weeks, Harry. You have not seen how hard I have tried and how much I have failed. No, I do not think there is a way to win this,” Crispin said.
He knew that he had to keep trying, but he was no longer sure if he could. And without a chance left to him, giving up appeared to be the only choice remaining.
