AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Thirty
Jasper stood out on the terrace, overlooking the gardens. It had been a week since everything had fallen out. He could see Selina, sitting on a bench, Faith beside her. They were both talking animatedly.
Both Selina and Lord Windermere had come to stay at Gillingham Manor. Now that she was there, he never wanted her to leave. Her presence was the one thing that had been missing from his home. Now, it was perfect.
His heart was pounding as he walked toward her. He had written to her father, requesting permission, and had received a letter which granted him the full confidence of Lord Quinton. Now, he just had to ask Selina, himself.
He made his way down the steps and then out into the garden. Faith noticed his approach. She smiled at him.
“I’ll just…find another bench, My Lady,” she told Selina, picking up her book.
“Faith,” Jasper said. She curtsied.
“Your Grace,” she replied, smirking and walking off.
He turned his gaze toward Selina. “May I?”
“Please do,” she replied.
He sat down beside her. He glanced over to the next bench, where Faith sat, just within hearing. Her little book was open in her lap.
He turned to Selina, taking her hands in his. “I wrote to your father,” he said.
“Oh?”
“He said that the decision is ultimately up to you,” he went on. She was smiling broadly. “I love you, Selina, with all of my being. I cannot imagine attempting to live without you. Will you do me the absolute honor of marrying me?” he asked.
“Of course, my love,” she replied. He leaned in, claiming her lips with his. When they pulled away, they smiled at each other. Jasper felt like the happiest gentleman in the world. He was so lucky, and he knew it.
“I shall write to my parents and let them know that we’re planning to marry immediately,” she said.
“Immediately? Do you not mean to invite theton?”
“Absolutely not,” she replied. “My parents are at Staunton. They can be here by the end of the week. I have a white muslin, which suits me just fine.”
“Agreed,” he said, content not to have to wait to be married to the lady that he loved. Everything would be fine; he knew it.
“Now, look,” she murmured, pointing to a flock of birds, rising into the air, just over the gardens. “See how they all fly together?”
“Yes,” he said, watching.
“Isn’t it marvelous?” she asked. He looked at her, the look of wonder on her face. She was resplendent in a pale-green muslin, her hair in a low chignon, with ringlets framing her face.
“Yes,” he agreed. “Yes, it is.”
* * *
Selina arrived at Kirby Hall, to go and see how Aunt Georgiana and Uncle Latimer were faring. The news that Leah had been a part of a plot to murder the Duke, and that Leah had attempted to murder her own cousin had shocked them.
Mr. Wickes showed Selina into Aunt Georgiana’s chamber, where she sat, dressed in a dark-colored gown.
“Selina, dear,” her aunt said. “How kind of you to visit me.”
“Of course, Aunt,” she replied, taking the empty seat beside her. The curtains were drawn, and the only light in the room was from a small fire, crackling in the grate. It was warm and stuffy in the room.
“How—how are things at Gillingham?” Aunt Georgiana asked half-heartedly.
“The Dowager Duchess is in a similar state as you,” Selina replied. It was true—except the Dowager Duchess had agreed to open the curtains. “No one saw this coming.”
