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“What are you doing hiding in here, Derrick? I thought you were meant to be working, not sleeping.”
“I did a bit of both. My head’s hurting.” Derrick ran his hands through his hair. “How was your venture to see your friends? You didn’t get too wet, did you?”
“Thankfully, no. We were inside when it started to pour. We decided to stay inside until it either eased off or stopped together.” Lady Northampton smiled. “It was a very enjoyable outing. We’re planning on doing it again at some point.”
“That’s good.”
Now, how did he start a conversation this important? His mother would be delighted that he was going to ask someone to marry him, but she probably wouldn’t be too impressed once she found out who Derrick wanted to marry. He didn’t care, but Lady Northampton did. There were going to be protests.
Not that it was going to do anything.
“Are you alright, Derrick?” Lady Northampton asked, peering at him closely. “You don’t look good.”
“I have just woken up, Mother.”
“I guess. Do you want me to fetch you a drink?”
“I’ll be fine.” He might need one very shortly, though. Derrick took a deep breath. “I’m thinking of proposing, Mother.”
“What?” Lady Northampton blinked. “What are you talking about? Proposing?”
“What I said. I’m thinking of proposing marriage.”
His mother’s expression was almost comical, her mouth opening and closing. Then she spluttered.
“What… I… that…”
“What’s the matter? I thought you wanted me to get married.”
“I did. Of course I do! But I didn’t even know that you were courting anyone. You never said anything about seeing any woman.”
Derrick grimaced. “Let’s just say things happened a little faster than that.”
“What?”
“Don’t panic; it’s not what you think. I didn’t do anything like you’re thinking. We just progressed beyond courtship, that’s all.”
That was as close as he could describe it without sounding like an idiot. Lady Northampton’s expression was one of stunned bewilderment. She stared at him with her mouth open.
“I… I’m not entirely sure what to say,” she said finally. “I mean, I wanted you to find yourself a wife, and you weren’t showing signs of finding anyone. When did you meet her?”
“A short while ago. I have seen her since.” Derrick found himself smiling. “I like her, I respect her, and she’s on my level when it comes to certain topics. She’s compatible with me. I think we can have a good marriage.”
“And do you think she feels the same way?”
“I believe she does.”
If her kisses were anything to go by, and how she moved herself on his erection, Derrick was fairly confident about it. Lady Northampton frowned.
“Alright. So, who is this woman you want to marry? Is she from a respectable family?”
“Her name is Lady Eleanora Drummond.”
“Drummond? Do I know any Drummonds?”
“Sort of.” Derrick paused. Here it came. “She’s the eldest daughter of the Earl of Gillingham.”
It took a moment for the light to dawn behind his mother’s eyes. Derrick could see things moving into place. Her eyes went even wider.
