Chapter 6

Christopher paced the length of his study, his mind a complete mess.

What had possessed him last night to propose to a woman he barely knew?

He, who held out on any sort of a romantic affiliation for most of his life? He had done the unthinkable. It was not out of love but out of a convergence of necessity and desperation. Even though it had seemed like a good idea last night for the better future of his nephews, the decision now felt like a weight hanging around his neck.

He stopped by the window, gazing out at the expansive grounds of Huntington Manor. The twins were outside, playing under the watchful eyes of the maid.

They were laughing for once. He wondered if it had anything to do with Frances's visit last night. There was no doubt that she had a way with them—something that even he did not have.

But was it worth marrying her?

The boys need stability. That was true and undeniable.

And for it, Frances seemed like the perfect solution—someone who could bring stability and happiness to the twins, and perhaps even to him. But now, in the harsh light of day, the reality of his proposal loomed large.

He had always been… spontaneous. Phillip had always pointed this out about his personality. And so it was very in character for him to propose on a whim like that.

That part was not surprising. Christopher always knew that this was how a proposal would come from him. But he had always assumed that the proposal would be to someone he had feelings for. If not love, then at least an enduring fondness.

When he thought of Frances, he did not think of those things.

Heavens. He barely even knew her.

As he mulled over his doubts, he noticed on his desk that another letter from his mother, the Dowager Duchess, had arrived.

Usually, he discarded her letters right away, but looking for a distraction, he decided to open one today.

His gaze skimmed over her words. They were full of complaints—as usual. But this time, her complaints had a threatening edge to them.

She was pressuring him to marry soon, hinting darkly that she might take matters into her own hands if he did not act swiftly. Christopher's jaw tightened.

Why now? Why was she so intent on him finding a wife after years of not being involved in his life? He had a fractured relationship with his mother, and the two had not met in years now. The question niggled at him, but deep down, he knew that whatever her reasons, they wouldn't align with his best interests—or those of his nephews.

If anything, his mother would do her best to find him a wife who would not accept the children as her own—just as she had never accepted the children as a grandmother.

It was noon already. He remembered his promise from last night, knowing that Frances would be waiting for him.

Racing against the ticking clock, Christopher decided to take off. But before he made his journey over to Ramsbury Manor, if he even did, there was one place that he needed to visit first.

"It is a surprise to see you here at this hour," Phillip admitted a short while later, eyeing his friend with curiosity while holding a cup of tea in his hands. "What brings you here so urgently? We saw each other last night."

Christopher pushed past him into the drawing room, letting out a deep sigh, and plopped down on the settee. "Phillip, I need your advice."

"My advice?" Phillip asked, amused. "Are you having trouble deciding what to do with the twins again? I was hopeful you would be able to find a governess last night."

Christopher shook his head. "If only that was the extent of my troubles."

"I'm not surprised you've found yourself in a quagmire once more. It seems to attract you, wherever you go."

"I'd appreciate it if you listen instead of making a lengthy commentary on my life." Christopher held back from rolling his eyes.

"My apologies." Phillip chuckled. "Go on, then."

Christopher braced himself. Having to say it out loud made it appear that much more consequential.

"I have decided to…"

Phillip raised an impatient eyebrow. "Do you plan on admitting it anytime soon?"

"I am considering marriage," Christopher blurted out.

That piqued Phillip's curiosity immediately. "Marriage? I never thought I would live to hear the words. Who is the lucky girl?"

Christopher shifted uncomfortably in his place. "That I cannot reveal as of yet."

"And why is it such a secret?"

"You are detracting from the issue. I have come to seek your advice on whether I should marry her or not," Christopher huffed, irked.

"How am I meant to help you if you do not tell me who she is?" Phillip shot back. "Have you gone and proposed to a lady of the night? Is that why you are so hesitant to reveal her name?"

Christopher glared sourly at his friend. "She's nothing of the sort. But we… do not know each other too well."

"Has it been arranged by your family?" Phillip seemed surprised. "I did not expect you to succumb to an arranged marriage, of all people."

"It is very much so arranged by myself," Christopher assured him, though it was only partially true. Frances seemed to have fallen into his life out of nowhere.

"Then why don't you know her? And what is the urgency in getting married?"

Christopher gritted his teeth. He should have known that Phillip was going to ask him too many questions—ones that he did not know how to respond to just yet.

"Do you need to know everything?"

"Fine," Phillip relented. "I shall play by your rules. What kind of advice do you seek from me, given the limited information that you have provided?"

"Esther and yourself," Christopher began. "The two of you got married without having known each other too well. Would you say that is a wise thing to do?"

"I do not know if it was wise." Phillip smiled. "In our case, we struck it lucky. But I can see it going awry for other people."

"Lovely. That is no help to me at all," Christopher replied sarcastically.

"Only being honest with you. If you wish for better advice, you ought to give me more details."

Christopher sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I cannot tell you her name."

"Fine," Phillip grumbled. "Let us call her Mystery Woman, shall we?"

Christopher pressed his lips together in a tight line. "Right so, Mystery Woman. She… she has been spending time with the boys, and they've grown quite fond of her."

"And what about yourself?"

"That I cannot say."

Phillip's eyes widened with surprise. "And you think marrying her will be beneficial for the boys?"

Christopher nodded slowly. "Yes. They need stability, and she brings them happiness. But I worry if that's enough to build a marriage on."

Phillip leaned forward, his expression turning more serious. "Christopher, marriage is more than just a solution to a problem. It's about partnership, trust, and… dare I say, a bit of affection and joy. Do you think you believe that is something you can find with her?"

Christophe's gaze drifted to the window. "I don't know," he admitted quietly. "As I said, it is too early to say."

Phillip's smile turned teasing again. "Well, you've always been a bit slow on the uptake when it comes to matters of the heart. Maybe this is your chance to catch up."

Christopher shot him a mock glare. "Very funny, Phillip. I'm serious. How did you know with Esther?"

Phillip's expression softened. "With Esther, it was a leap of faith. But I think that there was something about her, even in our very first meeting, that struck me as different."

Christopher fell silent, mulling over Phillip's words.

Different. There was no denying that Frances was nothing like the other women he knew. But how was that enough to just jump into marriage?

Could he trust in something so uncertain? An inkling, at most?

Phillip clapped him on the shoulder, breaking his reverie. "Look, Christopher, you've always taken your responsibilities seriously. But maybe it's time to consider your happiness, too. The boys are important, yes, but so are you. Can you see yourself happy with her?"

"I suppose I will find out if I marry her…"

Phillip shook his head. "Well, it is not as though you have anyone else in your life, at the moment. Maybe this is a sign from the heavens?"

Christopher gave his friend an unsure look. "Really? Since when do you believe in signs from the heavens?"

"It felt like a poetic thing to say." Phillip laughed, giving him a reassuring pat on the back. "I am only saying that maybe you should give it a chance. Sometimes, taking a risk is the only way to find out if it's worth it."

Christopher nodded slowly. It was going to be a huge risk.

But then, his own parents' marriage had been thought out and well-decided between wealthy families who matched perfectly in status. It was a calculated risk, but look how it turned out.

Perhaps one never knows fully, before they dive in headfirst.

"Maybe it's time to take that leap."

Phillip smiled at his friend, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. "Well, don't jump too far too fast. Remember, she might not be ready to dive into the deep end with you just yet."

Christopher chuckled, shaking his head. "You're impossible, Phillip."

Their conversation was interrupted by Esther, who stopped by the drawing room to say hello.

"Christopher, how lovely it is to see you again this morning." She smiled warmly.

Christopher gathered himself, not wanting to look like a mess in front of his potential sister-in-law, and long-time friend.

"What can I say? You threw such a fantastic dinner last night that I could not resist coming back for a second time."

Esther exchanged a knowing look with her husband, laughing. "Knowing you, there has to be a double meaning behind that phrase."

"You misunderstand me." Christopher feigned innocence.

"I know you."

Christopher shook his head. "I am only concerned about you, and how the event went last night. There were many guests—your family was there."

He did not want to be too obvious, but Esther was the best possible person to go to if he wanted more information on Frances.

"Yes, I lost track of how many introductions I had to do for my mother last night. She was quite relentless in her pursuit of finding a suitor for Frances," Esther admitted.

Christopher felt an uncomfortable feeling stir in his chest. Hadn't Frances told him that she had no prospects? He knew that couldn't be the case, given how beautiful she was.

"Any luck?" he asked nonchalantly, trying to make himself seem as disinterested as possible.

"Hmm, I'm not too sure. My sister is picky, and my mother is in a hurry. The two do not make a great combination."

Picky.

Christopher had gotten the sense that Frances was someone who kept to herself and did not let too many people into her life. Knowing this made it all the more astounding that she wanted to marry him straight away.

"But I am sure something ought to work out soon. Frances keeps to herself, but the right person for her would bring out the best in her. Perhaps we shall even be attending her wedding soon," Esther continued.

Christopher felt annoyed at the thought of Frances marrying someone else. Sure, he felt nothing for her. But they had already come to an agreement, even though he was having second thoughts about it.

She should be reserved only for him. And no one else.

He checked himself, then. What on earth had gotten into him? He should not be having thoughts like that about someone he had only met a handful of times.

"In fact, I believe my mother mentioned that they were supposed to meet some suitors today," Esther admitted.

"Today?" Christopher repeated.

He had wasted so much time trying to make up his mind already, whereas Frances was already being pursued by someone else. He had to act fast.

"Yes." Esther looked at him with a strange expression. "Do not take offense, but why is it that you are so curious? Frances expressed a similar curiosity about you yesterday. Did the two of you speak?"

"Of course not," Christopher said immediately. "I am just trying to show interest in the things that you are telling me. But I shall not take up any more of your time. Best to leave you both to tend to the children."

Esther and Phillip exchanged a look at his hasty exit, likely suspicious that something was going on with him. But he was not about to explain yet.

"Christopher?" Phillip called out to him just as he was about to leave. "Good luck with the decision to marry. I hope you make the right one."

Christopher only nodded in response, before slipping away. The decision had already been made. He instructed his carriage driver to take him straight to Ramsbury Manor. Now, whether it was good or bad, only time would tell.

When Christopher arrived at the manor, it was evening already. His appearance was a surprise, as he had not sent a prior notice. Only Frances knew of his intention to visit, and that too had not been set in stone.

It was her father who greeted him. His expression was a mix of astonishment and delight.

"Your Grace, to what do we owe the honor of this unexpected visit?"

Christopher, maintaining his composed demeanor, replied, "I hope you'll forgive the intrusion, My Lord. I come on a matter of some urgency and great importance."

"Please, sit down. We can discuss over some tea," William urged.

After the two gentlemen were seated, Christopher spoke again.

"Lord Ramsbury, with your permission, I would like to discuss a matter concerning your daughter, Lady Frances."

William nodded, eyeing him with curiosity. "I was not aware that the two of you knew each other."

"We have only recently become acquainted," Christopher clarified. "I do not want to waste more time. My Lord, I have come to ask for your daughter's hand in marriage."

The room fell silent, the weight of his words hanging in the air. And then, William's face broke into a broad smile, any surprise overtaken by the prospect of such a match.

"This is indeed an honor, Your Grace. You have my blessing, wholeheartedly."

Relief washed over Christopher. The difficult part was done. He had been worried that somehow another proposal would have already arrived for Frances, but her father's swift approval released him of those worries.

"Thank you. There is one more thing I would like to ask."

"What is it?" William asked, looking considerably happier.

"I wanted to do this the traditional way by asking you for her hand. But Lady Frances, too, has a stake in this. I would plead with you to bring her here so that I can get her approval as well."

The Earl nodded, wasting no time to summon one of his servants to send for his daughter.

* * *

No one in the Cooper household had expected that the Duke of Huntington would pay them a visit this evening. Even Frances, who was in the know, had her doubts.

She stood next to her mother, who was bursting at the seams with curiosity.

"Go in with the excuse of asking them for tea. While you are there, pay close attention to what they are speaking about. Listen at the door, if you can," Albina instructed the young maid, her voice barely above a whisper.

Frances felt a wave of embarrassment and annoyance. She understood her mother's eagerness—after all, a visit from the Duke was no small event—but she wished for privacy and a bit of respect.

If the Duke had truly stuck to his word, and come to ask for her hand in marriage, her entire life was about to change.

"Do you know anything about his visit?" Albina turned her interrogative stance towards her daughter.

"I have no clue," Frances said, blushing.

If her mother paid even the least bit of attention, she would easily catch her lie.

"Oh, I hope that he is here for a proposal. Perhaps it was Esther that put in a good word—God bless her if that is truly the case."

Seeing her mother's eagerness did not come as a surprise. Albina Cooper was always going to embrace a proposal from the Duke. For her parents, the title was everything.

Suddenly, the maid returned. "They are asking for Lady Frances to be present in the drawing room."

Albina let out an excited hurrah. "Go on, then. He is here to see you. Oh, heavens, this is just the perfect day."

Frances steeled herself, nervously making her way into the drawing room. There sat Christopher with her father, his gaze landing on her from across the room. She looked away, instead looking down at the carpeted floor.

"Lady Frances," he greeted politely.

"Your Grace."

Their eyes met for a second, and Frances all but turned red.

Why did he have to look at her so intensely? It was distracting, if not disconcerting.

"My dear, His Grace has something important he wishes to discuss with you," William announced.

Christopher turned to him. "My Lord, now that I have your blessing, would it be possible if I could speak to Lady Frances in private?"

William hesitated for a moment. It was not common for a father to leave his unmarried daughter in a room alone with another man. But since it was a duke who was asking, he relaxed his stance.

"I shall ask for her lady's maid to join as a chaperone. Then you may talk."

Frances gulped as Wiliam left the room and Anna came inside, standing by the door.

Christopher then turned to her again.

"You kept your promise," she said in a hushed tone, careful not to let Anna hear, even though she trusted her.

"Of course. Who am I if I do not keep my word?" Christopher replied.

"I was worried that you would not show up. If you timed your visit better, I could have saved myself from the torture that was my meeting with Lord Witherton this morning."

Christopher shot her a look. "Lord Witherton?"

Surely, it was not jealousy that she was sensing in his words—only annoyance.

"Yes, my mother was quite set on setting us up. I am glad you intervened at the right time." Frances sighed.

"My Lady, quite frankly, even if I were to show up in the middle of your wedding with a proposal, I would have still been the better option."

Frances was surprised by his confidence. It was a side of him that she had not seen that much of.

"Why was it that you wanted to speak with me in private? I was under the impression that you already discussed matters with my father."

"Ah, yes." He straightened up, steeling himself. "I suppose I want to give you an out. Do you truly want this marriage?"

The straightforwardness of the question took Frances momentarily aback. She paused, feeling his intense gaze on her face.

"Yes, I do want to marry you, as I have already made clear." She struggled to keep her voice steady, and then noticed that the Duke's hands were trembling, though he hid his nervousness well.

Christopher's expression softened with relief. "Thank you, Lady Frances. That is all I needed to hear," he said. Then, after a slight pause, he added, "My only condition for this arrangement is that the wedding takes place by the end of this week."

The urgency of his request surprised her.

"Would that be agreeable with you?" he asked.

"Personally, I wish to be united with the twins as soon as possible. But my parents might have their own opinions."

"You need not worry about that, I will discuss it with them myself. What I need to hear is that you agree," he pressed.

He seemed to care what she thought, not her parents. It was a small gesture, but it was one that did not go unnoticed.

"Then you have my agreement." She nodded eagerly.

She looked out the door, only to find her parents pacing in the hallway. She would not be surprised if they were trying to eavesdrop either.

She knew that they would need to end their conversation soon. With a hushed tone, turned to Christopher again. "I thought perhaps you regretted your proposal, given your delayed arrival."

She searched his face for any signs of doubt.

Christopher smiled back at her, charming her instantly. "I would not say regret, but I gave it some more thought."

"And you arrived at the same conclusion?"

She found his honesty refreshing. Many men would string together a false romantic tale of them being sure from the beginning.

But then a part of her felt conflicted, as well. This was not like the marriage she had grown up dreaming and reading about. It was purely based on convenience.

She gulped, pushing her thoughts away.

"I am here, am I not? This is for the best—for us and the twins."

His assurance was comforting, yet as he smiled down at her, she could not help but notice that it did not reach his eyes. There was effort behind it, like he was trying to make himself come to terms with his decision.

"Your Grace…"

"Christopher," he corrected her swiftly. "I am not too fond of being referred to by my title."

"Christopher," she repeated, the words feeling strange on her tongue but also much more intimate. "You are coming into this marriage due to your own decision? I would not want you to?—"

"Frances," he cut her off with a smile, "there is no force in the world that can make me do something that I do not wish to do. You have nothing to worry about—I will do everything within my power to ensure you have a good life with me."

Her heart swelled at his words, even though his smile was a veneer.

"I will take your word for it."