Page 99 of A Life Diverted

“I have been such an idiot,” Richard lamented. “In my inept attempt to protect your heart, all I have done is hurt you when it is the last thing in the world I want to do. Though I confess that until now I had forgotten the lesson from Aunt Anne’s life and death.”

“What do you mean, Richard?” Cassie asked, confused.

“Life is short; we should not defer to tomorrow that which we can do today,” Richard explained.

The other two couples stood and left the table after a perfunctory greeting, but Richard and Cassie made no move to stand.

“I thought I had to first serve in the Dragoons and then, if you were still unattached, I would ask to court you.”

Cassie lit up at his declaration. “Waiting for you would be no hardship, but what if you do not return from the continent?” Cassie asked the critical question.

“That is just it. As much as I like serving in the army, I love you far more, and it would be folly for me to risk my future with you,” Richard stated. “It was as if I could hear Aunt Anne in my head telling me I was a fool for risking the chance of a future with you.”

“You love me?” Cassie asked excitedly.

“Very much so, yes, I do,” Richard confirmed.

“And I love you, Richard,” Cassie declared.

“Lady Cassandra Carrington, will you accept a formal courtship with me?” Richard asked expectantly.

“Yes, Richard, a thousand times yes.” Cassie felt like her heart was bursting with joy as it sped up to a rate she had never experienced before.

“Is there something you would like to ask me, Richard?” Lord Holder cut into the conversation as he approached the couple, who had just stood up.

“Mayhap at the ball is not best, Uncle Paul. May I meet with you in the morning?” Richard asked.

“I will see you in my study at nine,” Lord Holder shook the hand of the man he had long suspected would be his son one day.

Lord and Lady Matlock had been watching their second son with bated breath. Even though he had Brookfield and its six thousand pounds clear per annum, Richard had insisted on joining the army. The Fitzwilliam parents were worried about their son’s life once his regiment was moved to the Peninsula.

They knew from reports and speaking to the Prince how junior officers usually led the charge and just as often were cut down but had promised Richard not to interfere in his career in the army to make sure he never saw combat.

As tempted as the Earl was, he had given Richard his word, so he did nothing once Richard’s tentative orders to the continent were received.

“If I am reading this correctly, I think our son has just decided that life with a woman he loves is not worth risking by remaining in the army,” Lady Elaine surmised.

“I think you have the right of it, my love,” Lord Matlock replied. “As hard as it has been not to use my influence to keep him safe, I am glad I will never be tempted again. It seems both our sons have selected the women they wish to spend the rest of their lives with.”

“Jane and Andrew may take longer to commence a courtship. I believe Thomas wants her to have a month or two of the little season after coming out before Andrew declares himself,” Lady Elaine agreed.

“I could not imagine two better daughters than Cassie and Jane. Reggie, have you noticed that Anne and Jamey were together for dinner? I believe he will dance the final set with our ward.”

“Now that Catherine has finally changed for the better and does not obsess about rank and status any longer, how ironic that Anne seems to be considering becoming the next Viscountess Amberleigh,” Lord Matlock opined.

“When we return to Town, we need to talk to Anne and Frederick so we can decide what to do about Catherine.”

“It seems removing her courtesy title may have been one of the best things for her,” Lady Elaine agreed.

The rest of the ball went as smoothly; the only noticeable difference was that Cassie seemed to be floating among the clouds.

~~~~~~~/~~~~~~~

Lord Paul Carrington heard a knock on his study door. A glance at the clock on the mantle showed it was one minute before the hour. He smiled to himself, as it proved how keen Richard was to speak to him.

After the ball, he and his Edith had spoken to Cassie, who had let them know, in no uncertain terms, she was in love with Richard and did not need a season in London to know her heart.

She shared the gist of their conversation, and that Richard had decided to resign his commission and take up his inheritance.

“Come,” Lord Holder called out.

Richard—in full regimentals—marched into the study. Lord Holder found amusement in watching the nervous man who was normally so self-assured. “Good morning my Lord—Uncle Paul,” Richard greeted.

“As tempting as it is, I will not sport with you, Richard,” Lord Holder allowed. “My wife and I spoke to Cassie last night, so I have a few questions based on that discussion.”

“Please ask anything you choose to,” Richard averred as he sat in front of the oversized oak desk.

“You are resolved to leave the army?”

“Yes, I am.”

“And you will not resent my daughter for giving up your military career for her?”

“No, as I did not give it up for her, but rather for myself,” Richard stated evenly.

“Cassie never once asked me to curtail my career for her. Last night, I was reminded of the lesson Aunt Anne taught all of us in her last month of life about the brevity of our time in the mortal world. I am not willing to trade the love of a good woman for glory on the field of battle.”

“If that be the case, then I grant your request for a courtship. My condition is a minimum of two months. She will be eighteen in a fortnight, so her age is not an issue. If and when she grants you her hand, I ask for the same minimum length for the betrothal.” Lord Holder stood and offered Richard his hand, which Richard shook vigorously.

When Richard and Lord Paul entered the breakfast parlour, Richard nodded his head to Cassie whose face was transformed by a gleeful smile.

No one was surprised at the announcement; however, there had been no inkling of the one Lord Matlock made: “It is my great pleasure to tell you that Jamey has requested a courtship with Anne, and I have granted it with pleasure.”

Everyone then looked to Bennet, who shook his head as he chuckled ruefully. “I have no announcement—yet.”

Mary realised her crush on Jamey needed to be put out of her mind and wished both couples happy, sincerely, along with everyone else.