Page 6 of Sophia’s Letter (Ladies of Munro #1)

“D ear boy, I hardly think that is how one goes about it.”

Uncle Edmund was once again paused in his reading. The strained patience in his expression suggested it was becoming a far-too-frequent occurrence. And by frequent, it would mean anything that happened more than once.

Tobias had vacated his chair in agitation and was now pacing behind it. His uncle just did not understand. How could he? The man was a self-confessed recluse. What did he know of love? “I don’t see the difficulty,” he protested. “Miss Grant and I are an excellent match. Our time together last night has more than confirmed it.”

“I will take your word for it,” his uncle replied with a calm that infuriated Tobias. The earl cleared his throat. “ However, that in and of itself is not sufficient. I am given to understand that such feelings should be, ahem, mutual.”

“Well, of course they are!” Did his uncle think he was a fool? “I would hardly be proposing marriage if I did not believe the lady would welcome it!”

“Good, good. That is reassuring. Nevertheless…”

“Nevertheless what? What else is needed?” Tobias flailed in the air with his arms, then brought them down on the back of the chair to grip it with a white-knuckled ferocity. “Surely, you cannot disapprove of Miss Grant. She is above reproach!”

His uncle let out a protracted sigh and pinched the bridge of his nose where his glasses should have been. “It is not the choice of young lady that raises my concern, Nephew, but rather how you are going about wooing her. I would be the first to admit this is not my field of expertise, but I know what passes for etiquette in these matters. To my knowledge, one meeting will not suffice as preface to a proposal. I understand you haven’t even met her father yet. It is just. Not. Done.”

Tobias stared hard at his uncle.

Lord Carthige did not flinch.

Several animated retorts churned in Tobias’s mind. Annoyingly, his uncle’s single, simple argument batted these thoughts away, one by one.

Tobias’s shoulders sagged. “Very well then. I will arrange another meeting. I will ask to be introduced to her father. And then , I will ask for her hand. Will that satisfy?”

“If you are able to obtain an interview with Conrad Grant, that will already be a notable triumph. And if you still wish to marry into that family after you have met him, I will give you my personal blessing, and”—he muttered under his breath—“my prayers.”

“Thank you, Uncle. That seems simple enough.”

His uncle tilted his head. “I think you will find that is not the case.”

“Why do you persist in being so negative?” Tobias cried in exasperation.

“Tobias.” The earl’s voice took on a stern edge. “We have been down this path. You are too hasty in your declarations. And you are over abundantly optimistic in all things. There is often more to consider than you allow for.”

“But…”

“No, you must hear me in this. You are rushing headlong into matters, just as you did with Miss Dunbar. The difference is that Miss Grant is actually worth waiting for. You will have to exercise tremendous restraint to secure said young lady. There is sorrow in that house that has lingered too long. It casts a shadow over everyone who resides there. If you go blundering in where angels fear to tread, she is as good as lost. I caution you out of my deep love and respect for you. You should show the same to this woman with whom you would share your life.”

The rebellious fire in Tobias was doused at last. He had many questions for his uncle, but the man had already spoken more than was comfortable for him. His uncle’s willingness to do so to protect him was a gift in and of itself. Tobias would not put further strain upon him. And, because he spoke true, Tobias was now wary of putting similar pressure on Miss Grant.

“Thank you for your advice, Uncle. I will do my best to reel in my enthusiasm.” He breathed in deeply and let out a resigned sigh. “As you have rightly pointed out, it is my Achilles heel.” His ears grew warm with embarrassment at the memory of Miss Dunbar. He could only hope that, if he stumbled into old habits, Miss Grant would be more forgiving. There was only one way to find out.

“Um, I was wondering if…”

“Yes, yes. Go and write your letter. It will be impossible for us to continue our work here until you do.” Lord Carthige offered him a wry smile, but it was a smile nonetheless.

“Thank you! I won’t be but a moment.”

“ Hmph ,” came the disbelieving reply. Tobias opened his mouth to add comment, but Lord Carthige already had his nose back in his book. His expression returned to one of serenity, all external troubles of the world forgotten.

Perhaps my uncle has the right idea , thought Tobias—life ensconced in books was safe and secure. His heart, however, was quick to contradict him. He savored an image of the wondrous Miss Grant with her dark, piercing eyes and intelligence to match. His thoughts lingered on her mouth—both sensual and serious. Ah, yes, if loving Miss Grant made life complicated, it was something he was just going to have to bear.