Page 47 of The Reckless Love of an Heir (The Marlow Family Secrets #4)

Henry held Susan’s hand securely as they walked across the cobbles to the front door, the fountain serenading them.

His plan was written in his head. He would speak with his father and mother then leave Susan here so she need not face Alethea’s anger and disappointment, while he went to York to obtain a special marriage licence from the bishop.

Davis opened the door before they reached it. He bowed. ‘Master Henry, Miss Susan.’ He did not look at their joined hands but kept his gaze on Henry’s face.

Henry smiled. ‘Where is Papa?’

‘In the family drawing room, my lord.’

Henry nodded and let go of Susan’s hand. ‘Here, would you take these?’ He took off his hat and gloves, and handed both over.

‘My lord.’ Davis gave him a deferential nod.

Henry took hold of Susan’s hand once more then pulled her along with him. His strides were quick. He wanted this done. It should be less uncomfortable than it had been talking to Uncle Casper, and yet William had only been buried yesterday…

He breathed out a measured breath when they neared the open door. Then looked at Susan. Her free hand clutched his forearm for a moment. She was terrified. ‘Come on,’ he said quietly, then walked into the room, her hand still clasped in his.

His parents were alone and standing together, holding one another.

They broke apart. There were tears in his mother’s eyes, and he could see the barrier holding back the emotion in his father’s eyes.

Perhaps his mother had been trying to talk some sense into his father, about how life had to go on.

It had to. Time did not stop. And there were his brothers and sisters to be thought of.

His father could do that and not forget William.

William. William. Henry repeated his brother’s name in his mental voice, because he had not forgotten, even though his life was already progressing.

‘Papa. Mama.’

They had looked down at his hand which held Susan’s in the same moment. He raised Susan’s hand. ‘I wish to tell you I am engaged to Susan and we are to be married immediately. I am going to ride over to York now to obtain a licence.’

‘Henry…’ His father looked incredulous, his forehead creasing in a heavy frown. He looked at Susan then. ‘Forgive me, Susan. But…’ He looked at Henry. ‘What of Alethea?’

‘My affection is for Susan.’

‘Your affection…’ He stared at Susan for a moment. As though he could simply not understand. Then he looked at Henry again. ‘Why now? Can this not wait? It is hardly the time for family upsets.’

Henry’s mother stood with her mouth agape at his revelation.

Henry swallowed against a dry throat. He would have spoken bluntly had he been alone, but not with Susan beside him. ‘It cannot wait, Papa,’ was his answer. Yes, he had acted recklessly again; his father’s eyes held the accusation.

‘Henry.’ His father’s brows pulled together .

Henry looked at his mother. ‘Mama, will you not welcome Susan to the family?’

‘Oh, goodness.’ She instantly snapped out of her shock. ‘Of course. Of course, dear.’

Henry let go of Susan’s hand as his mother embraced her. ‘Congratulations. We are all topsy-turvy of late for obvious reasons, but you are most welcome, Susan, dear.’

His father shook his head at Henry.

Henry shrugged. There was nothing to say, no one would condone this rush, and nothing could change it.

He looked at his mother. ‘Might Susan stay with you, Mama, while I fetch the licence? Things are understandably difficult for her at home.’

His mother looked at Susan. ‘Is Alethea very upset?’

‘Not upset,’ Henry answered. ‘Angry.’

‘Which is understandable,’ Susan added.

‘And Casper?’ his father asked.

‘Is accepting what must be,’ Henry answered.

‘My father is disappointed in me, also understandably,’ Susan answered.

His father sighed out a breath of frustration, loaded with the accusation that Henry was a son who had failed him.

‘I shall go.’ He looked at Susan. ‘I should imagine I will be back in a couple of hours.’

‘Sit with me.’ His mother held out her hand to Susan. ‘I would welcome your company.’

Susan smiled. It was the first smile he had seen since the moment of her acceptance.

He brushed a kiss on her cheek before leaving.