31. Chapter 31-Bradford
Bradford ascended the steps of the impressive townhouse, patting his jacket to make sure the ring was still there. It would be just his luck to have the entire process ruined by a hole in his pocket.
This time around, he was sure of his decision. He didn’t have butterflies of uncertainty in his stomach; he had nerves that he’d sneeze in the middle of his speech or something of that nature. He could overcome such a trifle easily, but he wanted this to be perfect for Lily.
He’d seen the answer in her eyes at the pond that morning. She was firm, resolute—there hadn’t been an inkling of fear. Still, he’d thought it best to give her several hours of reflection.
When Bradford entered the parlor, Lily was alone, standing near the window. She turned to him with a smile so warm and beautiful, he forgot all the lines and compliments he’d rehearsed.
He crossed the room and took her in his arms. “Please, marry me.”
Lily grinned up at him. “Of course I will.”
He couldn’t help himself—he bent his head and kissed her smiling lips until the footman nearest the door gave a great, indignant cough.
They broke apart. Lily’s cheeks were pink, and he was relieved to see she was still smiling. Bradford rummaged in his coat and dropped to one knee.
“Lily, I love you desperately. Will you please do me the greatest honor and become my wife?”
Though he’d forgotten the rest, it didn’t seem to matter. Lily beamed down at him. “Yes. I will.”
He slid the ring onto her finger. It was a large, perfect ivory pearl ringed in round diamonds.
“I love it,” she said. “And I love you, Bradford.”
Bradford stood, and perhaps the footman saw the expression on his face, for he gave a pointed, preemptive clearing of the throat.
“Of course, you’ll have to speak to my brother,” she said.
“Is he at home?”
She nodded. “He’s in his study. Shall I show you?”
“I know the way.”
Lord Cavendish narrowed his eyes when Bradford walked through the door.
“Are you quite serious?” he said.
Bradford supposed that the footman had tattled on him somehow. He shut the door behind him and took a seat in front of the desk without being invited. “I assure you, it’s all quite respectable. I’ve come to ask for Lily’s hand.”
“Of course you have.” Cavendish glanced toward the door. “Did you perhaps see any other gentlemen out there?”
Bradford frowned. “No, and Lily wouldn’t have them, even if they offered. She loves me, and I love her back.”
“Then why am I just hearing about it now? Last I heard, you were back to Northumberland,” he grumbled.
“Granted, I’ve only done this the once before, but aren’t brothers supposed to be happy when someone wants to marry their sister? Wasn’t this the goal? Or do you not realize how a Season works?”
Cavendish narrowed his eyes once more. “Has no one ever warned you how many cannon-armed ships I own?”
“It hardly matters; Ballam Hall is miles from the ocean. That’s where we’ll be living, after the wedding.” Bradford made to stand.
Cavendish waved him back into his seat. “Forgive me. I’ve entertained three such requests in the last half hour. It’s a wonder you lot didn’t run into each other trying to get through the door.”
“Three requests for Lily’s hand?” Bradford sat up straight. “I can assure you, she’s already accepted me.”
“Traditionally, aren’t you supposed to ask for my permission first?”
Bradford shrugged. “I hardly see what objection you could have. I have a comfortable fortune, an established title, and an impeccable reputation. And if that isn’t enough to earn your blessing, I’ll have Lily at Gretna Green by week’s end.”
“There’s no need for threats.”
“It was just a statement of fact.” He leaned forward. “I love her and I won’t stand for any interruption of her happiness, even that which might come from an overzealous brother.”
“Dear heavens, calm down.” Cavendish shook his head. “You have my blessing. You might check with the others—perhaps you can all marry en masse and save money on the roses.”
“For the last time, roses make Lily sneeze.”