Chapter 6
Twenty years ago...
Young Captain Marcus Sinclair rode his horse into the small town of Meryton.
His father was a wealthy and influential gentleman, but Marcus was only a second son, and from a very young age, he had known that he would have to carve out his own future.
In a way, he was grateful for it, because his elder brother, Reginald, had always been under their father's strict tutelage.
He constantly reminded him that he must be exceptional and worthy of the Earldom of Rockwell.
Since childhood, Marcus had been free from such expectations, which had made him independent.
He had developed his intelligence and his desire to learn and explore the world to the fullest. At twenty-four, he was already a distinguished officer and knew that he would soon be promoted to Colonel.
After spending a few days in Meryton, Marcus decided to visit the local bookshop to purchase a book to read in his spare time.
As he walked through town, many ladies admired his handsome appearance and whispered among themselves.
Captain Sinclair was tall, with dark hair and dark green eyes that turned a brilliant emerald in the sunlight.
He was also a man of impeccable character and never paid much attention to women who sought his company for improper reasons.
He could converse with people from every walk of life with equal ease.
Wherever he went, conversations became lively and engaging, thanks to his wit and well-informed opinions.
Many considered Marcus exceptionally charming.
Eleanor Bennet was a woman of medium height with dark blonde hair and honey-coloured eyes.
She was pretty, but what truly distinguished her was her intelligence.
She was shy around strangers because her father had never allowed her to socialize very much.
When she was fifteen, her mother died, leaving Eleanor to manage the household.
As her father's health gradually declined, she also took charge of many matters concerning the estate.
She worked from morning until evening and had little opportunity to enjoy life as other young ladies her age did.
Moreover, her father would not allow her to spend money on fashionable clothes or accessories, so she dressed quite simply.
"My dear Miss Bennet, I have the two books you ordered—the one on the latest agricultural techniques and the newest novel by your favourite author," the bookseller said with a warm smile.
Mr Fleming had always been fond of Eleanor.
Ever since she was a little girl, she had been an avid reader and always wore a kind smile for everyone, quite unlike her conceited brother.
"Thank you, Mr Fleming. I shall have plenty to read in the days ahead," Eleanor replied as she leafed through one of the books.
Captain Sinclair had noticed Eleanor when she entered the shop.
He had been browsing the shelves, unable to decide which book to purchase.
The young lady was pretty, though plainly dressed.
At first, he had assumed she might be a servant.
However, after hearing her speak, he had realized that she was most likely the daughter of one of the local gentlemen.
"I think I shall buy this book," Marcus said to Mr Fleming, though his attention remained fixed on Eleanor. She was so absorbed in examining an illustration in the agricultural book that she was completely unaware of the officer's presence.
"Excuse me, miss, are you interested in crop rotation?" Marcus asked with genuine curiosity.
"It is an interesting subject, is it not?" she replied, assuming the voice belonged to someone she knew. When she looked up and saw the handsome young officer, she could not help blushing. She immediately glanced towards the door, as though she wished to flee.
Realizing that he had made the young woman uncomfortable, Marcus said, "I beg your pardon. I did not mean to be impertinent. Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Captain Marcus Sinclair."
He was puzzled. The young woman stood speechless, looking at him as though he were some sort of villain intent on harming her.
Eleanor felt trapped. Her father had always warned her never to speak to strangers, especially young men. Yet she did not wish to appear foolish before the officer. Gathering her courage, she answered quickly and politely.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Captain. I hope you have a pleasant day, sir. I must return home now. Goodbye, Mr Fleming."
Taking her two books, she hurried from the shop.
Marcus paid for his purchase without delay and went after the young woman, intending to apologize.
However, when he stepped outside, he saw her running away.
She seemed determined to put as much distance between them as possible.
Intrigued by her behaviour, he discreetly made inquiries about her.
He learned that she was the daughter of the most prominent landowner in the area.
Her name was Eleanor Bennet, and her father was known to be extremely protective.
Apparently, Miss Bennet's many responsibilities left her with little time to make new acquaintances, and she rarely took part in Meryton's social life.
Over the following days, Marcus found excuses to visit the bookshop whenever he could, hoping to see Eleanor again.
By then, he had become friendly with Mr Fleming, who mentioned that Miss Bennet often enjoyed discussing books with him and seeing what new titles had arrived.
Marcus caught sight of her from a distance on only a few occasions, and whenever she noticed him, she would cross the street or pretend not to see him.
When Marcus saw Eleanor enter the bookshop once more, he knew he would have to proceed with great care if he wished to avoid frightening her again.
He wanted to apologize for having spoken to her before they had been properly introduced.
Although his intentions were entirely honourable, the truth was that his growing desire to become acquainted with Eleanor was what had drawn him back to the shop.
Mr Fleming noticed Marcus and said to Eleanor, "My dear Miss Bennet, you already know Captain Sinclair, do you not? This young officer's literary tastes are very similar to yours."
Realizing that this was the perfect opportunity to become properly acquainted with the young lady, Marcus immediately replied, "If I am honest, I must admit that I do not have any particular literary preference.
I enjoy reading almost everything, Miss Bennet.
" Then, more formally, he added, "If you will allow me, I should like to offer my sincere apologies for interrupting your reading the last time we met. "
She smiled, and Marcus thought he had never seen a woman more beautiful.
"I also enjoy reading a little of everything. I believe that is what Mr Fleming meant when he said we have similar literary tastes. And please, do not concern yourself about the other day. I was simply in a hurry and did not have time to speak with you—or anyone else."
Without noticing the passage of time, Marcus and Eleanor conversed pleasantly for nearly an hour before she remarked that she had to return home. Marcus offered to accompany her.
Before they reached Longbourn, Marcus finally asked, "Miss Bennet, would you allow me to call on you one of these days?
" He had enjoyed Eleanor's company so much that he could not suppress his desire to see her again.
Moreover, he wished to pay his respects at her home to show her father that his intentions were entirely honourable.
Eleanor knew she could not invite him to Longbourn, for doing so would prompt both her father and her brother to interfere in her life.
Her father, especially, had resolved, after Thomas's marriage to Fanny, to personally choose Eleanor's husband, determined to prevent her from following her impulses and making what he considered the same mistake as her brother.
She knew that if she wished to become better acquainted with the young officer, it would have to be without her family's knowledge.
"In the mornings, I usually go for a walk before my family comes down to breakfast. I often climb Oakham Mount. If tomorrow..."
Eleanor could not finish her sentence because Marcus immediately replied, "I shall be there, Miss Bennet."
Their secret meetings continued for nearly two months. One morning, Eleanor finally explained why she had never invited him to her home.
"If my father discovers that I have a gentleman friend, he will never allow me to continue seeing you."
Marcus was not surprised. Mr Fleming had already shared more about the Bennet family, and he knew that Eleanor played an essential role in managing both the household and the estate. Even so, he had no wish to continue a secret courtship.
A week earlier, Marcus had travelled to speak to his brother.
Following their father's death, Reginald had inherited the title of Lord Rockwell.
Marcus confessed that he had fallen in love and wished to marry, and his brother gave him his wholehearted support.
Reginald himself had been forced into marriage with Lady Emma, a cold and distant woman he could scarcely tolerate.
Strengthened by his brother's encouragement, Marcus resolved to tell Eleanor of his intentions.
"Miss Bennet, I do not wish to be merely your friend. From the very first moment I saw you, I have been unable to stop thinking of you. My regiment will soon leave the area, and..." He hesitated for a moment. "I only wish to know whether there is even the slightest hope that you might..."
Unable to contain his feelings any longer, he continued in a voice filled with emotion.
"I love you with all my heart and soul. Would you do me the honour of becoming my wife?"
Eleanor could scarcely believe what she was hearing, and without thinking, she replied, "I love you too, Marcus..."