“It is a beautiful night,” she breathed. He looked up at the sky.
“Yes, it is.” He moved his eyes down to her and smiled. “You look very beautiful in this light.”
She felt her heart flutter in her chest. “Thank you,” she whispered. She couldn’t bring herself to tell him how handsome she thought he looked.
“I want you to know a few things before you say yes or no to my proposal, Isabeau. I want you to know that I have spoken with Jonathan Barnaby about the things my brother said to him. I made it clear to him that you are not that kind of woman. He was unaware that your family has money of its own and that they would never turn their backs on you. You are already provided for and do not need to seek out a man with money or status. You are not a commoner.” He lowered his voice. “And even if you were, you are a noble woman of heart and conviction. I have seen you with others and here when I have visited, and I find you to be a most pleasant person to be around.”
“I appreciate that you spoke to the Earl.” She did feel some relief, knowing that the Duke had stood up for her and dashed the lies of his brother.
“I want you to know that I spoke to him because you seemed to get along with him quite well at the dance. I don’t want you to think that I am trying to interfere in something you have already planned. If you are interested in the Earl…”
She interrupted him, lifting one hand to stop his words. “I had a wonderful dance with Earl Barnaby. It was very lovely. And he is a friendly, sociable man. However, he was ready to believe what your brother said about me. And even if he doesn’t believe him now, it does not change the fact that he did.”
“He has had trouble in the past with women who seek only his fortune or his power.”
Isabeau nodded. “Yes, I am aware. Unfortunately, this incident has tarnished that relationship beyond repair.”
“So you will not consider a courtship with the Earl, should he propose one?”
Isabeau shook her head. “No, I would not. Did he mention such a thing when you spoke to him?”
“His words were subtle, but I got that impression. I do not want to interfere where I am not wanted.”
“You have not. I am grateful that you have been speaking to everyone about this and clearing things up. I was afraid for my reputation. I was also afraid that you would be angry with me or my father because of the things your brother has said about me.”
“My brother and I are not very much alike. I sometimes wonder , if there could have been a mistake and we are not related. But alas, we have the same parents, and it must be accepted as a fact.”
His tone was very light hearted, and he smiled at her. She giggled. “It’s very sad, yes.”
“I do not wish to judge you or be judged by the actions of my brother.” Edward stopped walking and turned to face her. She glanced up at him. The shadows were casting dark shades over half of his face, but she could see he was still smiling. “There are more things I want to tell you before you go back inside.”
“I have time,” Isabeau said. “Shall we sit?”
They had approached a bench, and he nodded, gesturing for her to take a seat first. He sat so that he was on the edge of the bench, facing her at an angle. She pulled the shawl around her shoulders, feeling a cool breeze blow across her face.
“Are you cold? Should we go inside?” His voice was concerned. It made her feel warmer inside just hearing it.
“No, I will be fine. I like the cooler weather. It suits me.”
“I am the same way.” He looked up at the bright moon. “My favorite time of the year is spring, but late winter is also a blessing to me.”
“Did you have more to say, then, your Grace?” She encouraged him to continue, glancing up at him.
“Please, call me Edward.”
“Edward.”
“Do you think you could ever fall in love with me, Isabeau?”
She grinned, hiding it behind one hand. “You are so direct, your Grace. But I must admit that I would not have a problem with that.”
He chuckled. “You will have to learn not to call me ‘your Grace.'”
She nodded. “Yes.”
“I have to tell you; I did not just come upon this decision in the last few days. My feelings for you are not sudden though it may seem that way to you. I have been watching you with others at the balls all this Season, yes, but I noticed your grace and civility long ago.”
Isabeau’s heart was bursting, and she suddenly wished they were inside where she could see him better. The next second, she was glad they weren’t inside because he would be able to see how flushed her face was. When he continued, she felt a bit overwhelmed by the gentility in his voice. “You are a beautiful woman no doubt, but I see much more than that in you. You are kind to your friends, gentle with children and a help to those in need. I’ve never seen you in a disagreeable mood. Do you ever get in a disagreeable mood?”
His question seemed out of the blue and caught her a little off-guard.