The meeting is arranged within days. Eric arrives at the modest country house where the Bell’s reside. He is greeted by Mrs. Bell, a small, attractive red head he liked immediately. She ushered him into her husband’s study. Mrs. Bell, urges the maid to notify Mr. Bell of his arrival. She offers him refreshment and sits quietly as he drinks. He spots a young woman of their daughters description reading as she walked along the edge of the garden. She was a pretty girl, it would not be hard to look upon her for sure. Mr. Bell walked in and greeted him.
“Mr. Butler.”
The small thin man gazed at his wife and she promptly stood and left the room. Curious behavior for a mother he thought, having a daughter with unconventional habits.
“I understand that you have come here in regard to a possible match between you and my daughter Penelope.”
“I have.”
Eric still stood by the window watching the pretty young girl as she was engrossed in her book.
“Is this your daughter, Mr. Bell?” Eric gestured toward the girl he was admiring.
“Yes, her name is Penelope. Come, please have a seat.”
They both took a seat.
“Regrettably, Mr. Butler, I must tell you after having agreed to this meeting I was informed of some distressing news. I do not believe we need to go into the details, but I cannot in good faith, offer my daughter to you. I am sorry.”
Eric’s temper rose, he fought to control it. He knew exactly what Mr. Bell referred to and had assumed he was aware of his cavorting, irresponsible past when he agreed to this meeting. Eric rose.
“Could you not have informed me prior to my travel here?”
“Well, I may have an alternative offer for you.”
The old bait and switch. Now he saw the trick. Now the old codger would try to unload his ugly, less monetarily valuable daughter.
“I believe our negotiation is over.” Eric started toward the door.
Mr. Bell rose as well.
“Please, Mr. Butler, the girl I intend to offer you is my niece, she has been informed why you are here and will be sorely disappointed if you leave without even meeting her.”
“You put me in an awkward position.” Eric returned to his seat.
Mr. Bell went to the door and spoke briefly to a maid.
A few moments later, a young woman entered the room. He was suddenly not breathing. What was the matter with him.
“Mr. Butler, this is my niece, Eva.”
He greeted her. Dear Lord she was the most beautiful creature he had ever had the pleasure to lay eyes upon. Her skin was a flawless shade of alabaster, which was in striking contrast to her dark auburn hair. She had the biggest blue eyes and a sinfully enticing bottom lip accentuated with a perfect bow top lip. She was taller than her cousin, perhaps a little taller than average, but still petite to him, and as gracefully slender as a reed. He was afraid if he touched her he would break her.
Her Uncle’s timely cough brought him back to reality.
“Eva, will you please inform your Aunt Mr. Butler will be staying for dinner.”
Only when she left the room did he feel he could breath normally again.
“What do you say Mr. Butler, she has not my daughters exotic beauty, but a beauty beyond compare nevertheless.”
Eric went to the window, he gazed at the young woman he first thought he was being offered, he realized although she was as pretty as a painting, it was her willowy cousin that held his attention, and made him sorely regret what he was about to say.
“Mr. Bell, any man would call themselves lucky to have your niece as a wife, but I must reiterate my marriage will be for monetary gain not romantics.”
Mr. Bell handed him an envelope.
“That envelope contains the information you seek. It contains the amount of funds left to my niece by her parents upon their death. Once your estate is recovered you will have no need of additional funds in my estimation. Please, do not look at it now. I would ask that you spend some time with her today, join us for dinner, and let me know tomorrow.”
Against his better judgment, Eric agreed. As they exited the room Mr. Bell asked that Eva take him for a stroll around the grounds while dinner was prepared. Her eyes came up to meet his, then quite brazenly followed down his length. She was examining him. He actually feared she would find him lacking in some way. When her eyes met his again they were… satisfied. He walked silently toward her and offered his arm. She took it and they began their walk. Neither spoke until quite a few paces from the house. She spoke first.
“You are here to find a wife?”
She was direct, that was a point in her favor.
“I am. It will not be a match of the heart, but advantageous on both sides I believe.”
“Where is your home Mr. Butler?”
“In Yorkshire.”
“I was born in Yorkshire and lived there until my parents passed away.”
“I am sorry.”
She smiled wistfully. “Do you have any family in Yorkshire.”
“My mother and sister live with me at Lexington, but they can not be counted on for companionship.” He would not deceive her.
Once quite a distance from the house he stopped their progress and turned to face her.
“You obviously realize your Uncle has offered you instead of your cousin to be my wife.”
“I was made aware, yes.”
He held up an envelope. “This envelope contains the answer to whether or not a match between us is feasible. I need to marry for money. Money to pay my Father’s debts and return Lexington to the profitable estate it once was. I will be honest with you, if the money is enough, I will offer for you this very night. I do not have the time nor the inclination to shop around.” He regretted his choice of words, for he saw they stung her unnecessarily, but he wanted to be honest with her. He continued. “If I offer, will you accept? If you have no intention to, tell me now, so I may be on my way.”
FANTASTIC!