“Do you love her?”
“With all my heart, and I promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure she’s happy in our marriage.”
“Well, then, I see no reason why you shouldn’t propose,” Jacob said, extending his hand in friendship. “Welcome to the family, Wallings.”
“Thank you, Fletcher. I can’t tell you how overjoyed I am,” he said, shaking Jacob’s hand.
“I shall have the wedding contracts drawn up.”
“Thank you, Fletcher.”
“You’re welcome. No sense sitting in here with me then. You have a lady to propose to.”
Peter chuckled. “Indeed I do. Please excuse me.”
Both men left the study and walked down the hallway to the drawing room.
Audrey and Grace looked up when they entered.
“My darling, may I have a word, please?” Jacob asked his wife.
Audrey nodded. “Of course, darling.”
Jacob held out his arm and escorted her to the foyer. “Wallings needs a moment alone with Grace,” he whispered.
Audrey’s eyes widened. “He’s proposing?”
Jacob nodded.
Grace looked up andsmiled at him when he returned to the drawing room.
Although Peter knew she was amenable to his proposal, he wanted it to be perfect for her. He walked to the sofa and knelt down.
“My darling Grace. I cannot begin to tell you the depths of my love for you. You outshine all the stars in the sky. Whatever you want, I shall endeavor to give it to you. I vow to tell you every day how much I adore you and to make you happy. Would you make me the happiest of men and consent to be my wife?”
Happy tears rolled down Grace’s face. “Oh, Peter. I love you so much. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Peter stood, swept Grace up in his arms, and swung her around. “She said yes!” he shouted.
Fletcher and Lady Fletcher came back into the room with huge smiles on their faces.
“We wish you both much happiness,” Jacob said.
Peter set Grace on her feet.
Audrey hugged her fiercely. “I’m so very pleased for you, dearest. I can see how happy Mr. Wallings makes you.”
“He does indeed.”
“Shall we have the first banns read on Sunday?”
“Yes! I can hardly wait to be Mrs. Wallings,” Grace said.
They all spoke for a while about what kinds of arrangements needed to be made and finally, Peter said, “Well, I do believe I’ll take my leave now. Good day.”
“I’ll see you out,” Grace said.
They walked through the foyer and out the front door.