Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1633

I didn't expect Mr. Claude to once again ask Mrs. Murray to act as a matchmaker. And this time, he came with her in person. The gifts he brought with him covered an entire table. They weren't especially rare or costly, yet it was clear he had taken great care in choosing them.

I knew his salary wasn't high, and I'd heard he had sold off his family's home and shop just to afford a modest house in the capital.

"Your Grace, I tried to talk him out of it many times, but he insisted. So, I've come with him, just once more. Here, speak with him yourself. If you truly have no intention of accepting, tell him so plainly. Be firm, so he will give up for good," said Mrs. Murray.

I thought it best to speak plainly too. Perhaps then his face would stop appearing in my thoughts from time to time.

With that, Mrs. Murray excused herself, saying she would stroll through the garden. She left us in the drawing room, alone save for the maids waiting quietly just outside the doors. I caught the looks on their faces-hopeful, almost giddy.

I won't speak of the others, but Hazel had served me for many years. She followed me to the Earl of Gracehold's household, and later left with me when I built my own residence. She simply didn't want me to spend the rest of my life alone, often saying not all men were heartless or unkind.

Before I could speak, Mr. Claude beat me to it in a voice so quick and nervous it almost startled me.

"Your Grace, may I speak first?" he blurted out.

Looking at him, I noticed his face was flushed, with even the tips of his ears

having turned red. His skin was fair to begin with, and seeing him like this stirred a strange feeling in my chest.

said, lowering

his eyes fall upon my face, but I didn't meet his gaze.

and pretended to drink, listening as he

my wish to marry you is not out of gratitude for the help you gave my mother, nor for

quickly. His cheeks were now fully flushed, like the evening sky tinged with the red of sunset. I felt heat rise in my own face as well—I was

to your good name. But the other day, when Lady Carissa said I couldn't tell the difference between gratitude and affection-that I sought marriage out of

the difference. Gratitude ought to be repaid, yes, but it is your kindness, your gentle spirit, that truly moved me. Or perhaps it isn't even that. I cannot

as though it took all the courage he

that when I am not busy with

shut, it is you I see, Your Grace. My

confession struck

still waters suddenly stirred. I lifted my head to look at him. His eyes burned with such intensity that I couldn't meet them for long. I quickly dropped my gaze and took

so flustered, he looked troubled and immediately said, "I've been too

be easily swayed. It had been so with Samuel-love at first sight. And now, hearing Mr.

heard myself say, "If you are sincere in wishing to marry me, then

it, even

The moments

mad. But when I saw his face light up with such unguarded joy-he