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 my

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

drink,

Grace, my wish to marry you is not out of gratitude for the help you

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 likely no better off

to trouble you any further, nor cause harm 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

repaid, yes, but it is your kindness, your gentle spirit, that truly moved me. Or perhaps it isn't even that. I cannot say it clearly. I

courage he had to

only know that when I am not busy with official

you I see, Your Grace. My thoughts

confession struck

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 a hasty sip of tea, only to

me so flustered, he looked troubled and immediately said,

had been so with Samuel-love at first sight. And now, hearing Mr. Claude

"If you are sincere in wishing

even I

The moments

his face light up with such unguarded joy-he very