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.

Mr. Claude," I said, lowering my

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

and pretended to drink,

out of gratitude for the help you gave my mother, nor

evening sky tinged with the red of sunset. I felt heat rise in my own face as well—I was likely

harm to your good name. But the other day, when Lady

difference. Gratitude ought to be repaid, yes, but it is your kindness, your

though it took all the courage he had to say

only know that when I am not busy with official duties, whether my eyes

shut, it is you I see, Your Grace.

confession struck something

such intensity that I couldn't meet them for long. I quickly dropped

troubled and immediately said,

had been so with Samuel-love at first sight. And

you are sincere in wishing to marry me, then go ahead and have our horoscopes

it, even I

The moments

mad. But when I saw his face light up