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.

Claude," I said,

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

pretended to drink, listening as he

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

at him 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 likely no better off than

went on. "I didn't want 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 out of misplaced debt—I realized she was

then continued, "I can tell 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 say it clearly. I

a deep breath, as though it took all the courage he had to say his next words.

not busy with official duties,

is you I see, Your Grace. My thoughts are filled

confession struck something

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 choke and cough a

flustered, he looked troubled and immediately

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

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

even I

The moments

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