| |
* * *
Once they were out of reach, Ross could not hold his tongue on the matter any longer.
“Now friend, you must tell me the news.” He said.
“Oh Ross, it is absolutely dreadful,” She said. A look of desperation came across her face.
“What is it? You are not hurt are you? Are you in distress?” He turned to her concerned for his friend's well-being. For he had never seen her blue eyes look as sad as they did now.
“I am not hurt physically, but I am hurt of heart. I have such pain, dear Ross. For I am in love with someone that is quite forbidden to me. I have not the knowing of what I shall do, neither does he. We are quite distressed indeed.”
A smile came across Ross's face as he understood his friends meaning quite clearly. “Do you mean to tell me Mary Anne, the woman who said that she should never fall in love, has now fallen in love?”
“Yes, so it is dreadful, is it not? You are quite right, I have always said that I would not be a victim of the heart, and look at me. I can scarcely go a minute without thinking of my dear Jonathan.”
Ross's brows raised. “Jonathan? And does this Mr Jonathan have a full name?”
“Yes he does Ross, and that is the problem. For his name is not one of nobility, and you know how my parents have made it well known that I must not marry anyone unless it is a suitable match of nobility, into the aristocracy. They will accept no less than that.”
“And this is Jonathan, is not of nobility?”
“No, he is not. Mr Jonathan Harper is an attorney, a very good one at that. He makes a comfortable living, for his clients are ones that my parents or yours might have business with, he is paid quite well, but nowhere near the means that you and I are accustomed to. Especially not wealth that my parents would deem suitable for me. Oh Ross, it is so incredibly unjust and unfair. He has no title and his family name is not a known old family name such as ours. What ever will I do?”
“Well he must be quite the man if he was capable of capturing your heart. What do you plan to do about it?”
“We have been back and forth over all our options and Jonathan, feels that are only option to be together is an elopement,” She said.
“An elopement! Mary Anne that is quite serious as you very well know. There is no going back from an elopement, nor the scandal that follows it.”
“As I am very well aware, friend; I do not make this decision lightly. I have agreed to an elopement, but Jonathan has asked for several months in order to plan such a thing. He is having a very busy season, but at the end of it he will have more than enough money put away to set us up. I do not doubt that my parents will cut off all wealth and not give him my dowry, out of spite and anger for defiance of their wishes. Therefore we do not wish to elope until he has saved enough up to take a new house and set up the living for us.”
“And you are quite sure this is what you want, Mary Anne? For the living will not be what you are accustomed to. It sounds like he lives very comfortable indeed, but nowhere near the luxury that you have been raised in.”
“Yes, I have also taken that into consideration. But it is not as if I will be ploughing fields and kneading dough, there will be enough for household staff, as I am accustomed to, but not the luxuries of extravagant jewellery and dresses. But I dare say, friend, I am much in love with this man and I am willing to sacrifice that. In truth it does not matter to me, I would much rather marry for love, than for money.”
“But what of your parents? They very well might not speak to you for years and possibly for the rest of your life. Have you considered that?” he asked.
She put her hands on her hips. “My word, Ross. Of all people I would think that you would be happy for me. You do not care what others think of you and I thought you would understand ,yet you are pointing out all the negative reasons why I should not be married to my Jonathan.”
“I am only saying the truth. Could you possibly live without your family speaking to you again? That is the truth of what may happen,” he said.
She sighed. “I know. You are right. I love my parents of course, but I am willing to take the risk and keep hope that eventually, after a year or two, they will at least speak to me again.”
“Then it sounds like you both have this all figured out. I wish you both the best. And of course you can guarantee on maintaining my friendship and acquaintanceship no matter the scandal that breaks out after your elopement. For we will always be true friends, will we not?”
“Yes, and I am very glad to hear it. But there is a problem, a quite pressing matter. My parents have been pushing another suitor on me.”
“And who is it this time?” Ross smiled and crossed his arms across his chest.
“The old and vicious Earl of Holbrook Mr George Mason.”
Ross let out a laugh.
“It is not funny, Ross,” she playfully slapped his arm. “He is quite vile indeed.”
“Yes, that is true. And I think you shall have the privilege of condoning that statement as he is expected at the ball next week.”
“Yes, something my mother has reminded me of almost daily. Therefore I am short on time to come up with a plan. I am quite frightened that my parents will grant him permission to take my hand in marriage at the ball, perhaps even announced it without my permission. I just need time, Jonathan needs time. Whatever shall I do, Ross?”
“This is the predicament. Let’s walk in this direction,” he said, taking her arm.
They walked along, side-by-side together. Ross was deep in thought, trying to figure out how he could possibly help his friend to marry for true love. For she was very dear to him and he looked upon her as he would a sister. He wanted her to be happy above all else and if he could have a hand in guaranteeing her happiness, he would do anything he could to secure that for her.
For he did not want to lose her to the vile Earl of Holbrook, who would keep her practically locked up in his country estate and not allow him to visit. For he was a quick tempered man of jealousy and Mary Anne would become a shell of herself if she were to marry him. Though deep down Ross knew she were more likely to do something rash like run away to America before going through with a wedding to the Earl. He himself had often thought of such illogical actions when his father began to list the ladies of nobility that Ross should consider to take as a wife. As of late the names had been listed ever so frequently and he knew that his father was becoming quite fed up with his disinterest in marriage.
Then it occurred to him, something that would also be beneficial to himself as well as Mary Anne.
“Mary Anne, my parents have also been pressuring me to find and take on a wife by end of the year, and I am in no way prepared to do such a thing. Perhaps there is a way that you and I can help each other.” he said with a sideways grin.
“I am listening, please do go on.” she said.
He took her arm and led her deeper into the gardens to the water fountains. For anyone wishing to not be overheard found the rushing water of the fountains to be just the cover up for secrets.
* * *
chapter
