Page 42 of Dare it all for Love

“Directly, miss.”

The servant closed the door and Florence turned back to Grace.

“Mr Oak.”

Florence’s mouth fell open, shocked into silence, uncertain if she was outraged or grateful or just plain terrified.

Mr Oak?

“You told him… You told him you were…?” she began, not quite ready to make complete sentences yet.

Grace shook her head. “He knew.”

Florence’s expression must have been one of bewilderment, for Grace gave a little huff of laughter. “It’s not terribly flattering, I grant you, but it seems I’m no different from a sheep, or a cow in calf. He could tell.”

“And he simply offered for you, and you agreed?”

Florence was too stunned to keep the astonishment from her voice and was surprised at the way Grace bristled in response.

“He did, and I did. Yes.”

“B-But, Grace….”

Her friend’s posture was stiff and unyielding suddenly. “He’s offering me a chance, Florence. A chance for respectability, a home for myself and my child. He’ll give my baby a name so that it need never live in shame.”

Florence nodded at once, knowing this was no small thing, only that she did not like nor trust Mr Oak and, as his wife, Grace would belong to him wholly. He would own her, body and soul, and her child. “I know, love, only… you know nothing about him. What if he’s cruel? What if he mistreats you? The child won’t be his. Perhaps he’ll bear it ill will.”

Grace shook her head. “He has promised me that the child will be treated as his own flesh and blood, no matter what. He swore he would never condemn it for…. He swore, Florence, and I believe him.”

Florence frowned, uneasy and afraid for Grace, yet she knew how little choice her friend had. If this man would give her security, her child a name, Grace would be foolish not to accept, only….

“I don’t like him, Grace.”

Grace smiled a little. “Yes, I noticed. You’re not exactly subtle, Flo.”

“Well, I can’t help it. He’s so….”

Florence searched for a way to explain what it was about Mr Oak that unsettled her so. Mainly it was how he was so brusque, and his lack of tact or manners, but he… he just seemed so cold, so unfeeling. How would gentle, sweet-natured Grace cope with such a harsh, taciturn man for a husband?

“Yes, he is somewhat… difficult, but I must learn to manage him. I do not believe he is cruel.”

“But you don’t know that he isn’t,” Florence persisted. “You will be at his mercy.”

Grace nodded.

“He will speak with your father? There’s to be no elopement or anything of that nature?” Florence asked, suddenly struck by the dreadful idea.

“Of course,” Grace said, squeezing Florence’s hand. “Don’t worry so. He wants to ensure there is as little gossip as possible. He means for everything to be done properly, if with as much haste as possible. A whirlwind romance,” she added with a bitter laugh.

The laugh tore at Florence’s heart but that Grace’s father would be consulted was a great relief. The baron was a highly decorated soldier, a fierce man that even Mr Oak might quail before, if he had any sense. Baron Rothborn would never allow Grace to marry a man who would ill-treat her. If Mr Oak had nefarious intentions, her father would discover it and forbid the marriage to go ahead. Florence stared at Grace in wonder, in awe of how brave she was.

“Look at you. You appear as delicate as a snowflake, and yet you are so strong, so courageous.”

Grace smiled, her expression full of warmth. “That is because I have such good friends. It’s much easier to be brave when you know you are not alone, and you have someone you trust to confide in. At least as a married lady, I will not be denied the pleasure of your company. Speaking of which…. You have been keeping secrets, Florence Knight. So, confess all. I insist you tell me everything about Mr Henry Stanhope.”

Chapter 12

Mister Knight,