Bright the next day Mrs. Fredericks came to fetch me from Miss Vincy's quarters. Mr. Fredericks and I were to take charge of the repairs of Crawley Castle. It was a tough job, and not to forget expensive. Mr. Frederick's assured me that it was no trouble at all. That it was his honor to restore the family home. My future husband overtook much of the stressful work, leaving me in charge of the decoration of the castle.
I was not expecting Lord Boring to come looking for forgiveness to our humble home, yet strangely he did. It was only past mid-day when I heard arguing outside the castle, when I stepped out to investigate sure enough I found Lord Boring and my fiancé, Mr. Fredericks arguing. I could not distinguish what was being said, but Lord Boring looked smug. As I neared them, the men noticed me for the first time. Mr. Fredericks outstretched his hand and beckoned me towards his side. I willingly complied.
"Miss Crawley, what a pleasure to be in your acquaintance again. You are looking quite lovely today, if I may say so," complimented Lord Boring. I noticed Mr. Fredericks tense next to me and hold my hand with more force.
"Well, thank you. That's a very nice thing of you to say. What do we owe the pleasure?" I replied a bit irritated. I did not understand who this man thought he was. What kind of person would come to argue with another man in his own home?
"I was hoping to speak to you privately Miss Crawley."
"Over my dead body Boring." Responded my fiancé. I could not comprehend why he would be behaving in such a manner towards this man who had once been his best friend.
"Well, Althea. I wanted to ask for your forgiveness in asking your sister, Miss Charity, to marry me. I understand what I did killed your trust in me and that you expected to be the one I proposed to when I showed all of those attentions with you. You are one of the most beautiful women in Europe, or so we've been told. It must have been such an embarrassment to have me ask Miss Charity. I now see my mistake, I do wish to marry your sister. You are the one that has held and still holds my heart. If you forgive me, I will retract my marriage proposal to Miss Charity. I fully intend to make you Lady Boring."
Mr. Frederick held me in a death grip by now. He was furious and it was not easy to miss. Yet he remained quiet waiting for my response. What a fool of a man! He actually thought I was considering.
"Lord Boring. I am not aware if you have been informed but I have already been promised and I fully intend to marry the man who I love and respect. I will not be swayed in my decision, especially not by a man with the likes of you. If you will be so kind as to remove yourself from the property, you're taking up too much space," I turned on my heel and walked away, with Mr. Fredericks hot on my heels. I could feel Lord Borings shocked eyes following me as I walked towards the castle entrance.
Before I reached the castle doors, Mr. Fredericks spun me and landed a long, warming kiss upon my lips. "Althea, I believe I have only expressed my love towards you once. And I believe I don't do it enough. You are the most amazing woman I have ever met. I am so glad you accepted to be my wife. I love you my future Mrs. Fredericks. "