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"But love is blind, and lovers cannot see

The pretty follies that themselves commit;

For, if they could, Cupid himself would blush."

Merchant of Venice


Chapter Four:

Over the course of the next few weeks, the couple spent as much time together as they could. When work permitted it, Michael would make visits to her house, and if he could not, then they would speak on the telephone. Many an afternoon, such as this one, was spent underneath the tree in the gardens.

Michael had his back up against the trunk, smoking a cigarette, whilst Evelyn laid her own back against his chest. No words were exchanged, as she read her book, and he watched. They were simply content, and only when she finished did he speak.

"So, what happened in this one?"

"Well, it's called The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," she said, "And it's about a man who ages backward."

"That does not sound fun." He commented,

"It really isn't, and he suffers because of it." Evelyn said, "Society rejects him, as does his family. Even his wife and son turn on him. And, eventually, he forgets his entire life and dies as a baby."

"Why do you read such horrible things?" Michael asked, "Don't most girls like love stories, and all that crap."

"I thought we had already established I'm not like most girls." She said, rolling her head to look up at him, before turning back, "Besides, the world can be horrible. And I like reading about other's pain. Makes life interesting, without me having to actually suffer."

"Oh, so you're just a pragmatist."

"Exactly."

The pair of them started to chuckle, until they heard Sophie calling out after Evelyn. Pushing herself up from the ground, she passed the book to Michael, before running across the grass.

"My lady, your father's here to see you."

"Oh, okay, I'll be right there." Evelyn said, "Take him to the drawing room."

"Already done." Sophie said, and Evelyn made to turn back, but she spoke again, "My lady, I know it's not my place to ask, but are you going to introduce Mr Gray to your father?"

"Yes." She nodded, "Do you not think it to be wise?"

"I think Mr Gray is a lovely young man, and I'm sure you father will like him," Sophie said, "But, I question,"

"You're right, it's not your place." Evelyn said, curtly, "I'll be in soon enough."

The concern was touching, but not even close to what she wanted to hear. It would be easy for Michael to impress her father personality wise, and she was sure that him being a commoner could be ignored due to his professional success. The only problem, was his family's business. Specifically, the rumours that they continued to conduct its less than legal operations. Though, she was sure they were more than just rumours.

"What was that about?" Michael asked, having watched the entire exchange

"My father's here." She revealed, "Unexpected visit."

"Would you like me to go?"

"No, stay," she said, perhaps a bit too quickly, "I mean, if you want to."

"Do you want me to meet your father?" He asked, pushing himself up from the ground

"Yes." She said, reaching out to grab onto his hand, "Now, there are just a few things to remember."

"Such as?"

"Don't use his name, refer to him as Lord Harrowby the first time." She explained, leading him back towards the house, "And after that, as my lord."

"I can do that." He said, his eyes widening from the nerves, "Do I bow?"

"No, but wait until he extends his hand to shake it." She said, nudging him with her elbow, "Don't worry, you'll be fine."

"If you say so."

But, despite her outward confidence, inside she was riddled with nerves. This would be the first time she'd introduced a man to her family. That is, a man she was romantically involved with. Of course, it would be considered odd for her family to not meet a suitor, even early in the relationship. Considering it was usually the family that introduced them.

Pushing that aside, she let go of Michael's hand as they entered the house. No matter how open-minded her father may be, that was something that would get them off on the wrong foot.

The Earl of Harrowby was an imposing man. Tall and broad chested, with perfectly combed brown hair and a thick moustache. His blue eyes immediately narrowed on Michael, only softening when he looked to his daughter.

"Father," she greeted, "What are you doing here?"

"I was just passing through and thought that I might visit." George explained, but Evelyn had the sneaking suspicion that one of the servants had notified him of Michael's constant presence in her home. His lack of surprise only gave reason to her hypothesis

"Of course," Evelyn said, turning back to Michael, "This is my father, the Earl of Harrowby." She introduced, "Father, this is Michael Gray."

"How do you do?" George said, extending his hand

"Good, thank you." Michael said, shaking his hand, quickly adding, "My lord."

"I see you gave him a crash course before coming in." George chuckled, "You're just as smart as your mother."

"Thank you." She muttered, "Shall we all sit down?"

The tensions did not ease as they took their seats, George sitting on the armchair next to the lounge they were on. Her father continued to eye Michael, and she could tell that Michael was torn between not wanting to back down from the challenge, and not wanting to affront her father. He was proud, that she could tell, and she didn't want him to sacrifice his dignity for her.

"So, Michael," George said, "What is that you do for a living?"

"I'm the Chief Accountant for Shelby Corporations." Michael replied, "We used to deal in horse racing, but we've since moved into automobiles."

"Ah, I hear that's a booming market." George said, "How's business?"

"Very successful." Michael proudly proclaimed, "We've expanded to London, and moved into exportation."

"What are the profits of that?" George asked, and Evelyn widened her eyes in shock

Money was not usually considered to be an appropriate topic of conversation. But then she released what he was doing. Her father was aiming to asses Michael's suitability. He already lacked status, and her father was trying to see if money could make up for that.

"Currently," Michael said, "We're making £250 a day."

"That certainly is successful." George conceded, "And where are your family from?"

"Birmingham." Michael said, "It's a family business actually."

So far, things were going well. Her father was certainly impressed by his professional life and economic situation, but she knew that that could change very quickly if he discovered certain aspects of Michael's family.

"Evelyn," George said, "Would you be so kind as to ask the maids to ready a guest room for me?" He asked, "I'll be staying the night here."

"Of course." She said, getting up from the lounge

Before she left, she dared to reach her hand out to squeeze Michael's shoulder. It could be construed as improper, but she wanted to subtly show her father her commitment to Michael. Leaving them alone in the room was not something that she wanted to do, but she trusted Michael to win him over by himself. After all, he hadn't needed her backup just yet.

"So, you're interested in my daughter." George stated, "What are your intentions?"

"Intentions?"

"What I mean," He said, "Is are you courting my daughter with the aim of it eventuating into a marriage?"

"I, ah," Michael spluttered, "I hadn't really thought about it."

"Well, you might want to." George said, "Because if that is not what you want, then I will ask you to end things with her right now. You will not be breaking her heart, she's already risking a fair amount for you."

"What do you mean by that?" Michael demanded

"I did my research, I know who you are, where you come from." George revealed, "I know about your family's criminal connections. I do, however, recognize that you have made something of yourselves. And, of course, that I have no evidence of you partaking in such activities yourself."

"And if I had?"

"I pride myself on having raised my daughter to become an intelligent woman." George said, "I trust her judgement enough to know that she would not conduct a relationship with a criminal."

"Is that your prolonged way of telling me to leave?" Michael asked, "Because I won't."

"No," George replied, almost impressed by Michael's defiance, "This is my prolonged way of telling you to be careful with her." He clarified, "I want her to be happy, and if that is with you, than I can be okay with that. What I will not be okay with, is you dragging her into a life of crime."

"I wouldn't do that." Michael defended, "Not to her."

"Tell me, then," George said, "What are your feelings for each other?"

"I like her, and I think she likes me too." Michael said, "I, want to be with her."

"So you have thought about it." George chuckled, "I like you Michael. And I hope you'll do right by my daughter."

"I will."

Once Evelyn returned, she was glad to see the pair of them conversing casually. The fact that Michael hadn't left was a relief in itself, and there was now far more ease in their interactions. The afternoon seemed to fly away, and soon enough it was time for Michael to leave. Their goodbye was far more subdued than their usual ones, with him only pressing a kiss to her cheek, exchanging a handshake with her father before bidding them farewell.

"Who told you about him?" Evelyn asked, as they made their way back into the house

"Sophie did," George said, confirming her suspicions, "She was worried, and thought that I could settle her concerns."

"And?" She asked, "What do you think of him?"

"He's a fine young gentleman, might need a few lessons on etiquette before meeting the rest of our family, but I can see that he makes you happy." George said, "It will be difficult for many to ignore his background, but I will respect your wishes."

"Thank you, father."

It meant everything to Evelyn that her father approved of Michael and their relationship. There was one less obstacle for them, and at least one person on their side.