Another fluff filled chapter - but I think Mary needs that :D

Tell me what you think and again thanks to all my faithful Readers and reviewers.

I love you all!

I remembered my mother's question the night before and how Henry had avoided answering it. Would I be brave enough to ask him? Did I even want to know the answer? What if it was something like Mr. Henceforth had said?

I bit my lip and pondered that thought in my head. But before I could make up my mind Henry asked:

"You look worried. Is everything alright?" My eyes flew open and I could see the concern on his handsome face.

This was my chance, so I gathered all my courage and asked:

"Why did you choose me?"

"Isn't it obvious?" he asked back, but I didn't see it. So I shook my head, indicating that I really didn't know.

"There is a number of reasons." he started and turned towards me, his hands now holding mine, while I looked into his serious face.

"The first thing I noticed about you was your passion for books. When I walked into the salon at Pemberley I saw you sitting in that chair completely lost in your book. Oblivious to the rest of the world. I have never seen a woman so passionate about something. That was the moment I knew that I needed to talk to you. So I did. The next thing thing that attracted my attention was your face when you looked up. You looked so surprised when I talked to you. Like you would expect me to run away any moment. Which was highly unlikely as all I wanted was to spend more time with you. So we did. I visited you at Pemberley and soon enough you warmed up to me. You told me about your dreams, your passion for books, even about your family. And with each new information I got, I knew that I would never be satisfied with my knowledge about you. I want to know every little detail that is you. I want to know your thoughts before you speak them, and most of all I want to make you happy. You should know, that you are smart, ingenious, kind hearted and honest. There is no reason for you to be insecure. Because from the moment you looked up from your book at Pemberley I was mesmerized by your beauty. Your fair complexion, which is a stunning contrast to your dark hair and your deep brown eyes. I could look at you and be content with just doing that. I think it is time someone tells you. Because you obviously don't know how desireable you are and that only a fool would look at you and didn't want you to become his wife."

I knew that my cheeks were crimson, as they burned like never before. No one had ever told me so many nice things. Had told me, that despite everything my mother and part of my sisters told me, I was indeed worth being noticed.

"Don't cry." Henry told me, looking desperate.

I was crying? I hadn't noticed. But I was, I realized when I raised my hand to my wet cheek.

"I never meant to make you cry." Henry said distressed, trying to wipe the tears from my cheeks.

"It's alright. It's just that no one ever said something like this me." I sniffed and couldn't keep the tears from falling.

Henry then pulled me into his arms, which I was rather happy about. Because I could hide my face in the fabric of his shirt and he didn't see me. I must have looked horrible.

Slowly my tears stopped pouring down my cheeks and I sighed against his chest. Realizing this moment just how close I was to him. That I could feel his heartbeat under my cheek and his strong arms around me.

I felt safe with him and loved. Something I had never felt like this before.

Henry softly carassed my back and kept whispering soothing words into my hair. I stayed in his embrace for a moment longer, before I freed myself from his arms.

I wiped the last remaining tears from my face and smiled up at him.

"I'm sorry."

"Never apologize. That is not necessary." he answered and brushed a strand of hair from my face.

"We should head back. I am sure it is almost time for breakfast."

"I also need to talk to my father." I said and got up as well. Side by side we walked back through the maze to the horse, that was patiently waiting in front of the gate.

Henry helped me onto the back and hoisted himself up behind me. Once again I held onto his arm around my waist. I wasn't as scared as on the way to the garden, but still scared enough.

It didn't take long for us to get back to the entrance of the house. By now the servants were also up. One of them hurried towards us and took the reins of Henry's horse. He then jumped off of the horses back and helped me down too.

"The weather is good. I am sure we will find my mother on the terrace." Henry said to me and offered his arm to me. I took it and he lead me into the house, through the entrance into the salon where I had met Joana.

The terrace doors of the salon were opened and Henry was right. We found his mother at a small table, sitting under a big white parasol. But not only she was there. My father sat to her right. Both sipping their tea silently.

That was probably the best chance I could get for talking to him.

"Good Morning!" I greeted both of them and Joana placed her cup back down.

"Good morning dear, I hope you rested well." She greeted me. I nodded and turned to my father:

"Father would you mind walking with me a little?" He looked surprised for a minute, but shortly after agreed. He shortly bowed to Henry and then we walked down the steps of the terrace towards the park in front of us, while Henry took his seat next to his mother.

That's it for now, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did writing this! And den't forget to REVIEW ;P