The Proposal

Chapter Three

"The wedding banes will be read this Sunday," Victoria announced as she walked into the dining room. Jasper choked on the egg he had just started eating at this. Not only was this the second time in two days that he had unexpectedly seen his mother before noon, but she was also making such bold statements once again.

"Wedding banes?" Marie questioned, looking back and forth between Jasper, who was still coughing, and Victoria, who looked every bit the mourning dowager countess. Her black dress was very elegant, having many layers of what appeared to be tulle layering it. Even the jewelry, including ear bobs and a silver necklace with an ebony stone hanging on the end of it, had black accents. Her aging face was powdered to cover up any redness, though one could still see a slight ring around her eyes. It was enough to know she was crying and most likely, not sleeping well. The thought made Jasper uncomfortable. His mother had never been one to show any emotion to him other than a constant resentment and disappointment. "When have we ever cared about wedding banes?"

"Since your brother is getting married," their mother scoffed, rolling her eyes to emphasize her annoyance. "I believe a small ceremony is completely appropriate, especially as we are in mourning."

"You're getting married?" Marie gasped at the same time. "Who is she? Why am I just now hearing of this?" Her dark eyes were boring holes into Jasper now. How was it that two women could be so aggressive so early in the morning? Jasper simply did not have the patience for it.

"So many questions at this time of morning," Jasper groaned after taking a large gulp of his tea in hopes of helping his throat recover. "I think I will retire to my study. Please, no interruptions." He quickly slipped from his chair, letting his long legs carry him out of the room in fast strides. However, it was not enough to escape.

"Jasper!" Marie growled. Her displeasure was something she had never handled well. And one source of her displeasure was quite obviously not having her curiosity sated.

Just as quickly as he left the room, he heard Marie's chair scrap across the floor followed by the sound of her steps. Oh god, he thought. A pounding headache was in his near future, he believed. He could hear the rustle of her black taffeta skirts as she scampered after him.

"Marie Elizabeth!" Victoria's scolding came quickly after. His mother had hoped to raise the perfect debutante, and in all respects, Marie was. She was elegant and widely talented, excelling in music, embroidery, and dance. She even partook in sports, mostly horseback riding. She enjoyed a good ride about the city and when they stayed at their countryside home, a good hunt was always something she was up for.

The problem with Marie was that she was too smart. She had a wickedly sharp tongue, and often sarcastic remarks went over those she poop was insulting's heads. She, of course, did not like to be mean. She just simply couldn't stand what she deemed as lacking. Whether it was a wealthy but stupid gentleman who looked to pursue a courtship with her or perhaps a ditzy fool of woman whose head was only filled with thoughts of ribbons and ear bobs, she would not hold her tongue. At least, not in a way that was possible to be viewed as both charming and polite or sarcastic and rude. The double meanings were so often sewn into her words that it was sometimes hard to know if she was being genuine.

"Jasper, stop!" Marie yelled. The thought of dashing into his study came to mind, but he knew running away would only make Marie worse. Reluctantly, he paused long enough for her to catch up to him before starting to his study again, this time with his sister in step with him.

"Why on earth are you getting married?" Marie hissed. A quick look of disgust crossed her features as her mind went somewhere he wished it did not. He especially did not want to discuss such things with his sister who, despite her efforts, was supposed to be a proper lady. "Did you impregnate someone? To bring such a scandal to a household after just taking over as Earl-"