A Noble Offer (Completed)

Chapter 5. 1814

AUTHOR's NOTE. you all know that I would never ever have my characters be married before knowing each other one whole year. However, in this situation, I feel that an early marriage would be best for everyone involved!

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As September flowed into October, and October cascaded into November, Julian realized that he couldn't wait any longer to ask Elizabeth to be his wife. He needed to have her and Diana as a part of his family. Not only did he want to marry her because he found her beautiful, but because he was falling in love with her and wanted to give her the life that George never gave her. He was wanting Diana to be his daughter, to know a father's love and compassion. He was wanting her to have James as her big brother to play with. He was wanting happiness for all of them.

For Elizabeth, being with Julian and James for the last several weeks had been nothing but beautiful. She was able to feel relaxed, take care of Diana without being scolded. She felt safe and protected with the Duke of Suffolk, and realized that she was falling in love with him. As the weeks had gone by, she felt less and less inclined to leave Suffolk Manor. In fact, she never wanted to leave. She adored James, kissed and cuddled him whenever he was near her. She adored the way he loved and played with Diana whenever she was awake. She felt peace and happiness.

Towards the beginning of December, nearly 4 months after Diana and Elizabeth and Diana had arrived, Julia knew that it was time to make Elizabeth his wife. He had a lovely ring commissioned, as well as an adoption certificate drawn up. He wasn't going to wait to adopt Diana, he was wanting to make everything official. He felt his heart flutter every time his eyes met those of Elizabeth, felt his body spring to life whenever she was near him. And, judging by her facial expressions, and her numerous smiles, he knew she felt the same.

One evening, as snow cascaded from the sky and onto the landscape, Julian and Elizabeth were seated together in the drawing room on the chaise in front of the window. Candles had been strategically placed across every inch of the room, along with fairy lights and several crystal vases filled with pink and white roses. The light was reflected in the window.

Julian cleared his throat before taking Elizabeth by the hand, his eyes fixed with hers. "My dearest Elizabeth, I know we have only known each other for the last four months, but I feel as if I've known you all my life. I cannot tell you how happy you've made me and James these last several weeks."

Elizabeth squeezed his fingers. "You've done the same for me and Diana your Grace. You and James have given us a life that we never believed we would have. You've given us love and happiness."

Julian smiled before taking the deep blue velvet box out of the pocket of his trousers. Opening the lid, he revealed the exquisite round clear diamond ring that was surrounded by blue diamonds and resting on a white gold band. He took her left hand, his eyes still fixed with her own. "And I promise you, from this day forward, I plan to give you and Diana nothing but love and happiness and compassion. I promise to love both of you and cherish you until the day I take my last breath. Dearest Elizabeth, will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Elizabeth was frozen, not expecting him to propose this early. And yet, she was overjoyed that he had. She was going to have a husband. Diana was going to have a father. They would both have someone who is going to love them unconditionally. Tears cascading down her cheeks, she gave him a soft smile. "Yes, yes I will."

Julian smiled brightly before sliding the ring carefully onto her left ring finger. Then he took her face between his hands, leaned close, and pressed his lips softly to hers. One hand stayed on her cheek while the other moved down to her waist.

Elizabeth closed her eyes, her mouth opening slightly as their tongues started dancing. Her arms went around his neck, and she found herself straining to get closer to him. She had been dreaming of this kiss for several weeks, of this exact moment. Julian's offer of marriage was a noble one, and she was going to take it without question. No other gentlemen, she knew for a fact, would have done what Julian had just done. She knew that no other gentleman would have even wanted her and her daughter to be in their home. But Julian did, and he was wanting her to be his wife. He was wanting Diana to be his daughter. And that was quite a noble offer.