The Duke's Bride <3

Chapter 2

**[Alexi]**

Lady Boscastle came into the room shortly after to check on her daughter. She saw Alexi on the chair and looked from her daughter to Alexi and gave a slight nod. "Thank you, Alexander."

He seemed to be lost in thought, but she waited for him to speak. 

"Lady Boscastle, I need to ask you and your husband something. Privately."

"Of course, dear. She's asleep. You may come now into the study if you wish. Cliff is there already."

They left together then. 

Alexi and Lady Boscastle walked into the study, and she closed the door behind her.

"Alexi."

"Sir?"

"Alexi, I can not thank you enough for saving my daughter tonight. I can not imagine what may have happened to her, and what might have been witnessed had you not stepped in to help her."

"Sir, I am honored to protect Caitlin. I care about her deeply. I would never let anything happen to her."

"I know."

"I have figured out a solution to the problem, if you will allow it." Her parents looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to continue."I would be exceptionally honored if you would allow me to marry her."

"She's sixteen!"

"I understand that her age is an issue. I have no plans of consumating the marriage at this point in time. I just need to know that her reputation will not be ruined and I can ensure that through marriage."

Lady Boscastle nodded thoughtfully as her husband continued to stare at Alexi. Lord Boscastle ran a hand through his hair and he sighed in frustration at the situation. "As you know it was Grayson Montgomery that compromised my daughter, and he has also offered for her hand. I am not in a position where I can accept your proposal until I have presented my daughter with Montgomery's proprosal."

"Sir, with all due respect, you can not allow him to marry her! He doesnt deserve her at all. Please, consider me first. I have to set sail shortly anyway. She could still have her season and also you will not have to part with her so soon. She could stay here, or I could set her up in my parents home until I return from this next voyage. I promised to fix this, and I will."

"We will see what happens in the morning. Go home now Alexi. We will discuss this more in length tomorrow. Have you asked Caitlin already?"

"I have."

"Did she accept?"

"She did."

"Well then it is settled!" Lord Boscastle smiled grimly at Alexi, who nodded and reached to shake the older gentelmans hand. 

Lady Boscastle smiled a bit more genuinely as she leaned in to give Alexi a hug before making her way out of the study.