A Number of Proposals

Chapter One

Mr Flint is a household name for any upper- middle class family containing at least one handsome daughter. It is not surprising considering he is a handsome, single man himself with easy access to a large fortune- not that it is typical for potential spouses to let wealth sway their affections. However, one thing is certain, wherever Mr Flint travels, word of his arrival follows, along with excitement amongst all women occupying his destination, though he does not seem to show signs of acknowledging this fact.

"Mr Bailey! Oh, joy, Mr Bailey!" though his wife entered his study in such a fluster, Mr Bailey showed no sign of interest into what had caused her to behave in this manner, his mind seemed more engaged in the morning paper than what his wife had to say, "Oh, put down that paper, Louis!" After the reference to his paper, which he considered a rather good read, he thought it must be of importance to interrupt his peaceful morning. Thus, he replied, not closing the paper,

"I would much rather not, for I fear that, as soon as you begin the explanation, I would instantly prefer something without moving lips," Despite saying this, he reluctantly placed the paper on his desk and cocked his head in a position implying he was listening, thus, she began,

"Mr Flint is to arrive in town!" Mr Bailey sighed in frustration, going to lift his paper again, but his wife, seeing his lack of enthusiasm on the subject, took it before he had a chance to. Mr Bailey saw his only option was to listen and therefore did so, though with great reluctance and hardly any motive to reply. "He has recently purchased the manor beyond the church near OUR VERY HOME!" Mr Bailey maintained his silence accompanied with a straight, unbothered expression that soon bothered Mrs Bailey. "Oh, Louis, why cannot you see? This is excellent news! Excellent news that this town has not experienced in such long- a- time- Excellent news for Lily!" Mr Bailey contemplated what his wife had just referred to.

"And, why exactly does this matter concern Lily?" Mr Bailey rose from his desk chair and paced the room until opposite his wife.

"Mr Bailey, you should know better than to trifle with me!"

"Honestly, my dear, I do not know in the slightest what it is you are..." he snatched his paper from her clutches, "...referring to," and returned to his seat, though did not begin to read it in knowing that the matter at hand was more concerning to him than current events of others.

"Mr Flint is a possible husband for our Lily! Therefore, you must pay him a polite visit and give her the word,"

"But, dear, you know our Lily as well as I do- She will not wish for such a match to take place!"

"How so,"

"She is past relying on your judgement!"

"Whether this occurs with my judgement or not, you will give her the word, she will fall for him, likewise with Mr Flint, and I expect her to be led to the alter within less than a year!"

"I understand that this was a definite occurrence-our Lily marrying- but, 'less than a year' seems overly ambitious,"

"Tis only your judgement,"

"However, it is common knowledge amongst us now, that when it comes to judgements, she will more likely find sense in mine,"

Mrs Bailey said not another word. Frustration was clear throughout her presence- tense expression, no movement amongst other bodily muscles- and she found no more reason to be in company with her husband, so exited the room, far more heavily footed than usual, and, I suppose it would've been possible, if she was to close the door with less force.

Chapter Two

Mr Bailey was not one to worry at causing his wife such grief, actually, it rather made him chuckle to see her in such a state- quite amusing, indeed.