Free The Unwilling Earl by Audrey Harrison

you have mentioned previously about his insulting behaviour towards Miss Hall. If you were in his position, would you have said anything to ‘warn’ of a possible marriage scheme? No, you would have presumed that a man of intelligence would have been able to work it out himself, like you would have done if there had been such a scheme in place.”
    “I suppose so,” Daniel responded, for the first time realising how inappropriate the Vicar’s words had been.
    “I am hoping it is love that has sent your brain to mush, otherwise your businesses are in real trouble,” Fred said, still quite harshly.
    “Who mentioned anything about l ove?” Daniel spluttered.
    “I know you Daniel, you would not have offered her marriage if you didn’t love her,” Fred responded more compassionately than he had spoken so far. “What will you do if her father insists that you keep your word? You may have compromised yourself, Danny boy.”
    “I don’t know what I will do, as far as I am aware Mr. Hall knows nothing of my proposal,” Daniel replied.
    “So, if Miss Hall had wanted to compromise you, all she needed to do was tell her father what had passed between you and by now he would be shouting it from the rooftops, wouldn’t he?”
    “Yes, I suppose he would,” Daniel said quietly, realising the lack of substance to the Vicar’s accusations.
    “So, she was telling the truth when she said that she would not compromise you,” Fred said.
    “Yes,” came the muttered response.
    Fred leaned over to his friend and spoke in earnest. “I have dallied with too many women to mistake a real lady of refinement when I see one. Miss Hall could have been born as poor as a church mouse, but she would still have the same quality about her. What you heard tonight, does not hold up to scrutiny. She is a gem Daniel and yet you have treated her appallingly.”
    Daniel did not respond at first, he leaned forward in his chair and put his head in his hands. Fred finally knew his friend had come to his senses when Daniel let out a groan. “I’ve been an idiot haven’t I?” Daniel moaned.
    “I’m not going to disagree with you on that my friend,” Fred replied helpfully.
    “How am I ever going to get her to forgive me?”
    “I have no idea, but I suggest you think of something soon my boy.”
    *
    The two gentlemen arrived at the Bridge house the following afternoon at the latter end of the permitted calling time. They had come up with a plan to ask Miss Hall to accompany them on a horse ride in order that Daniel might be able to offer some explanation and apologies.
    They were admitted to the small Drawing Room and greeted coolly by Mrs. Hall. “Gentlemen you are welcome, but you find me all alone.”
    “Is Miss Hall indisposed?” Fred asked, his easy manner having returned since his friend had come to his senses.
    “My daughter has gone visiting,” came the cool reply.
    “Ah, that is a shame, we were hoping she would accompany us on a ride,” Fred explained. It was obvious to both men that Mrs. Hall was aware of at least some of the previous night’s events. They had never received such a cool response at the Bridge House before.
    “I am afraid that will not be possible,” came the firm response.
    The gentlemen stayed the appropriate fifteen minutes, but were both glad to escape the house. “She obviously does not wish to see me,” Daniel said as they rode back to the Manor House.
    “That is no real surprise is it? We shall return tomorrow,” Fred responded.
    On the second morning visit they were again greeted by Mrs. Hall alone. By the third day, it was apparent that Penelope and her father were not avoiding them, but were not at home.
    “Mrs. Hall I need to speak to your daughter as a matter of urgency, can you please tell me when she will be returning home?” Daniel asked.
    “I do not know when she will be returning my Lord and without wishing to sound disrespectful, I think you have said enough. Would you not