Page 81 of A Mismatch Made in London

“It was very sudden, and I am trying to understand if I love him or not.”

“Is he a good man? Or is he given to fits of anger? For I will not allow my daughter to live with a man who is violent.”

“He is not given to violence or fits of anger.” I would not tell him that he had challenged a man to a duel.

“And he is able to support you, to give you the kind of life you wish for?”

“Yes.”

“Well, then, it is up to you to make up your own mind.”

“Yes, Father.”

“Shall I give him permission to visit us?”

“Yes, Father.”

He went to write a brief note to give to the courier, who was waiting for our reply. I also wrote a short note:I shall enjoy seeing you in three days, and I pray you have a safe journey.

Unsure how to sign it, and as Father had already finished his note and he and the courier were waiting for mine, I quickly signed it,Yours affectionately, A. M.

As the day went by, Diana did begin to warm to me again, letting me pick her up, but she still seemed to prefer to have Lavinia take care of her. And on the third day of my homecoming, Mother sat down with me in the sitting room while the baby was taking a nap.

“Your father has told me that there is a gentleman coming tomorrow for a visit.”

“Yes, Mr. Jeremy Beaumont.”

“And do you like him?”

I only had to think about it a moment. “Yes, I do.”

“And your aunt, Mrs. Kendall, approves of him?”

“Yes, she does.” That was an understatement.

“And you spoke to him often when you were in London?”

“Yes, very often.”

“But your father says you have not decided whether or not you wish to marry him.”

How could I tell her that I didn’t trust my own judgment, especially after I’d disliked him for so long, after he had falsely accused me and wounded my pride?

“I believe I am close to making a decision.”

We talked some more about the balls and assemblies I’d attended in London, and she asked other questions about Jeremy.

“Is he a good brother to your friend Juliet?”

“Yes, a very good brother.”

“And he attends church as he should?”

“Yes.”

“And he says he loves you?”

“Yes.”