“Mr. Grayson?”
“I’m sorry, Mrs. Glenford, but I was hoping you could give me a moment of your time.”
She stepped aside and let him enter. Before closing the door, she said to Miller, “Send a boy to Mr. Bromley and ask why he hasn’t come.”
“Yes, Madam.”
As she turned her attention on her guest, he spoke quickly. “I won’t stay but briefly. I’ve come to ask your permission to court your daughter.”
Mrs. Glenford sank into her chair. She wasn’t able to reply.
“My reputation has been sullied by baseless rumors and nothing more. I would like an opportunity to show you and your daughter that my character is beyond reproach.”
This was the last thing she’d expected, but she noted the sincerity in his voice and attitude, so she couldn’t dismiss him out of hand. She rose once the initial shock
