Betrothed

Chapter 13: Thomas

I am sitting in the Wembley's library bored out of my mind. Lord Maxwell Wembley is talking but I do not hear it. My father set up this meeting saying that I need to find a suitable wife so that I may provide him with some more heirs. I personally do not believe that I want a wife right now, I do not want commitment. All those doubts vanish though when I see the door open and she walks in. Lord Maxwell's description of his daughter did not do her justice. She was stunning with her light brown hair resting in slight curls on her pale, slender shoulders. Well really all of her was pale not just her shoulders and I would not say that she is slender as much as petite. And her eyes, they are the most magnificent shade of blue. Both Lord Maxwell and I stand to acknowledge her presence.

"Sorry if I am interrupting father, one of the guards just told me that you were in here with some company." She said to Lord Maxwell.

"You are not interrupting at all my dear,” He replied. He then turns to me, "Lord Thomas may I present my daughter Alyssa. Alyssa this is Lord Thomas Langley." She walks over to me and holds out her hand. I take it and plant a light kiss on the back.

"It is a pleasure to meet you My Lord." She says as I do so.

"And you as well My Lady." I reply formally.

"Well this is lovely." Her father cuts in. "How about we all sit down and discuss terms." I walk with Lord Maxwell to the sitting area once more, with Alyssa trailing behind.

"Lord Maxwell, you have a beautiful daughter here. My family and I will be more than able to provide for Alyssa and offer support for you as well." I start with a glance at her.

"Thank you. That is all very good Lord Thomas. Our families would be valuable allies to one another. we shall provide a fair dowry as well, say 200 pounds?" Lord Maxwell replies and I bet that he wishes his family would be as good an ally to us as we would be to him. The dowry is not bad though.

"I would say that is fair. So it is an agreed betrothal then Sir?" I inquire; I hope that he will say yes. I want this girl so bad right now; I can taste it.

"Yes Lord Thomas you have yourself a betrothed in Alyssa." Lord Maxwell replies to me before turning to her, "Alyssa do you have anything to add?" I do not anticipate an answer other than no, but she surprises me.

"Yes actually father. Lord Thomas, I would like to be able to continue my hobby of painting in marriage, would you allow that? Also I would like to be able to invite friends over when I please." She asks and I think that I detect a bit of sarcasm but I cannot be sure.

"Those are excellent terms, my love." I say in reply. She will probably in the painting soon and friends will help to keep her out of my way when I am busy. "Of course you will be able to paint and entertain friends."

"Thank you My Lord." She says politely. After that I turn to her father.

"It was a pleasure Lord Maxwell. I shall see you soon,” I tell him and we shake hands. I then turn to my new soon-to-be wife and kiss her hand like I did earlier. "And you as well my love. Until then." I say and leave. After I exit and walk outside to my carriage, my mind starts churning. I think this situation works out well; I get a beautiful and obedient wife, my father gets his heirs, and our family gains access to a new arsenal of money.