“I will refrain from answering that question for the sake of your brothers’ wives,” Rebecca said, a hint of warmth coming back into her eyes.
“Oh, do not mind us. You are most welcome to answer,” Emma said, fobbing her off and Abigail and Julia motioned to Rebecca, urging her to continue.
“Indeed, I do,” Rebecca said as her cheeks coloured.
Relief winged through Thomas’s heart and he pushed on. “From the first moment I saw you, Rebecca, I have been captivated by you. We’ve shared many laughs together in the short time we have known one another, and I would want nothing more than to continue to enjoy those things with you for the rest of my life.”
“Thomas...”
“Rebecca, please allow me the tremendous honour of courting you,” Thomas said, “And with every intention of an engagement, for the right reasons this time.”
Rebecca bit her bottom lip, and much to Thomas and his brothers’ wives surprise, she shook her head.
“Thomas, as much as I am touched by your words and the meaning that goes along with them, I must decline,” Rebecca said.
“What? Why?” Thomas asked and his grasp loosened on her hands.
She moved her hands away and rose to her feet, leaving him on the floor.
“Please, do believe me that I wish to say yes. With my entire being, I would gladly say yes without a moment’s hesitation...”
“Then why are you declining my offer if you wish to accept it?” he asked as he rose to his feet with the assistance of Emma. His leg was still tender, and he was not able to shift positions as quickly as he ought to.
“It is more complicated, and you of all people should be aware of it,” Rebecca said.
Thomas’ brow furrowed and he stared at her in confusion. “What on earth are you referring to?”
“Oh, Thomas. My lack of noble blood as well as my now tattered reputation makes it impossible for us to marry.”
He shook his head, fervently. “I do not care about that. Any of it. I want to be with you, and I know you want the same.”
“I do, but you must understand,” she said to him and her shoulders slumped. “Look at me. I am the daughter of the town physician. My family is not wealthy nor titled, and I am certainly not the best woman for you, according to society.”
“I do not care what society thinks, Rebecca. You are the woman I wish to spend my life with, and the rest does not matter to me. To the world and to society, you may only be a simple Miss, but to me you are the queen of my heart.”
Rebecca stared at him, her mouth open, her eyes wide and glistening with tears.
Emma approached her and offered Rebecca an embroidered handkerchief. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but she smiled with apparent joy.
Thomas stared at her in concern and expectation, and she dabbed the soft handkerchief against her tear-stained cheeks.
“But your mother, Thomas. She...”
He shook his head fervently. “I don’t care what she says, what she thinks. I want to paint with you on the cliffs for the rest of my days. And if you are worried about where we will leave, I am certain that Charles will not allow my mother to punish us financially.”
Emma nodded and smiled. “You will always have a home, Rebecca. I promise you that.”
Thomas grinned, and looked expectedly at the woman who still hadn’t agreed to marry him. “So, Rebecca, my love? What do you say?”
“Well, it seems that I can deny you no longer,” Rebecca said with a sniffle and looked at him with love shining in her eyes. “I irrevocably accept your offer.”
Chapter Thirteen
Thomas had never understood the manner in which women’s minds operated. He was certainly aware of how to charm a young woman, flatter her, and make her laugh. He had an understanding of casual conversations and flattering, to wooing a woman. His brothers had even counted upon his advice regarding the ladies in their lives and it was sound advice, to say the least.
What Thomas did not have experience with was long-term and committed relationships. He was more than able to woo a young lady and begin to court her, but he had never endeavoured into a prospective marriage before.
Which was why the scene before him was rather unsettling. From the moment Rebecca had agreed to marry him, his brothers’ wives had swooped on her, determined to plan their wedding in a single night.
At present, they spoke simultaneously in regard to wedding flowers, lavish gowns and even the date in when his wedding to Rebeca would commence. They spoke in muddled sentences of things he had never heard of, and terms that were a complete mystery to him.
Rebecca had grown quieter while listening to the ladies around her speaking with much excitement. Thomas recognised her expression instantly. She wore the same powerless grimace on her face that he saw when he spoke with Dr. Morton regarding the plans to marry his daughter. Thomas certainly did not wish to upset Rebecca once more by allowing her to feel excluded from what was meant to be the happiest day of her life.
Rebecca, who was much too mild-mannered and polite, glanced at Thomas in desperation. He would most certainly not ignore the silent pleas from his future wife and approached the chaise lounge.
Thomas reached out his hand to her, and she placed her hand in his without a moment’s hesitation. As she rose to her feet, the three ladies gaped at him with wide eyes.
“And where do you think you are taking her?” Julia asked.
“Away from here,” Thomas said simply.
“But there is much to plan if you are to be married soon, Thomas,” Abigail said.
“And between yourself, Emma and Julia, you will be more than capable of doing so,” Thomas said.
“But Thomas...”
“Emma, please. My dearest is overwhelmed, and I simply require a moment alone with her,” Thomas said, his voice filled with a protective urgency.
“And how long would
