Lord Thomas and his bride (The Duke's Brothers Book 3) by Fiona Miers (books to read for self improvement .txt) 📕

turned to the door and stared at her and Thomas for a moment. Rebecca noticed the scowl on his face as well as the newspaper resting on the desk.

“Father,” she said to him.

Dr. Morton rushed to her side and embraced her, which came as a surprise. She had expected her father to yell at her and scold her for being irresponsible and careless by disappearing with his horse and returning after dark.

“I cannot tell you how worried I have been,” he said and looked at her with both guilt and relief.

“I am truly sorry, Father. I should not have left so abruptly and placed myself in harm’s way. I was upset that I was excluded by you and Thomas as you discussed our plans to marry, but also that you did not even ask me what I wanted,” Rebecca said and stepped away from her father.

“What is it that you want, my dear?” the doctor suddenly asked and set down the glass on the table beside him. “Tell me and I will give you whatever it is.”

“I wish to be considered in decisions that impact my life. I wish not to be excluded from those decisions because I am a woman. I also wish to be asked for my opinion, and my desires taken into consideration. I am a human being, not a prize to be fought over. Is that clear?”

“As clear as the skies on a July afternoon, my dear.”

“Good,” Rebecca said and glanced expectantly at her new fiancé. “Thomas wishes to say something.”

Thomas shifted his weight and cleared his throat. “Indeed, Dr. Morton.”

Her father narrowed his eyes, but looked at Thomas calmly, without reaching for his rifle, which was luckily still locked inside the cabinet at the far end of the study.

“Dr. Morton, Rebecca and I had a discussion regarding the marriage arrangements, and I realised that the manner in which I was discussing marrying Rebecca was wrong. Marrying her solely to save her reputation from ruin did not sit well with me, as your daughter deserves to be happy. She deserves to be in a marriage where she is treated with love and respect, where she is cared for and supported in everything she wishes to attempt and achieve. She deserves someone who has her best interests at heart, and who of course loves her for who she is, instead of trying to repair a ruined reputation.”

“Indeed. My daughter deserves the best,” Dr. Morton said. “And I cannot believe that I am to utter this, but it seems that you are indeed that person.”

“Father?” Rebecca asked, her heart beginning to thud in her chest. Had he realised that Thomas was indeed the right person for her?

“I have seen how you gaze upon her, and how she gazes upon you. The softness in her eyes when your name is mentioned, and how you offered to marry her to save her from ridicule. Not many men would do such a thing for a woman they have not known long. Despite the damage to my daughter’s reputation caused by not only you, but herself as well, I do believe that your offer came from a place that is pure and genuine.”

“Indeed,” Thomas said. “I would still wish to marry your daughter, but there is another reason I would care to add.”

“And that is?” Dr. Morton asked.

“I am in love with her. I do understand that your impression of me is not as I would prefer it to be, but I will do whatever it takes to change that impression. I am a good man who can provide for your daughter. We share the same interests and are much more alike than I had ever dreamt was possible. Your daughter is a wonderful and captivating young woman, and her influence on me has changed me into a better man. She taught me love and consideration, patience and acceptance. Most importantly, she taught me feelings are not to be run away from, but rather embraced and nurtured,” Thomas said, and smiled at Rebecca. “She is exceptional, and nothing would mean more to me than receiving your blessing for our marriage.”

Her heart fluttered in her chest at the words Thomas spoke, and the love she possessed for him grew with every passing moment. Thomas loved her and accepted her for who she was, and that was all she’d ever wanted.

“I request your blessing for our marriage today, as I wish to obtain a special license to marry your daughter. Not out of duty, or because I feel guilt for what I’ve done. I wish to marry her because I love her, and spending another day apart from her would be the death of me,” Thomas said.

Dr. Morton turned to his daughter and raised his brow expectantly. “My daughter, do you love Thomas as well?”

“I do indeed, Father. More than anything in this world,” Rebecca answered sincerely. “Even more than I love painting. As much as you loved Mother.”

Much to her surprise, a tear rolled down her father’s cheek, but he quickly brushed it away. “While I am convinced that is not possible, because I will continue to love your mother for the rest of my days, your answer is confirmation of what I required to hear,” he said and turned back to Thomas.

“It is my absolute pleasure to grant you permission to marry my daughter, Thomas. I know you will treat her well.”

“Indeed, I will, Dr. Morton. Always,” Thomas said, smiling at her.

Thomas’ smile warmed her heart and she was unable to stop the tears of happiness that spilled onto her own cheeks.

The life she’d never dared dream for herself, one of a loving husband and a home of her own, was actually coming true.

Epilogue.

The elegantly decorated ballroom of Finlay Hall was indeed the perfect location for Thomas and her intimate wedding. They had agreed that there was certainly no need for a large and lavish gathering with guests whom neither wished to have in attendance.

The past three days had been