A Noble Offer (Completed)

Chapter 4. 1814

The following morning, Julian opened his eyes with a start, bolting upright in bed. He wasn't alone in the house, he and James weren't alone. They had a guest, two of them. A pair of beautiful guests in fact. Shaking his head, he climbed out of bed and walked over to the window overlooking the Suffolk Manor Gardens. He couldn't believe that George Parker, the most wealthy gentleman London had to offer, had cast out his wife simply because of the fact that she had given birth to a daughter instead of a son. Filthy bastard, he thought. If Elizabeth was his wife, and she gave birth to Diana, he would be thrilled. If Elizabeth was his wife, he would give her nothing but love and compassion and respect. If Elizabeth was his wife...

Julian shook his head, his mind racing. Was he ready to be married again? Lillian had been gone a year, and his grieving hadn't been more than six months. James needed a mother, desperately. He needed a wife, someone to love. Elizabeth and Diana  needed a safe haven, a place to call home and a family. Elizabeth needed a kind and loving husband. Diana needed a tender and loving father.

Julian squeezed his eyes tightly closed, images of Elizabeth and Diana as his wife and daughter swirling around in his head. The offer of marriage would be very noble, an offer that Elizabeth wouldn't be able to refuse. But he barely knew her, and didn't want to scare her away. But she was a woman unlike any other, and he was beginning to feel his heart leaping with joy once again. He was wanting to be happy, wanting James Elizabeth and Diana to be happy.

Moving towards the closet, Julian pulled on a clean white shirt and black trousers. Buttoning every button on his shirt except the last one, he ran his fingers through his hair before making his way out of his chamber and down the hall. As he moved  towards his office, he heard Elizabeth singing sweetly in the nursery. His interest was immediately at attention, and he walked quietly towards the nursery door. Poking his head into the room, he felt his heart give a jolt as he saw the scene before him.

Elizabeth was seated in the rocking chair by the window, nursing Diana. James was seated next to them on the floor with his legs crossed, gazing down at the baby and stroking her tiny fingers gently. Occasionally, he brought his lips to Diana's cheek for a soft kiss.

Elizabeth noticed Julian standing in the doorway and smiled at him. "Good morning your grace."

Julian smiled back. "Good morning Elizabeth. You have quite the lovely voice, please don't stop."

Elizabeth became bright pink, but obliged and continued singing her lullaby softly. Her right arm was holding Diana securely against her breast while her left arm was around James. She brought him against her, kissing his cheek and ruffling his hair.  The bruise on her cheek was no longer purple but yellow, and her face was glowing. She was wearing a soft pink silk gown with a square neckline and off the shoulder sleeves. Her hair was half up and half down.

Julian watched  the trio for a few more minutes, and after giving James a tight squeeze and a kiss on his cheek, turned and left the nursery. Walking into his office, he took a seat at his oak desk, staring at the pile of paperwork  before him. The image of Elizabeth with his son and her daughter was still fresh in his mind, and he felt his eyes well up with tears. It was a beautiful image, an image that he was wanting to keep forever.  But the offer of marriage wouldn't be immediate. He would wait as long as he needed to wait for Elizabeth  to be adjusted, and for Diana to bond with him and James. He would wait as long as needed until that beautiful woman was his Duchess. Shaking his head, he picked up his pen and started his paperwork. 

***

Elizabeth felt  her heart flutter as she watched Julian leave the nursery. She hadn't known the Duke of Suffolk for more than 24 hours, but she felt safe with him. Diana was safe with him and James. She wasn't sure where her life was going to go, what path it was going to take. But she knew that it was going to involve Julian and his son. She and her daughter would have a lifetime of happiness.

Once Diana was finished nursing, Elizabeth placed her gently back into her cradle before turning her attention to James. She brought the adorable little boy against her chest and held him close, feeling his little arms slide around her neck. She was going to stay here as long as possible, as long as it took to be away from George. She was hoping and praying she would never see that man again.