A Noble Offer (Completed)

Chapter 6. 1815

By the beginning of February, Julian and Elizabeth had prepared almost everything for their wedding. It wouldn't be a large affair. On the contrary, it was only going to consist of the two of them, Robert and Margaret. The four of them would be going to Gretna Green to do a private wedding and reception while James and Diana stayed with Mrs. Bradley. Once the wedding was over, Robert and Margaret would retire to a separate cottage while the newlyweds stayed in a slightly larger cottage for the night. Neither Julian or Elizabeth were wanting a large spectacle for their wedding, but something small and intimate.

At the beginning of the final week of February, Elizabeth was just in the process of putting Diana down for her afternoon nap. She kissed the top of her daughters dark brown hair, then moved to do the same to James who is also preparing for his afternoon nap. She still couldn't believe that the two of them shared the same birthday, September 30. What was more, she and James had the same birthdate as well, November 22. She was 21 years old and he was 25 years old. She was just stepping out of the nursery when Margaret caught her in the hallway.

Margaret. "I hope I wasn't disturbing you."

Elizabeth shook her head. "Not at all, the children were just falling asleep. Is everything all right?"

Margaret swallowed hard, shaking her head slowly. "I'm afraid not."

Elizabeth felt her heart squeeze. "Is everything all right with Julian?"

Margaret. "His grace is doing perfectly fine. I've come to inform you that there is a gentleman waiting in the parlor. He claims that he knows you."

Elizabeth felt the blood disappear from her face. She knew exactly who Margaret was speaking of, and her heart dropped into her belly. She took a deep breath. "Thank you for informing me."

Margaret. "Of course, and his grace has been informed as well."

Elizabeth exhaled with relief. "Good." Squaring her shoulders, she made her way downstairs and walked into the parlor. Her hands started trembling as she saw the gentleman before her.

George Parker wasn't an ugly gentleman, not by any means. He had the face of a dashing gentleman, but the black heart of a devil. He was a few inches taller than Elizabeth, with strong cheekbones and a prominent nose. He was 10 years older than Elizabeth, with salt and pepper hair and gray eyes. He was wearing a black waste coat over a crisp white button up shirt black trousers and black boots.

Elizabeth took a deep breath. "What are you doing here?"

George crossed his arms. "Isn't it obvious? I came to see if you have disposed of the little mongrel."

Elizabeth felt her mouth drop. "I have done no such thing! She's my daughter, as well as yours!"

George growled. "I have no daughter!"

His words had Elizabeth staggering back, as if she had been punched in the gut. Her hand flew to her mouth at her former husband's words of denial. "You do have a daughter, and she is beautiful."

George rolled his eyes. "She's better off in an orphanage as far as I'm concerned. You failed by giving me a girl. Charlotte on the other hand has three boys and another child on the way. I cannot tell you how happy I am with her."

Elizabeth swallowed. "I'm glad you're happy with her George, because I am going to be extremely happy with the Duke of Suffolk. Not only will I have a husband who is going to love and adore me and Diana, but Diana is going to have a big brother. And I'm going to have a son."

George snorted with discussed. "The Duke of Suffolk, I don't need to know any of that information. I'm just grateful you're no longer in my life."

Elizabeth glared at him. "I'm glad of that as well George. Now, I suggest you leave Suffolk Manor immediately."

Without another word, George turned and left the estate. He didn't need Elizabeth anymore, nor did he desire to have her or Diana in his life. Charlotte was his world, as well as her boys and the child that she was carrying from him. He was grateful that he had disposed of Elizabeth and Diana when he had. Girls meant nothing to him.

Relaxing as soon as he departed, Elizabeth turned and made her way into the sitting room that connected Julian's chamber and the Duchess chamber. Sitting down on the chaise by the window, she started combing through the last minute details for the beautiful wedding that was around the corner. By the beginning of March, she was no longer going to be Mrs. Elizabeth Parker. Instead, she was going to be Lady Elizabeth Howard, Duchess of Suffolk. James was going to be her son, and Diana was going to be Lady Diana Elizabeth Howard. Both mother and daughter were going to have a lifetime of happiness ahead of them.