Une Nouvelle Ère [Book 2]

IV

It was the first time Alex entered the Lewis Family home. It was small, but it was built enough for just the four of them. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are all connected on the first floor of the house. He also got a glimpse of Jo's study table in the living room as he passed by.

"I hope you like fresh bread and tea, milord" he then heard John just as he was about to near her desk.

"Oh it's alright!" Alex smiles "I do love some tea and bread, after all."

"What brings you here today, sir?" Jacob asks as they all had breakfast.

"Please call me Alex" the Viscount smiles "And I am actually here to, uhm...ask permission about Miss Josephine."

"Jo?" James said, then realizing the occasion "You're...you're asking her out on a date today?"

"Friendly date" Alex said almost immediately, quick to clarify "I am...I am asking her out on a friendly date today, yes."

"It is still a date," Jacob countered "Friendly or not, you're still taking our dear sister out for a date."

"Where will you be taking her?" John then inquired.

"I plan to take her to the Dower House first, where we'll visit Granny. Then I will take her to the movies, and finally to fair in Ripon"

"What time will you take her back home?" James followed up

"Before dinner, sir" Alex answered politely "And I, uh...I want to apologize for asking just now. I should've asked yesterday, but I have forgotten about it and I am very about that."

"Can you please wait for a moment in the living room, milord?" John then said "My sons and I will discuss this for a moment."

With a nod of agreement, Alex carefully retreated with his tea in the living room while the Lewis men discuss.

As he finally gets to enter the room, he got to take a closer look of Jo's study desk more clearly. Aside from his photo, there was the photo of The Fellowship placed beside it, taken just last month. The desk also holds some of the books that he gave and borrowed from him.

Alex smiles softly, and gently runs his fingers across her desk, before snapping back when he heard footsteps nearing the room, where he saw all the three Lewis men standing before him.

"Alright. We agree with your terms" James then said, speaking up for then "Do make sure you're keeping your side of the deal. Understood?"

"Y-Yes, sir" Alex replied.

"But also, please do have fun" Jacob then added "Be safe...but have fun."

"We will. I promise."

***

Lady Mary Talbot and the Marchioness of Hexham were busy reading and playing in the library with their children, when Barrow opened the huge entrance door.

"The Viscount Downton, your ladyships" he announced.

They then saw their younger brother, beaming happily as he thanked their butler and removes his newsboy cap.

"I take it that it all went well, then?" Edith was the first to inquire.

"Oh yes, it fortunately did" Alex beamed as he went to kiss their cheeks "I was very nervous, I thought they'd never agree."

"I'm already sure they'll agree to you" Mary said as he gave him tea "I mean, their daughter caught the eye of a handsome aristocrat, why would they refuse?"

"Did you just call me handsome?" Alex grins, making his eldest sister roll her eyes.

"Don't be too proud of it, or I'll take it back."