Engaged to the Viscount (Completed)

Chapter 9. 1905 

On the morning of 17 December, Nicolle opened her eyes and came face-to-face with the most unexpected sight. Sitting up, she came face-to-face with a beautiful, and quite large, bouquet of pink roses resting inside a crystal vase. Along with the bundle of blossoms was an elegant three tiered vanilla cake with pink icing and edible pink roses.
Nicolle was very confused, but touched as well. How had these gifts come to her room? She hadn't heard anyone enter her room the night before. But then she noticed a box beside the cake. Picking up the black velvet box, she opened it and came face-to-face with a beautiful card.
Carefully removing the card from the box, Nicole opened it and began to read the handwriting. Her heart sputtered as she saw what was written on the page.
My dearest Nicolle,
I hope these three gifts have come as a lovely surprise for you, because they are just the beginning of more gifts to come. I have planned quite the day for the two of us. I want today to celebrate you my dear. Come to the tea room when you are ready.
Yours,
Grayson
Nicolle wiped away a stray tear that fell down her cheek. This was going to be her first birthday in over 10 years that someone was wanting to spend with her. During her time with Celia, she had spent her birthday alone. But now, she would no longer be doing so.
Snapping her fingers, Nicolle created a cold dome over the cake, deciding to save it for later when she was with Grayson. Smelling the roses, she turned her attention to what was inside the box. Removing the tissue paper, she gasped as she saw what was before her.
Resting on a black velvet pillow was a necklace and earrings. The gemstones consisted of diamonds and emeralds shaped like a teardrop. The chain of the necklace and backs of the earrings were composed of white gold. The precious stones sparkled brilliantly beneath the rising sunlight.
Wiping her eyes as more tears fell, Nicolle felt as if her heart would explode. Grayson was actually caring about her, about every aspect of her. He was making sure her birthday was going to be special. She couldn't wait to spend every moment of her birthday with him.
***
Throughout that day, Nicolle was treated like a princess. She spent the morning and afternoon with Charlotte, the Viscountess determined to make sure she received anything she desired. She was told by Charlotte that Grayson was preparing everything for that evening. She was excited for the surprise Grayson had planned.
As dusk began to cascade across the horizon, Nicolle stood before her mirror, smiling at her reflection. She was wearing a dark red velvet gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a sweetheart neckline. Dark emerald gemstones cascaded along the bodice of the gown, matching her jewelry perfectly. Her hair was fixed into a braided chignon and cream silk gloves completed her ensemble.
Sliding into a pair of dark red slippers, Nicolle heard the sound of her state room door opening and then closing softly. Moments later, she felt a pair of arms slide around her waist, a pair of lips brushing against her cheek. She smiled, knowing exactly who it was. "Good evening my Lord."
Grayson smiled. "Good evening to you my dear. You look magnificent. Happy birthday."
Nicolle smiled back. "Thank you, and you look dashing."
For that evening, Grayson was wearing a dark green velvet jacket over a cream button up shirt cravat black trousers black boots and gloves. His eyes started sparkling as he brought Nicolle against him, kissing her sweetly. "Are you ready for your surprise?"
Nicolle smiled, returning his kiss. "I have been looking forward to it all day."
Grayson smiled, looping her hand through his elbow as they walked out of the room. "I'm glad, because you are in for a very lovely evening Miss Dawson."
Stepping out of the room, they made their way to the staircase. Once they reached the dining area, they moved toward the far end, toward a private dining room. Several passengers dressed in their finest attire were enjoying a lovely dinner.
Nicolle. "Grayson, what exactly do you have in mind?"
Grayson smiled as they approached the dining room. "You will see very soon my dear."
Nicolle. "I cannot wait my Lord."
One of the ship stewards was waiting for them at the door leading into the private dining room. He smiled knowingly at Grayson before opening the door. "Have a pleasant evening."
Smiling at him, Grayson and Nicolle walked into the dining room. The room was illuminated by a dozen glowing candles, fixed with a single table set for two. The table had a white tablecloth and a bouquet of pink roses resting in a crystal vase.
Nicole gasped. "My Lord, this is magnificent."
Grayson smiled, leading her over to the table and helping her sit down in her seat. He sat down across from her, reaching out and taking her hand. "This, my dear, is just the beginning."
For the next two hours, they enjoyed a scrumptious three course meal. They had oysters for the first course, duck with vegetables for the second course, and a trifle for the third course. They each had one glass of wine. They exchanged conversations about their childhood, how they both lost their fathers at a young age. They also discovered they were both an only child.
Once dinner was finished, Nicolle sat back in her seat and smiled. "This has been the most wonderful birthday I've ever had Grayson."
Grayson smiled. "I'm glad you're enjoying it Nicole. It's not quite finished yet."
Nicolle raised one eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Grayson smiled, standing up and taking her hand. "I have one more surprise for you."
Nicolle. "Really? What is it?"
Grayson escorted her out of the dining room and back out into the main part of the ship. "You will see shortly."
Feeling excitement flowing through her, Nicolle followed him toward another private room. She had no idea the Queen Elizabeth possessed so many rooms. Her evening had gone perfectly so far. She had no idea how it could get any better.