The Gentleman of Greenstoke

XXIV.

Gilbert looked at the small black box and bouquet in both his hands as he was leaving the boutique in the town. It was the same shop in which he had bought Elizabeta's precious accessory. He whistled as he proceeded his walking. It was a warm day and people were gladly presenting themselves outside. The Prussian man reflected on the night four weeks ago, when he had confessed his love to the woman he intended to marry. His eyes fell on the object in his hand again as he thought of his speech he would present Elizabeta if he would ask her to do him the honour of marrying him. Of course he would tell her that he would wait for her whenever she felt ready being engaged to him; after the ball, they had decided to secretly meet, far away from prying eyes. And from then on their love had blossomed in a way that Gilbert was certain that she would accept his offer. Before they could officially marry, he had to attend his English friend's marriage. Arthur and his fiancée had put all their energy in their plans. It would be a beautiful day, the Prussian was certain of it and he would like to attend it with Elizabeta – who was invited as a guest, not a servant, due to her and Sakura's friendship.

He smiled again as he recalled the moment he had met the woman of his life – angry and offended by his words. It was love at first sight and he was musing over the story he would tell his future children if they would ever ask how he and their Hungarian mother had met. She would probably tell them that Gilbert had been insufferable, causing her to throw food at him. But he was certain that they would take it as a good sign and mimic their mother's way of solving a conflict. Elizabeta would be a good mother, he knew, but he did not want his ego to be depicted as weak in front of his children. He wanted to be an inspiring father – to fulfil his task in parenting. The white-haired General decided that he would tell his children that they had met at Arthur's house – she having cooked a great meal for him. It was not untrue, because she had made him a meal after all. The children did not need to know further details of the rest of the evening.

Gilbert's mind was occupied with those things, as his feet took him to the Kirkland mansion. Only as he stood in front of the main door, did he notice how fast his heart was beating, nervous from his next step that would probably change his life. After knocking on the door, he was brought to the drawing room, where he waited for the owner of the house to greet him.

It did not take Arthur too long to enter the room. During the last two weeks he had been completely in stress, having organised a wedding with his cousins, his fiancée and her God father. Even if it was an exhausting step, the blonde gentleman was excited to plan his marriage – with the woman he came to love the last few months. As his butler had told him that they had a visitor, Arthur had expected the presence of the man that was responsible for their flower arrangement. He was surprised to see his Prussian friend in his house – although it was not the first time he was sitting there alone with a bouquet in his hand. The man's demeanour was nervous and Arthur knew immediately whom Gilbert intended to see.

"Miss Héderváry is in the kitchen, if you wish to speak with her."

Gilbert's blush was enough for Arthur to confirm his assumption.

"Well . . . I wanted to speak to you first," Gilbert confessed as he stood up.

Arthur raised a brow, "Me?"

His Prussian friend nodded before continuing, "Well I had not properly congratulated you upon your engagement."

Arthur smirked, shaking Gilbert's hand as a sign of respect. "Thank you . . . And I think I may congratulate you as well."

"E-eh . . . Danke," The Prussian thanked with a red face, hearing his friend's chuckle.

"I remember the day when you voiced your intention of marrying her," Arthur spoke with an amusing tone before remembering his own proposal. A dreamy expression adorned his face – it was clear that he was looking forward to be married to Miss Honda. His mouth formed a glorious smile and for the first time, Gilbert was witnessing the genuine happiness on his friend's face.