The Allure Of Love (Sample)

Chapter 37

Chapter 38

Elizabeth POV

Something was to happen today. I don’t know why I felt this way. Maybe something good was to come. The past few months had come and gone slowly. My mother continues on with the sewing circle, her parties, and other social engagements. I have yet to speak a word to her. My father is perpetually absent, and our nice furniture and paintings have begun to disappear. Each room is becoming more and sparse. I felt renewed by the fact Derek would soon bring my dearest sister home. I didn’t know how my parents would react, but for once I didn’t care.

“Excuse me miss, a Mr. Tim Dallas is here to call on you.”

“Yes of course, take him to the parlor I will be down momentarily.”

I hurriedly patted my hair and dress, desiring for nothing to be astray. After an appropriate amount of time had passed I walked down the stairs. Like a gentleman Tim stood to greet me.

“Tim I need to speak with you.”

“Dearest Elizabeth, I know all about Jake and your maid and what transpired between them. It is over now, so let us move forward.”

He looked somber, but I was so relieved I didn’t take note. “Oh Tim, I do hope you will forgive me.”

“You have done nothing my sweet. Please may we talk in the garden?”

“Of course.” Even though Tim was still melancholy from his brother’s death, his eyes were bright and had a hint of light today. He seemed a little nervous. We walked quietly for a few minutes. The sun was warm, lightly kissing my face. I drew my parasol closer to my face to shield myself from the suns embrace. The wind began to pick up, creating a subtle whisper as it danced through the trees. Tim gently sat me on a bench near our lake. He grasped my hands and slowly got on one knee.

“Do you remember the first time we danced?”

“I believe at the ball.”

“Yes, at that moment I knew that no matter what, I had to have you as my own. Elizabeth  You are my best friend, my shoulder to lean on, the one person I know I can count on, you're the love of my life, you're my one and only, you're my everything. I miss you when I'm not with you....when I'm not with you all I do is think about you...when I think about you I just want to be with you....and when I'm with you it's like all of my dreams have come true. Elizabeth would you honor me with the greatest privilege of being your husband?”

When women get proposed to it is usually about relief not love. It ensures, safety, survival, and if you’re lucky a respectable social standing. I had never had hopes for marrying my one true love. I knew I would marry a man my parents had approved of or chosen. Today I did something for me for once in my life. I couldn’t help but to smile through the tears that kept spilling over my cheeks.

“Yes, Tim I would love to marry you.” He grabbed the side of my face and kissed me.

“I’ll tell my parents right away. My mother will want to help with all the plans.”

“I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

He hugged me and kissed me again. Then he took off at a jog.

“Tim, where are you going?” I couldn’t help but to giggle.

“To tell the world!”

I let out a shriek myself. I couldn’t help to giggle like a young girl at my first ball. 

Then all of a sudden he came running back.

“I almost forgot.”

He then produced a beautiful ring.  It was elegant and simple, but yet so grand. “Oh Tim, its lovely.” He grabbed my gloved hand and pulled me to my feet. He began running. “Tim, no this is so unladylike.

“I don’t care.”

We were running. Hand in hand. Then before I could stop myself we were jumping. The cool water of the lake washed over me. I had never done something so fun in my life. We laughed, the kind of laugh that comes from somewhere within the soul. I had never been so happy, and allowed myself to be just that. He slowly took off my glove and slid the ring onto my finger.

“I love you Elizabeth Carolina Weathers. No one and nothing is going to change that.”

I was soon to be Mrs. Dallas. I had never been so delighted.