"Expectations" (Book 2), by Gratiana Lovelace (2018-2019), (Completed)

Ch. 28: The Interviews

"Expectations" (Book 2)--Ch. 28: The Interviews,
July 14, 2019 by Gratiana Lovelace (Post #1247; & on Wattpad)

[an original Regency romance copyrighted by Gratiana Lovelace, 2018 - 2019; all rights reserved); [(1) story cover art, top left]

[As is my custom, from time to time I will illustrate my story with my ideal cast consisting of (in order of importance/mention in this chapter): Lord Duncan the Viscount Lindsay of York (portrayed by Rupert Penry-Jones); his love Lady Elizabeth Blount (portrayed by Jessica Brown Findlay); her brother Lord Christian Blount the Earl of Sussex (portrayed by Richard Armitage); and his wife and Countess Lady Madeline Sinclair Blount the Lady Sussex (portrayed by Kate Winslet); and Lord Robert Knightsbridge the Marquess of Wyre (portrayed by Hugh Grant); Lady Gwendolyn Lindsay of York (portrayed by Emma Thompson); and her father the Duke of York (portrayed by Sean Connery)]

Author's story content and serializing scheduling notes: For the most part, my ratings for the chapters will be PG-13—for romantic interludes and dramatic moments. If you are unable or unwilling to attend a movie with these ratings, then please do not read that chapter. This is my disclaimer. And I always put the previous chapter's brief recap at the top of the next chapter. Also, I hope to post new chapters weekly on Sundays or Mondays. I hope that you enjoy this chapter.

Ch. 28: The Interviews

Though last evening's spirited joint family dinner among the Blounts, Lindsays, and Knightsbridges celebrated Lord Alfred's return and reuniting with his family of Lady Constance and their daughter Lady Tamsin, and Lord Harold's return with his new wife Lady Penelope—it is ultimately the revelation of Lord Duncan and Lady Elizabeth seeking marriage approval that leads to today's interview of Lord Duncan with Lord Christian to discuss the matter. Unbeknownst to all but three of their extended family, there will also be another betrothal interview involving the Knightsbridge family.

But first, Lord Duncan the Viscount Lindsay of York has a post breakfast nine o'clock and sharp on the hour appointment with his love Lady Elizabeth's elder brother and guardian Lord Christian Blount the Earl of Sussex. Lord Christian was caught off guard last night with the lovebird's not only wishing to have their betrothal formally recognized by him, but to also have his blessing to bring forward their wedding date from the Autumn to two weeks hence. Lord Christian is still out of sorts this morning, even with a full belly after breakfast—or perhaps, because of it.

Lord Christian sifts through several papers upon his desk prior to his imminent interview with Lord Duncan at the Sussex Hall Dower House. Though only four of the papers pertain to his younger sister Lady Elizabeth's dowry and settlement negotiations, the other papers are there to convey the very great responsibilities that encompass the Earl of Sussex' daily life. It also helps that with him inhabiting the large Dower House Library Room for his personal study, Lord Christian has steeped himself in the trappings of his Earldom's power. And even with his jacket hanging over a nearby chair, Lord Christian's exposed shirt sleeves barely harnessing his muscled arms serve to illustrate his youthful power as an Earl and as a man in his prime at thirty years old [(2) above, middle].

And as a second son again—displaced from his place these past ten years as heir to the Duke of York, when his brother returned to them a few days ago—Lord Duncan is relegated to a lesser status of rank. But that is not to say that Lord Duncan is nor feels diminished. He had never wanted to be the replacement ducal heir, because it meant that his elder brother Lord Alfred the Marquess of Malten was dead. Now that his brother Lord Alfred is found to be alive and back in the family fold, Lord Duncan feels that he can get on with his life—in marrying his love Lady Elizabeth Blount.