Isabelle
“I think this country air suits you.” Charles was charmed to the core after spending three days with Isabelle.
Isabelle giggled with school like fondness. She felt so light and on air.
After spending four days at Aswold Estate, her old life seemed so far away she could scarcely remember it. Here everyday was filled with sunshine and laughter. Beauty was to be found everywhere, even in the very corners. She too radiated with a beauty she did not know she possessed. She felt like a princess, or what a princess might ought to feel like.
Isabelle glanced at Charles. Sometimes she felt so light and on air around him, she wondered if this might be love.
“My estate is also out in the fresh country air.” Charles hinted.
Isabelle smiled at him, what a smart match they would make.
“Forgive me if I keep hinting of matrimony. I want you to keep it foremost in your mind.” he began to hastily explain. “It’s just that, since you’ve come here to Aswold Estate, you’re positively radiant.”
Charles’ nervousness began to grow apparent, and his voice began to shake as he tried to get his point across. “You see, I feel much fear and trepidation that you might be stolen from me. A more suitable suitor might catch your eye, for there are plenty around.” He motioned about the grounds. “You see, when I first met you. I thought, At Last! A solid, practical woman with whom I can settle down and create a family. You were so hidden away in the darkness and dinginess near the city, a jewel covered in mud no one would discover. But here! Here you stand out like the sun, and your light reaches all who dare to glance in your direction. It is much more than I can bear! The fear that you will find another suitor grips me daily!”
He grasped Isabelle’s hands in his out of desperation. “Please! You must at least consider my proposal. Before someone more to your liking comes and steals you away.”
Isabelle’s smile had never faded. She had never felt like this before. She was wanted, cherished, adored, she was a beloved. “You are working yourself into a frenzy.” she tried her best to calm him down, though secretly inside she hungered for more. “There is no other, and even if there were. I would give you far more consideration first.”
“Would you?” Charles brought the backs of her hands to his lips and kissed them.
“How could you think I would not?” Isabelle questioned him as he slowly let loose of her hands. “You were the first to notice me, to reach out to me. You flatter me with your intentions, your good and honest intentions. I would consider myself lucky to be your wife and give birth to your heirs.”
“Then it should be settled!” Charles sat upright and straight. “I will write to your uncle and ask for your hand. I will propose to you following a suitable amount of time, after I have received his blessings. It will be glorious, like our wedding. Like our life together and our family that will soon follow.” He grasped her hands again and kissed them. “I vow, I will make you the happiest woman alive. You will want for nothing.”
Isabelle’s smile could not get any brighter or larger. She felt as if her heart would burst. She’d never felt so desired in her life. Her. Plain old Isabella.