Second Fair Chance

Second Fair Chance

“Lord Farnsworth, thank you so much for inviting me to dinner. I want to apologize for anything I did to create tension between us and let you know how grateful I am to have this second chance to make a better impression.”

“Well, Sir Fenwick, be assured if I didn't cherish my daughter, Charity, so much you would never get another opportunity to make appeasement. She begged me to reconsider my dismissal of your attentions toward her. She is very taken with you so you must not be all that horrible. Maybe a little misguided when it comes to how you treat a lady of high standing such as my beautiful daughter. I found you in a compromising position in the garden at that soiree. Still, she'll be joining us after our before dinner sherry.

“I remember you made quite a showing at our fox hunt outing. You set a fine steed and contributed an experienced pair of foxhound to the pack. That proves you've had some culture to your upbringing.”

“Yes, Sir. I've been riding since I was a young boy. My friend and business partner, Sir Carlton Winslow, Attorney at Law, is the one with hound experience. His uncle used to train them. The pair were actually borrowed from a well known sportsman, Lord Dudley Bragg.”

“Ah, yes. Lord Bragg. The name suits him well. He was interested in courting Countess Dianna, my sister-in-law. But she found him to be less than gentlemanly when he deserted her and Charity at the market fair. Matter of fact, that is how they made your acquaintance. Isn't that correct? You arranged for their escort home. Now she has been entertaining your friend. Finds him quite attractive and courteous.”

“Exactly, Lord Farnsworth. That's another reason it would be so advantageous for me to be able to court your daughter. We could assure each other to remain honorable. Wouldn't you agree?”

“Or encourage each other's bad behavior, hey, Young Man. I haven't forgotten what it was like to be your age seeking female companionship. I must guard my daughter's reputation, you understand.”

“Of course, Your Lordship. Wouldn't expect anything less. I assure you my intentions are honorable. I am deeply in love with her already and desire only the best for her. I would ask for her hand in marriage immediately if it found favor in your eyes. But I know our societal norms demand much more formal routines. I can only pray for your approval to make me the happiest love-sick fool in London. My joy would be eternal.”

“I can tell how eager you are and from her behavior I suspect she feels the very same about you. I'll give it due consideration.

“So, I understand you are a solicitor making your way up in the professional standings. Do you suppose you will be ale to support my daughter in the manner to which she is accustomed? I am afraid I have spoiled her, especially since her mother passed.”

“Well, to be forthright, it will take some time to match the heights of your accomplishments. I can only hope she is agreeable to living more meagerly until I am more established. We would be rich in love, though.”

“Unfortunately, love does not pay the bills or trade for niceties. And, ahem, it often leads to more mouths to feed.”

“That would only increase our happiness, Sir. I am more than ready to embrace whatever our future together could hold. I would be utterly devastated to walk away from a relationship with her at this point. She is my everything. I hope you understand.”

“I'm beginning to see things your way. If I allow this to continue we must be proper about it. Wouldn't want you scurrying off to Gretna Green to elope over the anvil now would we? And, Lord forbid, you sneak off to Jersey. That's about as dangerous as it gets! My daughter deserves only the best.

“Here she comes now...

“Come, Dear. Thank you for joining us. You look so lovely this evening. That sea-foam coloring of your flowing gown brings out the azure of your eyes. You'll have this young man drooling all through dinner. We are ready to go into the dining hall. This way, Sir Fenwick.”

“Yes, you look very becoming as usual, Lady Charity. May I take your arm? And please call me 'Riley', Sir.”

“Of course. No need to be so formal with only us present. I'll sit at the head of the table with each of you at my sides. Looks like the soup is already served. Let us begin with grace.”

>>>>>>>

“Father, all this small talk has been charming and I hope it has let you get to know Sir Riley better and understand what an upright gentleman he truly is. But could we get to the proverbial elephant in the room since we are all alone and all adults? Sir Riley, Dear?”

“Uh, yes, Sir. I have an all important question to ask of you concerning your vivacious daughter. I, uh, I would very much like to make her my wife if she will have me. But I need your blessing.”

“Well, you don't beat about the bush, now, do you. I was enjoying our lively discussions and imagining what kind of a son-in law an aspiring lawyer would make. You seem knowledgeable and versed in a wide range of topics. You would never be a boring dinner guest. I can see by the way you look at and respond to my little girl you are sincere in your feelings toward her. She mirrors those feelings back to you. Sort of feeling like a third wheel between you two, ha, ha. If I didn't give you my blessing you two would probably defy me and find a way to be together anyway you could. Sneaking around behind my back or right under my nose. Am I right? So yes, let's make it official. What do you say?

“I say I need to get down on my knee and do this properly. My fair Lady, Charity. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”

“Yes, oh, yes! Thought you would never ask!”