Her Graceful War Song

I didn't expect Mr. Claude to once again ask Mrs. Murray to act as a matchmaker. And this time, he came with her in person. The gifts he brought with him covered an entire table. They weren't especially rare or costly, yet it was clear he had taken great care in choosing them.

I knew his salary wasn't high, and I'd heard he had sold off his family's home and shop just to afford a modest house in the capital.

"Your Grace, I tried to talk him out of it many times, but he insisted. So, I've come with him, just once more. Here, speak with him yourself. If you truly have no intention of accepting, tell him so plainly. Be firm, so he will give up for good," said Mrs. Murray.

I thought it best to speak plainly too. Perhaps then his face would stop appearing in my thoughts from time to time.

With that, Mrs. Murray excused herself, saying she would stroll through the garden. She left us in the drawing room, alone save for the maids waiting quietly just outside the doors. I caught the looks on their faces-hopeful, almost giddy.noveldrama

I won't speak of the others, but Hazel had served me for many years. She followed me to the Earl of Gracehold's household, and later left with me when I built my own residence. She simply didn't want me to spend the rest of my life alone, often saying not all men were heartless or unkind.

Before I could speak, Mr. Claude beat me to it in a voice so quick and nervous it almost startled me.

"Your Grace, may I speak first?" he blurted out.

Looking at him, I noticed his face was flushed, with even the tips of his ears

having turned red. His skin was fair to begin with, and seeing him like this stirred a strange feeling in my chest.

"Go ahead, Mr. Claude," I said, lowering my gaze and steadying myself.

I felt his eyes fall upon my face, but I didn't meet his gaze. I simply lifted my

teacup and pretended to drink, listening as he began.

"Your Grace, my wish to marry you is not out of gratitude for the help you gave my mother, nor for the shelter you offered us. I... I like you."

At that, I looked at him quickly. His cheeks were now fully flushed, like the evening sky tinged with the red of sunset. I felt heat rise in my own face as well—I was likely no better off than he.

"I had meant to give up," he went on. "I didn't want to trouble you any further, nor cause harm to your good name. But the other day, when Lady Carissa said I couldn't tell the difference between gratitude and affection-that I sought marriage out of misplaced debt—I realized she was mistaken."

He paused, then continued, "I can tell the difference. Gratitude ought to be repaid, yes, but it is your kindness, your gentle spirit, that truly moved me. Or perhaps it isn't even that. I cannot say it clearly. I only know..."

He drew a deep breath, as though it took all the courage he had to say his next words. Even his voice trembled slightly.

"I only know that when I am not busy with official duties, whether my eyes are

open or shut, it is you I see, Your Grace. My thoughts are filled with nothing else."

That confession struck something in

me-like still waters suddenly stirred. I lifted my head to look at him. His eyes burned with such intensity that I couldn't meet them for long. I quickly dropped my gaze and took a hasty sip of tea, only to choke and cough a few times.

Seeing me so flustered, he looked troubled and immediately said, "I've been too forward. Forgive me, Your Grace."

I truly was the sort of person who could be easily swayed. It had been so with Samuel-love at first sight. And now, hearing Mr. Claude speak so earnestly, it happened once more.

Then, I heard myself say, "If you are sincere in wishing to marry me, then go ahead and have our horoscopes matched."

said it, even I thought

The moments

I was mad. But when I saw his face light up with such unguarded joy-he very nearly leapt into the air-l

thought, well then, what harm.). ne

there in going a bit mad once or twice in a lifetime?

Things weren't as they had been in years past. Even the worst outcome, I could now endure.

"Y-Your Grace... I... I'll go at once. Right away!" he stammered, turning and rushing away.

But after taking just a few steps, he suddenly darted back, looking at me with bright eyes. "May I ask what your horoscope is, Your Grace?"

The maids outside burst into soft laughter.

I looked at him, with that foolishly earnest look on his face-so different from his usual calm and refined manner. But somehow, it made him seem more real.

I thought to myself that surely a person couldn't be unlucky forever. One day,

something good must come along, right? And this time, I was willing to take the gamble.