Thank you. The study smelled of leather, tobacco, and old paper. Lord Danvers stood when Arthur entered, and for one hopeful second, the older man's face carried the satisfaction of a plan reaching its proper conclusion. Westley, he said, "Please."
Arthur did not sit. That was the first break in the expected pattern. Lord Danvers noticed, and the satisfaction faded slightly. "I owe you directness," Arthur said.
Lord Danvers became very still. Arthur kept his hands at his sides. He would not pace. He would not soften the matter with elaborate phrases that only delayed injury.
I hold your family in sincere respect. Lady Eleanor has been gracious in every particular, and nothing I say should be understood as a criticism of her character. Lord Danvers' jaw tightened. I see.
I came here believing that a match between us would be suitable. And now? Now I believe it would be unjust to her. The room cooled.
Lord Danvers walked slowly behind his desk, though he did not sit either. Unjust? Yes. She deserves a husband who sees her with certainty.
I cannot offer that. My daughter has been led to expect I know, Arthur said. And the fault is mine. That stopped him.
Arthur continued, his voice even. I allowed an expectation to grow because it was convenient to every family involved, including my own. I should have understood myself sooner. Since I did not, I will carry the responsibility for ending it.
Lord Danvers stared at him. Anger moved beneath his controlled face, but so did calculation. There will be questions. I will answer them in a manner that protects Lady Eleanor.
You understand what you are declining? Completely. A beautiful young woman of excellent upbringing with a respectable dowry and no stain upon her name. I understand.
And you would have me tell her what? Arthur's throat tightened, but he did not look away. Tell her that I am not the man who should ask for her life. Lord Danvers looked toward the window where the formal garden stretched beneath the morning light.
This is irregular. Yes. Embarrassing. Yes.
Deeply disappointing. I know. Silence followed. It was not peaceful, but it was clean.
Arthur could feel the cost of what he had done moving outward through the house already. There would be closed doors, private tears, angry letters, and careful explanations. The world would not end, but it would bruise. At last, Lord Danvers turned back.
Is there another attachment? Arthur had known the question would come. He answered with care. There is no understanding with anyone.
That is not what I asked. No, Arthur said. It is not. Lord Danvers studied him for a long time.