Marguerite's Pledge for Redemption
[A Regency Era novel, #vengeance #weaktostrong #heiress #loveaftermarriage #noblefamily #dramatic #betrayal] "Lady Blanchard," the Marquess of Canterbury announced, his voice carrying a hint of surprise as he swept off his cocked hat and handed it to the waiting butler. He then stepped into the drawing room, his eyes immediately falling upon her. The cup of tea and a plate of pastries on the coffee table suggested that she had been waiting for his arrival for some time. "What a surprise," he continued, a hint of amusement creeping into his tone. "Do you require anything from me?" "Indeed, Your Grace," Maggie replied, her voice steady despite the weight of her proposition. The Marquess's amusement vanished, replaced by a flicker of suspicion. He crossed his arms in a haughty manner, his posture demanding an explanation. "And what might that be?" he inquired, his voice laced with a cool formality. "I would like to propose," Maggie began, meeting his gaze directly, "a marriage alliance between us." -_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_- Upon her father's untimely demise, Lady Marguerite “Maggie” Delaney Antoine Blanchard was betrayed by the man he loved, Nicholas Cunningham, and the only other relative she trusted, Nicholas' father, Lloyd Cunningham. She found much-needed support in the Marquess of Canterbury, Percival Clement Duane Locksworth, whom she did not care for due to the unfortunate nature of their first meeting, but who turned out to be the lifeline she needed to exact his revenge and regain the Countess of Huntington title. When Maggie offered the Marquess a beneficial deal in exchange for his hand in marriage, would the not-so-charming gentleman say yes? And if he did, would Maggie be able to win the claim for the Earldom of Huntington and retain it within the Blanchard family's ownership? Or would she crumble under the storm of the Marquess's gaze, his presence a churning sea threatening to engulf her whole?
Chapter 75 - News Carried By The Wind
Instead of being led to the drawing room like common guests, Nicholas was taken to a cramped chamber. Located at a hidden corner of the manor, it mostly served as a waiting room for tradesmen who supplied goods into the manor.
"Please wait here, Mr. Cunningham, we shall inform Her Ladyship of your arrival," the butler instructed him.
"Thank you."
With a soft sigh and a rub at his weary eyes, Nicholas took his seat at a wooden table. He did not have to wait too long. Before long, the door creaked open and Lady Danielle Montgomery entered with her trusted maid in tow.
She was in such a hurry to meet Nicholas that she did not have time to change out of her sleeping attire. She instead opted to cover herself with a long, thick cloak that extended from her neck to her toes.
"Mr. Cunningham," she frowned at him. "I did not expect you so early in the morning."
She then turned to look at her maid.