The Countess (2)

"Lady Euphemia," I started. "I was framed by my childhood best friend for all the allegations against my character, she is the same woman who did the same thing to Mr. St. Clair years ago."

The Countess's eyes widened, "Miss Evelina?"

I nodded and continued. "She was upset that I had feelings for my childhood love and married him telling him that I had moved on when I had not yet met your son. She wanted me to be unhappy as she was since I had told her husband the truth of the matter."

Lady Euphemia cleared her throat, "This is unacceptable of her to do so, however, you still were in a room alone with Maximilian and I think that alone still questions your morals, young lady."

Grandmama sat up in her seat. "Lady Euphemia, my granddaughter is a very respectable young woman who is clearly in love with your son, he was also in that room. He has made his intentions clear and wants to marry the girl and they are excited to be with each other."

I looked at my grandmama and tears pricked my eyes, she still surprised me at her show of support. Willa grabbed my hand and squeezed it.

"As it stands you are right, Lady Euphemia," Grandmama continued. "They were alone together so they have two choices: get married right away to show they were just tired of waiting to be together or they marry other people immediately to separate them from the scandal."

"I agree with you," The Countess said. "I hear you have someone picked out already in case they do not end up with each other, I do as well."

My heart clenched at her words, no one else would be Max's wife but me.

"I do, it is a last resort, I wish Aurelia to be happy and not forced to be with someone she doesn't love, I will not have scandals ruin the family name though," Grandmama said firmly.

"It seems like we both want the same thing," Lady Euphemia said. "Let's give it a month perhaps if the young couple can stay above scandal and Aurelia can show me she deserves my son then I will allow them to marry at the end of the month, if not, however, they have to marry who we have chosen for them."

I couldn't help but glare at the woman in front of me. I knew that Max and I were caught in a compromising position but at the same time, he was professing his love for me and his desire to make me his wife. Lady Euphemia is a force to be reckoned with and I squared my shoulders.

"I accept your proposal," I seethed. I tightened my grip on Willa's hand and she gave a small yelp.

"There shall be some ground rules," Lady Euphemia clarified. "If you are caught alone with my son, if you are unchaperoned at any time with my son, and if I hear of any secret meetings or any other immoral behavior the deal shall end."

I nodded in agreement. My heart sinking, Max loved to hold me and kiss me, he would have to be on his best behavior for a month and I had to resist his advances if there were any.

"Also, you both shall court the other option of a match at the same time, just to ensure it looks like you both have choices." The Countess smiled slightly, I could feel her disdain for me rolling off of her in waves.

"Fine, I accept your conditions, Lady Euphemia," I stormed. My anger was boiling in my stomach and I wanted to scream at this woman that she didn't know anything about love but that would just add more fuel to the fire.

"I am so glad, Miss Brooks, Max is very taken with you already and I wouldn't want him to be unhappy," The Countess smirked.

"If that's all," Grandmama spoke. "We shall be leaving, we have to get ready for the ball tonight, shall you be there?"

"I shall be there and so shall my son, Lady Agnes," she said cordially. "I can't wait to see you all there dressed up, Miss Brooks, you shall have only one dance with my son though."

I looked up at her sadly. "Yes, Lady Euphemia," I bristled. Now she's controlling how much they could dance together? I couldn't stand this woman who may be my mother-by-law someday soon.

"As I said before," Grandmama cleared her throat. "We are leaving, thank you for having us, Lady Euphemia." Grandmama was not messing around and she looked like she was ready to throw hot tea onto the countess.

"Thank you for your time," I said tightly.

A maid came in at the ring of a bell and escorted us outside the sitting room. Max was leaning against the wall near the door he had a worried look on his face, he kept running his hands through his hair. He looked so handsome and I sighed, I truly hoped that man would be my husband. When he saw us exiting he unattached himself and made his way over to me.

Grandmama grabbed Willa's arm and urged her ahead of Max and me to give us some semblance of privacy, I would forever be in my grandmama's debt for helping me deal with the countess and this ridiculous situation.

"What did my mother say?" Max asked quickly as he held me close for a moment in his arms.

I stepped out of his grasp and he frowned. I reached for his arm and he grabbed my hand to drip it to him. We walked slowly back to the entrance of the manor house and I explained everything that was said to him. By the time we reached the front doors, Max was raging and trying to take deep breaths to calm himself.

"My mother tries so hard to control my life and I am done with her getting her way," Max spat. "I will not listen to her."

"Do you still want me to be your wife, Max?" I asked gently. "If you do I would like you to listen to her, at least about being chaperoned and not alone, a month isn't that long."

"I would marry you tomorrow," Max whispered, his eyes shone with love and seriousness that left me breathless. "I will respect your choice and do this for you, not my conniving mother, it will be rough to see you with other men, however."

I blushed at his jealousy. "I feel the same way with you and other women we're only allowed one dance with each other tonight."

Max stared down at me with anger in his eyes. "I will speak to my mother tonight about that, she can't keep me away from you in every way shape, and form."

"I love you, Max," I said tenderly, I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. "Please don't upset your mother."

He groaned and grabbed his silky curls again, he looked so cute when he raked his hands through his hair.

"I love you too, My Aurie," Max said sweetly and kissed my hand. "I'll try my best to not rile my mother up."

With that, he opened the door to the awaiting carriage and helped me inside. I looked back at him and he grinned at me. I smiled weakly at Max as the carriage headed back home.