Chapter 17

Eleanor sat by the window in the dimly lit parlor, her thoughts swirling with a mix of apprehension and hope. She had shared her heart with Daniel, laying bare her fears and dreams, and now she awaited his decision with bated breath.

Daniel entered the room, his footsteps echoing softly against the polished floorboards. His expression was grave, yet determined, as he made his way towards her.

"Eleanor," he began, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty.

Eleanor turned to face him, her heart pounding in her chest. "What is it, Daniel?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daniel took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts before speaking. "I have made a decision," he said, his gaze unwavering. "I want to marry you, Eleanor. I want to spend the rest of my life with you, to protect you and Oliver from harm."

Eleanor's eyes widened in astonishment at his words, her heart soaring with joy. "Daniel, I..." she began, her voice choked with emotion.

But before she could respond, the door to the parlor swung open, and Lady Margaret entered, her expression stern and disapproving.

"Daniel, what is the meaning of this?" Lady Margaret demanded, her voice cold and accusatory.

Daniel's jaw clenched at the sound of his mother's voice, his resolve hardening. "Mother, I have made my decision," he said firmly. "I love Eleanor, and I intend to marry her."

Lady Margaret's eyes narrowed at his words, her lips thinning into a tight line. "You cannot be serious," she scoffed. "Marrying that... that woman would be a disgrace to our family name."

Eleanor's heart sank at Lady Margaret's words, the weight of her disapproval bearing down on her. But she refused to back down, standing tall in the face of adversity.

"Daniel loves me, Mother," she said, her voice steady despite the tremble in her heart. "And I love him. We may not come from the same background, but our love is true."

Lady Margaret's nostrils flared with indignation, her eyes blazing with fury. "I will not allow it," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "You will not bring shame upon our family with your foolishness."

Daniel stepped forward, his gaze meeting his mother's with steely resolve. "Mother, I respect you, but I cannot allow you to dictate my happiness," he said, his voice unwavering. "I love Eleanor, and I will marry her, with or without your blessing."

Lady Margaret was not pleased with all this. "Eleanor," she said, "I want to talk to you in private."

Daniel didn't want to leave them alone, but at Eleanor's request he left.