As April turned into May, and May flowed into June, it was quite clear to the ton that Brandon and Clara were very much attached. They spent countless hours together, enjoying activities such as private balls and romantic strolls. They were falling in love, but hadn't said those three little words to one another yet. They were waiting for the right opportunity to do so.
One morning toward the final week of June, Brandon was sitting in a dark red plush leather seat across from Arthur in Harrington Park. He had come to ask for Clara's hand. He wasn't nervous by any means. He knew that Clara was the one for him.
Arthur gazed at Brandon with expectation, having a feeling as to why the gentleman was sitting in front of him. "Well Manchester, what brings you here?"
Brandon smiled, pulling out a black velvet box from the pocket of his trousers and placing it onto the desk. "I have come here to ask for Clara's hand in marriage."
Arthur's eyes narrowed. "You want to marry my sister?"
Brandon nodded. "I do."
Arthur stared him down. "Do you love her?"
Brandon nodded confidently. "I do love her, with all of my heart. I plan to tell her so this afternoon."
Arthur raised one eyebrow. "What is happening this afternoon?"
Brandon smiled. "I have arranged afternoon tea on the balcony of my home. I decided that it would be the perfect opportunity to tell her how I felt, and to propose. My balcony was the same spot we had our private dinner six weeks ago."
Arthur leaned back in his seat, a soft smile on his face. "Then if you love her Manchester, I give you my blessing."
Brandon smiled. "Thank you Harrington."
Arthur extended his hand. "I am looking forward to having you as a brother."
Brandon clasped the gentleman's hand, shaking it firmly. "I am looking forward to having you and Bronson as brothers."
The two men exchanged a smile, and after another firm handshake, Brandon stood up, placed the ring box back into his trousers pocket, and left the house. Climbing into his carriage, he settled back against the tufted seat and smiled. By that afternoon, Clara would become his fiancé.
As the carriage drove back toward Manchester Park, a sudden jolt of nervousness swept through Brandon. Would Clara return his feelings of love and affection? Would she say yes to his proposal? He wouldn't know until the moment arrived.
***
Later that afternoon, Clara was nestled inside the Manchester carriage that had come to collect her from her home. For that afternoon, she was wearing a lovely blush pink silk tea gown with off the shoulder sleeves and a scoop neckline. Blush pink slippers and wrist length cream silk gloves completed her ensemble. Her hair was fixed into a lovely bun with a blush pink rose shaped comb in the center.
Clara was excited about the surprise Brandon had in store for her. She had received an invitation two hours before, and had been on cloud nine with giddiness ever since. Would that day be the day he told her he loved her, just as she adored him?
As the carriage came to a stop in front of the majestic estate, Clara felt her heart beginning to pound with glee. She smiled at the footman, taking his hand and allowing him to help her out of the vehicle. Her heart began dancing with excitement as she saw Brandon standing at the top of the three stone steps leading into the house.
Brandon was smiling from ear to ear with joy. For that afternoon, he was wearing a white button up shirt under a dark blue waist coat cravat black trousers and black boots. His eyes glittered with excitement as he walked down the steps and took her hands. "You look beautiful."
Clara smiled back, blushing. "Thank you your grace. I must say that you look very handsome."
Brandon smiled, looping her hand through his elbow and leading her into the house. "Thank you. I do hope you will like the surprise I have planned."
Clara. "I have been looking forward to it since the moment I received your invitation earlier today."
Brandon chuckled. "Oh good, I am glad to hear it. Now, I want you to close your eyes."
Clara smiled, closing her eyes and allowing him to lead her further into the house. "Are you not going to tell me what the surprise is your grace?"
Brandon chuckled. "And ruin it for you? No, but you will see it soon."
Clara giggled. "All right, I will be patient."
Squeezing her hand, Brandon escorted her through the dining  room and out onto the terrace. He paused, turning to face her. "All right my love, open your eyes."
Clara opened her eyes and gasped as she saw the magnificent spread before her. "Oh Brandon..."
A small round table stood before them. There were two chairs, two tea cups and two saucers, and two sets of silverware. A crystal vase filled with one dozen pink gold roses had been placed in the center of the table, along with a three tiered cake stand filled with sandwiches scones and desserts.
Brandon smiled, his eyes dancing. "I thought we could take afternoon tea together today."
Clara smiled brightly, hugging him. "This is absolutely beautiful my dear, I love it!"
Brandon returned her squeeze, kissing her forehead. "I'm glad you do my love."
Taking their seats, they poured themselves each a cup of tea before adding some cream and a little honey. They talked while they enjoyed their meal, feeling the love blossoming between them. The afternoon was beautiful and peaceful.