I had been waiting in the rather chilly, dank passages that ran between the rooms of the mansion for what seemed like hours. My feet were growing numb and I was afraid to look through the peephole, lest (Y/N) be in the midst of undressing, somehow discover me, and think I was some manner of pervert! Though, truth me told, the very possibility of seeing (Y/N) in a state of undress also beckoned...

After what seemed like another unknown age had passed, I finally gave in to the temptation, promising myself I wouldn't ogle (Y/N) for more than a second or two if she wasn't decent. I sneezed from the dust on my way up the ladder and hoped I hadn't drawn anyone's attention.

As I carefully set my lantern down on the shelf and swung the cover to the little porthole out on its hinge, I was pleased to find I hadn't gotten lost. I was definitely outside the correct room. But I didn't see (Y/N) anywhere, had she left her chambers? Unless...

I heard a click and a snap. Quickly, I leapt down from my perch. (Y/N) had found the elephant, she had been right against the wall! The portion of the wall to my left slid open and I was momentarily stunned by the brightness. I knew I had to act quickly; (Y/N) had surely been startled.

My impression was confirmed when I saw her expression. She was totally slack-jawed, mouth agape; I feared she was about to scream. I bounded out of the murky passageway and clamped my hand over her pretty mouth, only to have her start writhing like an angry badger as she tried to bite me!

(Y/N) kneed me in my thigh, barely missing my groin, as she squirmed relentlessly. Egads, weren't women supposed to faint when confronted with frightful things? Worried for my reproductive organs, I yelped. "It's me, it's me! Not the privates again!" I tried for a reassuring smile, while preparing to dodge another blow.

Fortunately, no more came. (Y/N) relaxed in my arms, and I released her. "Andrew, what-"

I held up a hand. "Just one moment longer. I have a lantern in the passage; I don't want to set the house on fire. Let me fetch it?" (Y/N) nodded and I practically ran to get the damned thing from the shelf by the peephole. I was terrified she'd think I had been spying on her. Luckily, she didn't follow me, she just sat down by the cursed dinner Meredith had brought her. The meal we should have shared, that was suppose to finish with my romantic proposal!

Damn, I had a lot of explaining to do! I could see as much in (Y/N)'s eyes. Though she said nothing, I saw fear and distrust had returned in full force. I did not dare try and steal a kiss from her now. Not until she had heard the ridiculousness of what had happened.

I pulled a chair closer to her, and took one of her hands, glad, at least, that she allowed it. "(Y/N), I don't even know where to start. I suppose..." I hesitated. "I simply had no idea your family was so traditional. Perhaps I should have done things differently?"

(Y/N) gave me a perplexed and somewhat irate look, withdrawing her hand. That stung and I had to concentrate not to panic. "What do you mean, Andrew? What happened? Just please be plain about your intentions."

She just looked at the floor, and my chest hurt to think that (Y/N) thought I was betraying her trust, so I spoke quickly. "Just as I said I would, I found both of our parents in the sitting room. I told them clearly that I would most definitely like to make you my wife, and that I'd like to propose to you after dinner."

I sighed, rubbing my temples. "That was when everything went in the bloody latrine! They were all for us getting married, but your parents were convinced that you would rebel whole-heartedly against the engagement and throw a scene. I thought it would be unwise to disclose that I had outright asked your permission already. I tried my best to persuade them that we had gotten along well, but they wouldn't hear of it!"

I groaned at the memory. "They started making arrangements to whisk you away from me as soon as possible, before you could catch wind of the fact that you were betrothed." I looked at (Y/N). "They said it was imperative you be given time to adjust to the news, away from me, that you'd 'come around,' they were sure of it. You're to be taken away first thing tomorrow morning!"

I frowned. "I didn't know what to do, what to say! It took all my resources just to get the note to Meredith! I can't believe you're leaving already!"

(Y/N) looked incredulous, though amused. "I'm so sorry, Andrew. My parents and I are not very close, not at all."

I chuckled. "They probably were concerned you would murder me in my sleep if they allowed me to propose to you. You did attack me after the first time, as I recall. Perhaps they know you better than you think!"

(Y/N) giggled. She was so beautiful, I found myself staring at her. "What is it?"

I shook my head. "Nothing. Just you, you are lovely."

(Y/N) blushed a light pink and looked away shyly. I took her hand in mine again, pleased that she seemed to have forgiven me. "It's true. May I have a kiss? I don't know when I'll see you again."

When (Y/N) lifted her gaze to meet mine, the look in her eyes was changed, and wholly unexpected. It was heavily weighted with lust; I felt myself start to stiffen. Instantly nervous as I struggled with hiding my arousal, I ran a hand through my hair. "I want more than just a kiss, Andrew."