Chapter 20 - "Get Used to it..."

Clara's PoV

'You what?'

I took a deep intake of breath and then grabbed John's hand. 'John and I are getting married. We've planned it all out. We're marrying in December. Think what you like' I said and watched my Dads face change dramatically.

'You are not young lady. I will not have my daughter disgraced in this town and village by marrying a footman. How is he supposed to support you'

'John is amazing and kind. And really attractive. He can provide for me by making me really happy, and can make you happy by providing an heir. That's all you want from me. Someone to take your estate'

'I will not have my daughter. A noble lady marry that'

'With all do respect sir. I intend to take good care of her' John defended.

'That you will. Because you'll be no where near her. Get out of this house. Before I harm you far more than I want'

I could already see Rory getting a little jumpy about all this in the background but didn't want to move - a) in case Dad killed him or b) because he wanted to get the gossip. I've never know him want the gossip, but this will spread downstairs before you can say my name.

'If you banish him, you banish me' I warned.

'And how do you propose surviving? You've had it all handed to you on a plate for years. You'll never survive out there' he snapped again.

'We have a plan Dad. We'll move onto a farm. I have money to buy us a cottage. John will get a job. We'll be fine' I said.

My Dad was not processing this well at all.

'Mr Oswald. Let's just sleep on this shall we? We can talk about this in the morning?' Lilly asked trying to take his eyes off the fact that I was holding John's hand tightly.

He huffed, but nodded. He was taking it far better than I actually thought.

I turned to Rory. 'Ask Amy to not worry about coming up tonight? And could you have a few of John's things bought up stairs to my room please?' I asked Rory.

'Now my Lady?'

'Yes now. I wouldn't have asked otherwise' I appointed as Dad did his nut.

'He is not sleeping in the room with you. That is not happening' my father yelled.

I turned and looked at him.

'Why what would it matter? There's nothing to hide between us' I muttered, as I pulled him out of the room and up the stairs.

I smiled when I shut the door but John was looking a little - star struck.

'What -- what just happened?' John said with a horse voice, as Mr Williams walked in the door.

'You Mr Smith just bought disgrace and future shame on this household' Mr Williams said in utter disgust.

'I recent your implication. Mr Smith is with me and you will serve him and treat him as you would me' I snapped, as he turned to look at me.

'I'll do no such thing. With all do respect my lady. I will not serve or skivvy to a footman' he said, dropping the bag of John's clothes on the floor and walked out. If it hadn't of been so inappropriate he would have slammed the door.

My eyes widened, but waved it off. I couldn't be dealing with this quite now. 'You can give him his orders in the morning Clara. For now I want you to explain why you haven't kept your promise?' Lilly said as she stepped in my bedroom with Richard.

'God Lilly. I'm so glad to see you' I smiled jumping up and hugging her. 'I really need you right now' I whispered.

'Mr Smith. You'll be needing some clothes for bed? I'll run down and get some clean clothes'

'You can't go downstairs' I said. 'I'll go'

'No. Honestly. What better time to use my new found status than to shout at a butler. You wait until I'm finished with him' Richard smirked.

'Please wait until the morning. I can't stand the idea of upsetting Dad anymore than his is' I moaned.

'Well if you had waited to tell him' she said rolling her eyes.

'It was more a misunderstanding Lilly. John bought the engagement ring and we lost it - and it seemed awfully unfair see if as he saved for almost a year. He used all his savings to buy that ring and I want to be able to wear it' I said turning to him, and handing John the velvet box.

'We'll leave you two too it then. Remember to teach him some etiquette. He'll have to eat with the table and family in the morning' Lilly smirked stepping out and closing the door.

'We won't be disturbed any more this evening John. I promise' I smirked, but pushed my head out of the room. 'Amy. Could you have the spare room made up for me please. Bed sheets and a candle. Mr Smith will stay there tonight'

'Miss Clara I really don't think that would be wise' John stuttered behind me.

'I don't want to anger my Father anymore than he is... So you can't sleep in with me. But I do want that ring' I smiled as he fiddled with the box.

'Your absolutely sure? I mean you really want to rip your entire family apart just for me? Because in nothing special at all' he muttered.

'John. I'd move to Egypt if it was with you' I chuckled opening the box.

'In that case then... Lady Clara Oswald. Will you do the honour of allowing me to take your hand in marriage?'

'Of course silly' I chuckled as he slipped the ring back on my finger where it belonged.