Chapter Text
Lucas tried to look confident as he waited for Mr. and Mrs. Arden to meet him in the parlor. Lucas was a respectful young man, of good stock, had secure wages, and by all appearances, well suited for a match with his daughter. Lucas did everything proper, followed all the customs.
Lucas first met Maribel while volunteering at the orphanage. His family had a soft spot for helping the orphans, and they sponsored the local orphanage in town. Lucas was helping install a new playground and Maribel came by with some toy donations.
It was love at first sight.
Like a proper gentleman, before Lucas began courting Maribel, Lucas sought Mr. Arden’s approval for the courtship. Mr. Arden didn’t press him too hard before agreeing. All dates were supervised, of course, but Lucas enjoyed his dates with Maribel.
Now Lucas was ready to take the next step with Maribel: marriage. But first, he needed to ask her father for permission for her hand in marriage. Lucas had no reason to believe that Mr. Arden would now deny the match. Maribel never mentioned that her father seemed uneasy or discontent with the courtship. Lucas’ own interactions with her parents were always cordial and friendly.
Nonetheless, Lucas was nervous.
Lucas didn’t have to wait long before Mr. and Mrs. Arden arrived.
Lucas extended his hand in greeting, “Mr. and Mrs. Arden, good afternoon.”
Mr. Arden smiled and shook his hand warmly. “Lucas! Welcome! You’re looking well.” Mrs. Arden gave a small curtesy in greeting.
“I am, thank you. And thank you for meeting with me. I appreciate you taking the time out of your day.”“Nonsense, nonsense.” They gestured to the sitting chairs and made themselves comfortable. Mrs. Arden poured some tea and offered some cucumber sandwiches as a light refreshment.
Before Lucas could broach the topic of marriage, Mr. Arden spoke, “You want to marry Maribel.”
Lucas was a little taken aback by the direct statement, but since that was why he was there, he appreciated not having to worry about small talk.
He nodded. “I do. I love her. I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
Mrs. Arden smiled warmly. “What do you love most about Maribel?”
Lucas couldn’t help my smile as I thought about her. “She has a generous heart. She’s constantly thinking of others, herself last. Maribel is the sun, brightening everyone around her.” Lucas knew he sounded like a lovesick idiot, but he couldn’t help it. He loved her.
“I want to know my daughter will be taken care of. She deserves the best.” Mr. Arden said.
Lucas nodded. Yes, he agreed with that.
Mr. Arden continued, “I’m not sure you would be a good fit for our daughter. Courting, having some fun, is one thing. But marriage? Given your family history…”
Lucas blushed. His family was not as well off as the Ardens. And six years ago, his older brother was involved in a very public scandal where his wife left him after he broke her collarbone. His family disowned his brother in disgust, but the scandal was still not forgotten.
“I am not James. I would never harm Maribel. Or any woman. What he did was despicable. I would never do anything of that sort.” Lucas was indigent. His brother was still messing up his life. “Mr. Arden, I promise you. I will treat Maribel right. She’s my world. I love her and would do anything for her.”
Mr. Arden looked thoughtful. “Maybe…”
“Let me prove myself. Ask anyone. They’ll tell you that I’m a good person. Please, don’t say no.”
After a moment of silence, Mr. Arden relented. “All right. Friday night at 8:00 p.m. You pass Mimi’s test and I’ll give my consent.”
Lucas was grateful he was given a chance. “Thank you, Mr. Arden.”