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Eliza and William had travelled to Ireland at the behest of Eliza's maternal aunt.
This lady had requested their assistance in relation to a land purchase.
The land concerned was of a fertile nature and had been farmed for many years.
As Eliza had never met this lady before she was a little apprehensive and spoke too much.
William could see that she was anxious about the meeting and attempted to distract with some useful(to his mind) Irish traditions.
"Eliza be careful of black cats crossing your path as this is portent of bad luck. Never enter a fairy fort.
If you hear the cry of the banshee a death will follow."
"William why are you telling me of these traditions? Are they relevant to our investigation? No, so please cease speaking nonsense.
Is there a tradition I wonder of turning a ridiculous man into a humble snail? I hope as I may be tempted to use this spell. "
"Eliza I am merely telling your of the some of the traditions of this lovely isle.
Surely you cannot object to that. Knowledge is powerful, you may never know when this information may be useful." Eliza raised her eyebrows and replied "William this is not relevant, what do you know of land title in Ireland? If you have this information now that indeed would be convenient. Since you likely do not please can we just enjoy the vista."
"The vista, why Eliza you have become poetic? Is Miss Eliza a secret romantic? William smiled at her on saying these things as he was aware that such comments would raise her ire. Eliza turned to him with a dark expression "why do you sound so surprised?"
I am a romantic eventhough it a may not appear so. I have read all the romantic poets, Mr. Wordsworth is my favourite. His description of the merry daffodil in the field is so beautiful. I hope one day to visit the area where he lived and to see the daffodils. " "Well Miss Eliza you have changed my whole view of you today. I would never have thought that there was a soft heart in that carapace of yours.
Eliza gave William a soft punch on his arm "Carapace indeed, I am as gentle as a newborn lamb. As a lady I require a carapace to protect from the villians that I encounter.
If I were to walk through London quoting Keats and Byron, I would never survive. It is a safer world for you men but not for us fair damsels." "You are as removed from a fair damsel as a slug is from a butterfly. Come now will you not recite some Byron, it would certainly brighten my day."
Eliza did not reply and they continued walking in silence. The only sound being nesting birds calling to their mate. It was peaceful amid the spring flowers and budding trees. Purple crocuses and yellow pansies lined their walk to the inn. William broke the silence by humming an Irish ballad. Eliza joined him as her mother had thought her many Irish songs. Eliza smiled and felt total contentment. What more could one need? A beautiful day, good company and an intriguing investigation.
"You are very quiet Eliza. Plotting something are you? Your frowns have meaning and this one is particularly meaningful. We will solve this and return to your father's home shortly. Ivy will be lonely without you. Who will she manage now if not you? I fear for Mr. Potts, his life will be organised for me as if he were a member of the army.
She is almost a mother to you with her fussing and fretting. Is she aware that you have no need of such things?"
Eliza had a most disconcerting thought just then. She remembered an embrace that William had given her when she had a narrow escape from a Whitechapel ruffian. He had held her close to him and whispered reassuring words in her ear. She had felt safe and at home there. Shaking her head she tried to prevent colour rising to her cheeks. It would never do to admit that she liked him even loved him.
Oh dear it is the affect of being in such a lovely place that is all. William stared at her most likely to determine her thoughts. "Eliza are you with us. You disappeared for a few moments, dreaming of some gentleman perhaps. Who can you be thinking of? Let us see...... What eligible gentlemen are you acquainted with?" Eliza glared at him and said "William please do not concern yourself with my private life.
I was thinking of our investigation, of what else would I be thinking. You have a rather simple view of our sex. Our thoughts may not always be of gentlemen, it may be of things of a more intellectual bent." "If that is so Eliza why blush. I am right, am I not. I am able to read your face Miss Scarlett. " "Please cease speaking William, you can be so infuriating. I was thinking of someone actually, it is a gentleman that I hold in high esteem.
I have known him for quite some time. He is always there just when I need him. " "Oh Eliza I know who it is. Is the gentleman from a distant shore, a place of warmth. He is someone who could be useful in a fight. It is Moses. I am surprised Eliza, I did not think it would be him.
" "William please desist, it is not him. An attempt at humour? I find no humour in what you say."
William looked at her sheepishly saying "I do apologise Eliza, I was attempting to distract you from your thoughts. There was a seriousness to your face. I will be silent. You will hear no more suggestions of likely gentlemen from me. Shall we continue to the inn, I am hungry. I do hope that we will have some hearty Irish fare. I have heard tell of the delicious Irish Stew and it sounds like a meal that I would enjoy. Come take my arm Eliza and we will continue."
Eliza smiled at him "thank you William. You can be a gentleman when you wish to be. Did you ever consider that you might be seen as an eligible gentleman of good prospects? You have a fair countenance I suppose and you earn well. You will surely catch the eye of some lovely lady. " "Eliza have you ever considered that I have found the lady? She may be someone that you are acquainted with. Fair countenance indeed, such high praise. My delicate ego will not be capable of receiving such a compliment. Am I am not handsome Eliza? "William you are so but you are one who knows. Modesty is not a virtue that you possess. Pride is what you have in abundance. A little more humility would be welcome." "Who is this lady? Tell me of her. Is she someone that I have met? " "Eliza why the sudden interest? Eliza stopped William for a moment and looked into his eyes. "As you are familiar with many Irish traditions have you heard of the tradition of Leap Day in Ireland? It is quite unique, I know of no other similar traditions. The tradition says that on February 29th a lady may ask for a gentleman's hand in marriage." William took her hand saying "what a delightful tradition Eliza. Who is the lucky gentleman? I am intrigued, do tell. I wish him luck managing a lady such as you. He will a lucky creature as he will rarely suffer boredom. " Eliza took William's other hand answering "come now William, you must know. I know him for many years. He has been my companion, friend and protector since I was young. " "Eliza I know no one that matches that description. " There was silence for a moment and Eliza could see that William was cogitating. "The only gentleman that would fit is me but no it cannot be me." "Why ever not William, you know that I am very fond of you despite your many faults. Will you do me the honour of being my husband?" Eliza bend down on her knees and taking William's hand said "William will you be my husband. I love you so and I hope that you feel the same. " "Eliza you are such a bother to me rather like a delicate fly that one wishes to swat away however I could not be without you. You and I are a formidable team. I love you since you and I were rivals in that archery competition many years past. I will be your husband and love you forever. You may stand now, you look silly there. I suppose a kiss is the next step in this farce. " Eliza slapped him gently on the arm. "Farce indeed, I have been thinking of this for some time. I like to be in control of my life as you know hence I wished to ask you to marry me rather than the opposite. A kiss would be most welcome. " William took her in his arms and kissed her until they both were breathless.