As the months passed, Evelyn and Sebastian's relationship deepened, their bond growing stronger with each passing day. Their families, too, began to heal as the wounds of the past were addressed and mended.
One afternoon, Evelyn found herself in the Harrington library, lost in the pages of a book. The sun's gentle rays filtered through the windows, casting a warm glow over the room. Sebastian's voice broke her reverie as he entered the library.
"May I join you?" Sebastian asked, a playful smile on his lips.
Evelyn looked up, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of him. "Of course, Mr. Thornfield. The library is open to all who seek knowledge."
Sebastian chuckled, taking a seat across from her. "I've come to seek more than just knowledge today."
Evelyn's brow arched in curiosity. "And what might that be?"
Sebastian's gaze held a glint of mischief. "Your company, my lady."
Evelyn's cheeks flushed with a mixture of surprise and delight. "You need only ask, Mr. Thornfield. My company is yours."
As they settled into a comfortable silence, their fingers found each other's, a wordless reassurance of their connection. The library seemed to shrink around them, leaving only the two of them and the promise of their shared future.
Sebastian cleared his throat, his tone earnest. "Evelyn, there's something I wish to discuss with you."
Evelyn's eyes met his, a mixture of curiosity and anticipation in her gaze. "Go on."
Sebastian took a deep breath, his fingers tightening around hers. "I've given it a great deal of thought, and I believe it's time for us to take the next step."
Evelyn's heart raced, her mind racing to catch up with his words. "The next step?"
Sebastian's smile was gentle, his voice unwavering. "Yes. Evelyn Harrington, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
Evelyn's breath caught in her throat, her eyes welling with emotion. The weight of his words, the sincerity in his gaze, was overwhelming.
"Sebastian," she whispered, her voice filled with love, "you've already captured my heart. And yes, I would be honored to be your wife."
Sebastian's smile widened, his relief evident. "You've made me the happiest man in the world, Evelyn."
As their fingers intertwined, their hearts were united in a promise—a promise to embark on a new journey together, one that held the promise of a shared life, unwavering love, and a future built on trust and companionship.
In the heart of the Harrington library, amidst the pages of history and the whispers of the past, Evelyn and Sebastian embraced the beginning of a new chapter—one that was marked by the triumph of love over adversity and the power of two souls finding solace and happiness in each other's arms.