Luther's ankle quickly healed, and he began to exhibit the lively traits of youth. He enjoyed hiking, horseback riding, and hunting. When it came to card games and conversations with the gentlemen, he was less enthusiastic but maintained a polite demeanor, simply not engaging much.
Everyone liked him, especially the ladies.
He moved like a nimble stag, exuding youth and vitality, injecting new energy into Hild Estate. Mike watched as various women cast flirtatious glances at Luther, even the maids served him with twinkling eyes.
Such a likable young man with enough wealth, Mike believed, could bring happiness to Jennifer.
However, Luther seemed to be closer to Vivian. They often rode and talked together, avoiding Andrew, who could only visit in the afternoons or evenings.
Jennifer frequently brought books to Mike, asking about various topics. Mike was happy to help his niece but also hoped she would find a suitable marriage partner. Their relationship was close enough that Mike could directly inquire about Jennifer's thoughts without being considered rude.
"My dear Uncle Mike, Luther is indeed an excellent young man," Jennifer said.
Mike asked, "Is he excellent enough to win Miss Hild's heart?"
Jennifer laughed. "He has, but not mine." She winked mischievously and added, "Uncle Mike, I know you're worried about me. But is marriage the only path for a lady?"
"I've seen my parents' marriage and others'. Young ladies marrying old widowers for money, young men bedding wealthy, obese noblewomen for the same reason. They marry to produce heirs or enjoy each other's looks or wealth. What's the point in that?"
Mike felt troubled by her words. As a baron's daughter, Jennifer had witnessed many ugly realities, and her reading had made such marriages unacceptable to her.
She was just like him when he was young.
"But Luther is young, handsome, and wealthy. Jennifer, does he not move you?"
Jennifer remained calm. "Though I am a baron's daughter, I lack a substantial dowry and exceptional beauty. Luther, a gentleman like him, would not marry a lady like me. Even if he would, his family would not agree."
In this era, ladies were expected to have a melodious voice, elegant manners, to play piano, dance, and know several languages and basic literacy.
However, they were not required to have sharp minds, which were often questioned or even despised.
Mike felt proud of Jennifer's intelligence but also a bit worried. If he were wealthy enough, he would gladly give Jennifer five thousand pounds as a dowry, ensuring she could marry the most suitable man—handsome, wealthy, and appreciative of her talents.
But he could only buy her a few books and a dress.
"Alright, my dear niece, you know I wish you happiness," Mike said, spreading his hands helplessly, thinking that if Jennifer couldn't find a suitable partner, he would take care of her for life.
Jennifer laughed happily and raised the book in her hand. "Explain this part to me, dear Uncle."
Mike stayed at Hild Estate for over half a month before preparing to return home. Susan's health was good, her pregnancy reactions were diminishing, and Rotherham Estate needed his attention. He promised Susan to return if she needed him and prepared to leave.
On his last night, Luther mentioned wanting to visit Rotherham Estate if possible. According to social norms, Mike should have extended an invitation, but he didn't and changed the subject.
He sipped his wine, gazing at the moonlight outside, feeling a deep sense of tranquility.
Luther, like a beam of light or a breath of fresh air in his life, could not be retained but was enough to make Mike feel grateful and delighted.
His eyes were on the window, so he didn't notice the way Luther looked at him.
However, less than ten days after returning, Susan sent someone to call him back to Hild Estate. The messenger couldn't specify the reason. Worried, Mike hastily packed and rushed over.
"Oh, Mike," the baroness sighed, clutching her cousin's hand. "Luther is leaving the estate."
Mike was surprised. "Where is he going?"
"He said there's family business in Paris. I thought he was just a local squire's son, but he has ties to Paris!" Susan said anxiously. Compared to Paris, their town was practically rural. If Luther left, he might never return.
She pleaded with Mike, "Dear cousin, I have no other recourse. Didn't you study in Paris once? Could you accompany Luther and visit old friends?"
Mike had indeed studied in Paris as a young man and had a youthful romance there. However, it ended disastrously; within six months, he had to drop out and return home after being discovered. This matter was kept tightly under wraps; only his deceased father and brother knew. Even Susan thought he had returned home due to health issues, as his physical and mental state was quite poor then.
Mike hadn't been to Paris in over a decade. He had no title and no business there. Although he had some friends, they hadn't kept in touch. Susan's request left Mike in a dilemma.
"Let me think about it, madam," Mike said.
At dinner, the baroness deliberately seated Luther and Jennifer together. As the lady of the house, Susan controlled the rhythm of conversations at the table, making everyone switch partners with her turns. She purposely engaged the person on her right in conversation, forcing Jennifer to talk with Luther for an extended period. When it became somewhat improper, Susan turned to her left, allowing Jennifer to converse with someone else.
On Luther's other side was Mike.
Mike had decided not to focus on Luther anymore, but when Luther leaned in, he still felt a bit shaken. So he spoke first. "I heard you're leaving for Paris soon."
Luther replied, "Yes, Mr. Rotherham. My family elders require me to go back."
Mike was about to ask if he would return but then saw Luther looking at him. They were so close that Mike could see his reflection in Luther's blue eyes.
Then he heard Luther say, "Mr. Rotherham, I've proposed to Miss Jennifer."
Mike's knife and fork screeched against his plate.
Everyone fell silent. Susan glanced at Mike questioningly. Mike hastily raised his glass to signal all was well.
"Oh, young man," Mike said quietly to Luther, "congratulations."
Luther smiled at Mike, his teeth white, his eyes bright.
"Your congratulations mean the world to me."