Excerpt of The Lady's Disgrace by Callie Hutton

“What is going on here, Manchester?”

He looked up abruptly, obviously surprised to have his
thoughts interrupted. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, you asked your wife and mother to leave the room.
You’ve peppered me with questions about my church and the
school I hope to build. Then you talk about the
relationship between our families. I am wondering what it
is that you’re trying very hard not to say.”

“Yes, you’re right. I should just get on with it.”

Drake fidgeted with his pen, taking it out of the holder,
slipping it back in again. The man was obviously nervous.
Definitely not usual circumstances for Drake. Dare he hope
his childhood friend was about to suggest Joseph’s well-
hidden desire?

“What do you think of Abigail?”

“I think she’s a wonderful woman, and I am distressed at
her predicament.”

“Good. Because there’s something I want to ask you.”

Finally. His stomach in knots, he motioned with his hand
for Manchester to proceed. Trying very hard not to
anticipate Drake’s words, he held his breath.

Manchester leaned forward, his elbows on his desk. “Please
give serious consideration to my suggestion.”

“I’m listening.”

“I would like you to marry my sister.”

Joseph sat back, all the breath leaving his body.
Exhilaration mixed with shock. Despite what he’d hoped
Drake would say, he still would not have been any more
surprised if the man had jumped up, taken off all his
clothes, and dashed around the room spouting poetry.

Marry Abigail? The one woman he never thought would be his?