Chapter 89

Isabella’s POV

"I will consider it, Your Highness," I said carefully, despite being moved by his sincerity, "King Henry's decree gives me three months to find a husband. I suspect he intends to designate someone specific to inherit the dukedom. If we were to enter a marriage of convenience, I doubt His Majesty would grant his approval."

Philip seemed taken aback by my interpretation, suggesting I didn't fully understand his brother's intentions. After a moment's contemplation, he made a calming gesture. "You needn't worry about that. I'll speak with my brother. His reason for wanting to designate an heir stems from his concern that you might find yourself bound to someone like William Beauchamp again - someone lacking in honor and loyalty."

When he mentioned William's name, I felt nothing stir in my heart. Yet I had to admit there was wisdom in Philip's words.

His Majesty would only consider their suitability as heirs, not whether they could make me happy or share a lifetime with me. It would be all too easy for him to make a poor match, forcing two incompatible souls together.

I set down my cup with a soft clink. "If we're to proceed with this... arrangement, I have a condition." His eyebrows rose slightly, but he nodded for me to continue. "Once we're married, there can be no... entanglements with other women. I won't have my family's name tarnished by scandal."

The change in his expression was subtle but unmistakable - a brightening of his eyes, a barely suppressed smile. He gripped the arms of his chair as if physically restraining himself from some more dramatic reaction. "I assure you," he said, his voice carefully controlled, "beyond my past... there is no one else who holds my interest."

"This past love of yours," I found myself asking, curiosity getting the better of me. "What happened?"

Philip's expression softened with remembered pain. "Before my last campaign in the Holy Land, I asked for her hand. Her mother refused the match - worried about her safety as a soldier's wife, I suppose. She married a merchant's son and moved east." He shook his head slightly. "I won't speak her name - she has a new life now, and I won't cast shadows on it with old stories."

I felt my estimation of him rise. How many men would protect a woman's reputation even after such rejection? "If more men thought as you do," I said quietly, "perhaps fewer women would need such protection."

"You haven't given me your answer," he said suddenly, his tone shifting to that of a commander expecting a report. The abrupt change startled a laugh from me.

"Yes," I replied, surprising myself with how easily the word came. "Yes, I'll marry you."

His face broke into an unreserved smile for the first time that evening. "Good. Then we should discuss arrangements. You'll manage the household, of course." His expression turned slightly apologetic. "My mother and sister will need to live with us. Mother can be... somewhat demanding in her tastes."

I caught the warning beneath his words and couldn't help but laugh. "You mean you need someone strong-willed enough to stand up to her without causing a scandal?" I asked dryly. "Someone who won't be crushed beneath her... exacting standards?"

"You've caught me out," he admitted, but his eyes held warm approval. "You see clearly, Isabella. It's one of your finest qualities."

I rose, and Philip followed suit. "We can discuss more details tomorrow," I said. "There's much to arrange."

After Prince Philip's departure, I watched the last traces of sunset fade from my window. The gravity of my decision settled over me like an evening mist. "Emma," I called softly, "please summon Thomas and Ladies Catherine and Anne."

Thomas entered first, followed by the two housekeepers. Emma poured fresh apple juice with trembling hands – she could sense the weight of the moment.

"I have accepted Prince Philip's proposal of marriage," I announced, watching their reactions carefully. The words hung in the air like frost.

Thomas's weathered face creased with concern. Lady Catherine's hand tightened on her chair, while Lady Anne's eyes widened in shock. The silence stretched between us, broken only by the soft crackle of candles.

"My lady," Thomas finally spoke, his voice carefully measured, "are you certain this is wise?"

I set my cup down with deliberate care. "This is not a matter of the heart, Thomas. It's an alliance, one that serves both our interests better than waiting for the King to choose someone for me."

"But the royal court..." Lady Catherine began delicately, her years of experience evident in her careful phrasing. "The customs there are... different from what you're accustomed to. Prince Philip, despite his current devotion..."

"You mean the likelihood of him taking mistresses," I cut in, my voice level. "Like William did."

Lady Catherine flinched at my directness. "We only wish to protect you from experiencing such pain again, my lady."

"William Beauchamp swore before my mother that he would remain faithful," I said, surprising myself with how little emotion the memory now stirred. I looked at each of their concerned faces in turn. "This is different. I'm not a naive girl anymore, believing in tales of eternal love. Prince Philip and I understand each other. We seek a partnership of mutual respect, nothing more."

"Lady Vivienne..." Thomas ventured carefully, referring to Philip's mother. "She's Queen Mary's sister. Her influence at court is considerable."

"And she's known for her... exacting standards," Lady Anne added diplomatically.

I couldn't help but smile slightly. "You mean she's impossible to please and will likely make my life difficult. I'm well aware. Prince Philip himself warned me."

"At least with the Prince," Thomas said slowly, "you won't face the uncertainties of taking in a lesser husband. Some might see such a man as an opportunity to gain power through you, much like..." He trailed off, but we all knew he meant William.

"Exactly," I agreed. "And those who have looked down on our family since father's death will think twice before showing disrespect to Prince Philip's wife." I paused, considering. "It's a better option than waiting to see who the King might choose."

Emma, who had been silent throughout, suddenly spoke up. "But will you be happy, my lady?"

The directness of her question caught me off guard. The others looked scandalized at her forwardness, but I appreciated her concern.

"Happiness," I said thoughtfully, "comes in many forms, Emma. I'll have purpose, protection for our people, and a husband who respects me enough to be honest about his expectations. That's more than many can claim."