Today’s scene isn’t long.  I’m hoping to add another one tomorrow, but it also depends on how things go.  I have a writer’s group I’m going to tomorrow, and I’ll be gone all day.  So it depends on how things go tonight.  I’m working on the next scene in the story.  I’d like to finish it and post it tomorrow.  *fingers crossed*

Quick update from my last post:

1.  I’ll write the wedding night to “A Bride for Tom”.  However, I’m not exactly sure when.  I’ll keep you posted.

2.  Thanks to all the great ideas for how I can make my heroine scandalous in Perry’s book.  I’ll be thinking through my options on which direction to take the story over the next couple weeks.  I can’t get started on the story until I get Runaway Bride out.

Now for today’s post…

Okay, all that aside, here’s the scene where Kent Ashton makes his first attempt to court Ann.  (In Falling In Love With Her Husband, Ann pleads with her parents to meet Kent’s parents to give him a chance.  That took place after the second time her father refused to let Kent court her.)

“I’m afraid I can’t grant your request,” Mr. Statesman replied from where he sat in his chair.

Kent stared at Ann’s father, wondering what he said or did that upset the older gentleman.  But he couldn’t come up with anything.  Adjusting his tie, Kent sat up straighter in the chair, unwilling to leave the parlor until he got his next answer.  “Sir, if you don’t mind my asking, why do you deny me the privilege of courting your daughter?”

Mr. Statesman let out a long sigh.  “There are some things I can’t adequately explain.”

He furrowed his eyebrows.  “I’ve walked your daughter home from school for a month now, and I confess my admiration and respect for her.  She seems to share the same sentiment toward me.” He paused before continuing, “I’m aware that you are seeking a young man to court your daughter.  Why am I not suitable?”

Her father shook his head.  “These matters are complicated.”

“I don’t understand how complicated they can be when you were trying to arrange something with Alex Dawson’s father, and Ann has stated her disapproval of Alex many times.” As soon as he spoke the words, he wished he could take them back.  Ann had told him that in confidence.

He furrowed his eyebrows and lifted his chin.  “I don’t believe I have to explain what I do or don’t do to you.  The answer to your question is no.  You do not have my permission to court my daughter.”

Kent knew that was all he’d get from her father.  With a sigh, he rose from the chair and managed a stiff bow.  “Thank you for your time, Mr. Statesman.”

As he left Ann’s house, his face burned with anger.  If her father had just explained why he refused his request, then the sting wouldn’t be so great.  But there was no reason for it.  And the fact that Kent knew her father had said yes to so many other men and tried arranging something with other fathers added additional insult to the rejection.  What was wrong with him?  He’d taken care to be respectful when he talked to Ann, and he honestly cared for her.  So why had her father said no?  And was there anything he could do to get into her father’s good graces?