Not that it mattered—whether the older man approved or not wouldn’t change Ash’s feelings for Fliss. But, for her sake, he knew she’d prefer to have her uncle’s blessing.
‘You can go straight in now, sir.’
The Captain’s voice permeated his thoughts as Ash straightened his hat, black with its red band, having swapped his usual combat attire for semi-formal dress for the meeting. Satisfied, Ash marched into the office, coming to attention in front of the General’s desk, where he saluted and stayed at attention.
He hadn’t done an Army meeting like this in a long time. And he hadn’t met a girl’s parents, ever. It seemed that Fliss’s effect on him was more far-reaching than even he had realised. He suppressed a grin, knowing the General wouldn’t be too impressed.
‘Colonel Stirling, twice in as many days?’ He quirked an eyebrow. ‘I have to admit I was rather surprised to see your name in my diary for today. Please, take a seat.’
Removing his hat in surprise, Ash sat in the indicated chair as the General called through to his ADC, ‘Captain, we’ll have that coffee now, please. And you may close the door as you leave.’
Ash couldn’t resist. ‘Is this because we brought the trophy home yesterday, General? I’m afraid this meeting is of a more personal nature.’
‘I rather thought it might be.’ The General nodded. ‘You’re dating my niece.’
Dating? Ash thought as the Captain came back in with the coffee. That was one word for it. Still at least that was one thing he could improve on.
‘I’d like to marry her.’
‘I see.’
A hush blanketed the room for several minutes as both men fell silent, punctuated only by the sound of the tea being poured and the clink of the spoons against the china cups.
‘Thank you.’ Ash came to, taking the proffered item.
The General crossed the room again, unhurried, deliberate, picking up his own cup and returning to sit down opposite Ash.
‘So, you want to marry Felicity?’
‘I do.’ Ash wasn’t intimidated. He’d held his own enough not to worry about a general, but he did respect the man. ‘I love Fliss. And I know that your blessing would mean a lot to her.’
‘And I’ve always had you pegged as an Army man through and through.’ The General’s voice was careful, as though he was holding back.
Unable to put his finger on it, Ash decided not to overanalyse and instead offered a rueful shrug. ‘I always had me pegged as an Army man through and through, General. But then I met Fliss.’
‘Do you think she loves you?’
Placing his cup and saucer down on the coffee table, the General rested his elbows on the arms of his chair and steepled his fingers in front of his face. A silent invitation.
With anyone else Ash might have felt riled. He might have decided to leave. But the General was a man he respected and, more than that, he was Fliss’s uncle. Ash was determined to do this right.
‘I know she does,’ Ash answered simply.
Another moment of silence.
‘I’d be inclined to agree with you.’
‘Sir?’
‘I heard about what happened with her mother, and that Felicity finally stood up to her. I can only assume that’s in no small part down to you.’
‘I just told her what I thought.’
‘Indeed. And I’m grateful. But that doesn’t mean I think you’re the right choice for my niece.’
The words swiped Ash’s legs out from under him.
‘Then you’re wrong,’ Ash asserted calmly. ‘I’m exactly the right choice for Fliss. Not some surgeon who’s more interested in advancing his own career than in Fliss advancing hers.’