Lord Yardley was smiling at her.
“I could not hold myself back even for another moment.” His hand went cup her cheek, his thumb brushing the curve of her neck. “It feels as though we have stepped into a new day, where my only thought is of you.”
“I feel the very same.” Her hands remained about his neck, her fingers pushing themselves gently into his hair. “I am free. I have nothing to pull me back, nothing to tug me away from what I feel. I am able to see it, to recognize it, and to give it the awareness it deserves.”
Lord Yardley leaned down and kissed her cheek, his words whispered against her ear. “And can you tell me what it is you feel, my dear?”
Norah’s eyes fluttered closed, her toes curling deliciously. “I feel nothing but love, Yardley.”
“Love for me?”
Opening her eyes, she laughed at the teasing smile on his face. “Yes, indeed. I have never felt such emotion before. My first husband was not of my choosing and we did not spend a good deal of time in each other’s company. I was not eager to be with him, as I am with you. I was contented to avoid his conversations, but I can barely wait to hear what it is you are to say. In short, I find my heart is filled with a deep and growing love for you, my dearest Yardley.”
“Then I am sure it will come as no surprise to hear my heart shares such a sentiment, my dear.” His voice was low and soft, wrapping itself around her heart. “We have endured a great deal but the truth has never departed from me. I love you most ardently. I want you to marry me, so we might live as husband and wife together, for that, I am sure, will bring us both a happiness that we have never before shared.”
There was not even a momentary hesitation on her part. “I should like nothing more than to be your bride, Lord Yardley. Of course, I shall marry you.”
He began to lower his head to kiss her again, only to pull back suddenly. “What of Mrs. Fullerton?”
Norah laughed, her hands reaching around so she might cup his face. “I think she has written her last piece, Lord Yardley.”
Smiling, he tugged her a little more closely. “I am very glad to hear it,” he whispered, before dropping his head to kiss her once more.
