A smile illuminated his face, and she found herself focused on his silver eyes and then on an adorable, dimpled chin—something she had never noticed before. “You have the most adorable mouth,” she blurted. Her eyes widened with the realization of what she had said.
Without saying a word, he leaned in and placed his lips on hers. Slanting his lips, he explored her mouth, nibbling her bottom lip before moving to her neck, leaving her shoulders sagging against his.
Did I just swoon sitting at a table? Oh goodness! His kiss did that to me, but I don’t want him to stop.
A moment later, Michael stopped the kiss and straightened in the seat. At least she didn’t blurt her thoughts out,again. That was embarrassing. But never had anything, save a fever, made her limbs feel so weak. Nor had she ever felt so confused. Marriage terrified her, but the thought of not having this loving man was upsetting her.What is happening to me?
“I love kissing you, Belle,” he said, reaching into his waistcoat. “And I find myself eager to be with you when we are apart.” Michael withdrew a brown velvet box from an inside pocket and placed it on the table in front of her. “For you,” he said, nudging it an inch in her direction. “I arranged time to give you this before Mrs. Crustin comes back.”
Belle opened the box to behold the most beautiful amethyst ring she had ever seen. An oval-shaped amethyst embedded in a halo of diamonds stared back at her. Next to the gold ring lay a matching bracelet. “This is for me?” she whispered hoarsely. Her heart pounded beneath her ribcage.He means to make you his duchess,her mind screamed.
“It is. I wanted something fitting for the beautiful woman I am betrothed to, so I commissioned it for you. And I know you don’t take your necklace off.” Michael subtly indicated the necklace that held her brother’s picture. Gently, the back of his hand moved along the edge of her chin.
Butterflies swarmed her midsection. His words about her necklace cut through the anxiety that had claimed her upon the realization that the marriage was moving forward.
“But first I would like to ask a question of you.” Michael lifted the ring from the box and held it before her. “I’ve asked this before, but this time, my question comes from a place in my heart. I feel there could be no one more suited to me than you, Belle. Will you make me the happiest of men and marry me?”
Her eyes watered and she fought against the lump that threatened to overtake her throat. “Yes…I will marry you, Michael,” she said. This man was everything she had ever dreamed of having in a husband. Her husband—and this time, she knew she wanted it.
“Then I am truly the happiest of men. Allow us to seal this proposal with a kiss,” he whispered, gently covering her lips with his own.
She would be his duchess. Michael had remembered her necklace and didn’t wish jewels to compete with her heart. Something warmed in her chest, and she experienced that familiar tingling.
“This is beautiful, Michael,” she whispered in astonishment, staring at the ring on her finger. “I’ve never owned an amethyst. Mama has said many times the stone would complement my eyes—whatever that means.”
“That was my intention. You have the most glorious eyes, Belle,” he oozed, locking his gaze with hers. “And I understand your hesitation about our betrothal. I do. And I will do everything in my power to make things easier for you.”
“You did this for me?” she said, looking at the bracelet and ring. Her heart gave a twist in her chest. “They are so beautiful.”
The door opened and Mrs. Crustin bustled in with her husband trailing behind her. Belle watched in amazement as they brought in plates and platters of milk bread, lemon biscuits, fruits, and chocolate. “I didn’t mean to have you wait so long, but the rashers needed a little extra time. They are wonderful with syrup and go well with milk bread.”
“I’ve never heard that,” Belle said. “But I cannot wait to try it.”
“Well, that’s what we hoped to hear. I am so excited to try out our new combinations. And I made your favorite lemon biscuits, my lady,” Mrs. Crustin said excitedly. “The mister and I are hoping we can open a small bed-and-breakfast using the building across the street, so this wonderful opportunity you have given us came at the best time, Your Grace.”
When the Crustins returned to the kitchen, Belle stole a bite of the delicious meal, dipping the bread in the syrup. “Mmm. I had my doubts. Try yours. It’s delightful.”
Michael picked up his fork and took a bite of the milk bread. “With the syrup, it’s enjoyable. I believe our cook has served it with icing sugar, but surely, we can add the syrup,” he said, wiping his mouth and sitting back in his seat.
“You’d have made yourself sick!” Bella said, smiling.
“The mental image of that makes me laugh. What a way to go!” he said, making them both laugh.
“Which reminds me. With minimal prompting, Mother has changed the betrothal announcement from a party to a small dinner party with close friends. I hope that meets with your approval,” he said, twirling a piece of bacon in leftover syrup before popping it in his mouth. “Mmm. I highly recommend this, although manners would dictate, I spear it with a fork!”
At once, she felt the tension leave her shoulders, unsure whether it was his enthusiasm over the bacon dipped in syrup, the way he ate it, or the fact his mother had backed off the party. Maybe all three. She loved how relaxed she felt around him. Whatever it was, she could feel a level of tension leave her.He did that for her.
“Thank you, Michael.” She wanted to say more but chose not to. “I am terrified of crowds,” she said, finally. “So much so, I feel paralyzed. I cannot breathe, and I lose my focus,” she added before he could say anything.
“That’s severe,” he whispered. “I’ve seen something similar happen on the battlefield . . . I had not realized how . . . do you know what the cause is? You said it started as a child—after your twin disappeared.”
“It just happened, and I have learned to recognize the signs—heart beating in my throat, a tightness in my chest, an inability to breathe . . .” she began, allowing it to fade. “I avoid crowded events, or, if forced into one, withdraw into another room.” She stared at her plate for a moment. “My parents introduced me at one of their gatherings. I became so sick, with nowhere to hide, I passed out. My father railed at me over it. But neither of my parents understands. Only Garrett.”
“Did Marcus understand it?”
She contemplated his question. “I’ve never put this together, but you have probably guessed the origin of it. I have no memory of any episode before I lost my brother.”
Michael remained silent for a moment. “I have seen this on the battlefield, and until you described it, I had not realized the pure panic these men must have felt.” He shook his head in disbelief. “I’m understanding your fear of being my duchess.”
