“Not at all. I shall always choose you over cards.”
A becoming blush overspread her complexion. “I am pleased to hear it.”
We left the house and strolled upon the winding brick path.
“Our roses and chrysanthemums are thriving.” She gestured to the plants on either side of us. “Aunt Barton favoured them, and they are among the few flowers that bloom so late in the year.”
At her statement, I spared a look at the colourful bushes to our left and right. “They are lovely.” Although neither their vivid hues nor their floral redolence could compare to Elizabeth’s charms. I stopped short of uttering the thought, for I had already made my feelings for her plain. Or would that be a mistake? Maybe I ought to—
With pressure on my arm, she halted, prompting my own steps to cease. She moved to confront me. “Although my childhood was happy for the mostpart, I often lamented that, unless I married, I should remain a burden to the Bartons.”
My back stiffened. “I wish Mr. Barton had never given you the misconception of being penniless.”
She touched my upper arm, and a grin lit up her countenance. “But now, everything has changed. The funds that Uncle Gardiner invested for me are a gift far beyond their monetary value. Unlike most others of my sex, I may choose to live the life that best suits me.”
A snarl tangled my gut. Had she chosen to remain unmarried? Or maybe she desired a Season in town. Maddening images filled my head: Elizabeth dancing and laughing with other gentlemen.
“I need not bind myself to a husband for money, position, or property. If I chose to, I could marry a penniless man.”
Good God, I had lost her. She meant to reject me and find someone else, a man with whom she could fall in love. A burning sensation blurred my vision, and I fought to maintain an erect posture.
“But in a fortuitous twist of fate, the man who has stolen my heart happens to be wealthy.” Her hazel orbs glistened in the afternoon sunlight.
Every inch of me stilled. Could I have misunderstood her, or did she refer tome?
“It is high time I made my sentiments known to you. I love you utterly and completely and want nothing more than to spend my life with you.”
She loves me.Her declaration combined with her captivating beauty to place me in a dream-like, mute daze. I stepped closer and interlaced her hands with mine. An electric incandescence emanated from her and shot up my arms. My yearning for her defied the nagging voice in my head that cautioned me to heed propriety. Thus, I embraced her, savouring her entrancing form, so pliant and feminine. She lay her head in the crook of my neck. Her breath wafted over the skin below my ear in a most provocative manner.
“Elizabeth.” I swallowed, my voice husky. “I love you so very much.” I should have been content to remain in that beatific position indefinitely, but she stirred, inching back to peer at me.
“Forgive me for having made you wait. At the time of your proposal, I did not understand my own heart, though I do not doubt now that I already loved you then. I have wanted to reveal my sentiment since last week, but with all that has taken place, the time never seemed right.”
“You have no need to apologise.” My sight froze upon her rosy lips; did I suffer under a delusion, or did they beckon me? It would not do to rush her into an intimacy beyond her comfort, yet neither should I squander this opportunity. “My love, if you are agreeable, I am…I should like to—”
With a slight nod, she raised upon her toes and pressed her lips to mine. Never before had I been so effectively silenced and elated at once. Her grip tightened around my waist, her fingers pressing into me. I allowed my hands to slip under the fabric of her spencer and explore her back.
It occurred to me that I ought to keep this first kiss chaste lest I overwhelm her, yet she pressed further against me, leading me to dismiss the concern. Her touch, her fragrance, and her nearness had an exhilarating effect, whilst delivering a narcotic more effective than the finest and most potent of liquors.
Then my Elizabeth, the darling minx, drew my lower lip into her mouth in a gentle sucking motion. A faint groan escaped me as I waged an internal battle to maintain my self-control.
She started and drew back from me, tucking her chin. “Forgive me. I…I do not know why I did that.”
I raised my palm to cradle her cheek. “My love, you have done nothing except bring me enormous pleasure.”
Her gaze inched higher to meet mine. “Truly?”
“Yes. Moreover, I should never want you to be restrained with me, as long as we are alone.”
A sparkle illuminated her hazel eyes. “I had no notion that a kiss could affect one’s entire person, almost like tiny fireworks dashing through my veins. Even now, my senses are heightened, and my legs are weak and trembling.”
Her words had a bewitching effect upon me, so it took several moments for the gist of her last statement to spur my action. I took her hand and supported her lower back with my other arm. “Let us move to the bench.” I led her forwards, and we sat together.
“I have decided to travel to town with the Gardiners tomorrow and stay with them for the next few weeks.”
“Then Georgiana and I shall return to London on the morrow as well.”
“You need not depart so soon, especially on such short notice.”
