“Perhaps I should show you why I came today,” Richmond said as he leaned closer to her.
Emma could barely draw a breath. The duke was finally going to kiss her. She’d waited so long for her first kiss, and she couldn’t imagine anyone she’d want more to claim her lips for the first time. Her body hummed with anticipation.
Richmond’s lips pressed against hers, and she became lost in the sensations of his exquisite kiss. She moaned, and he increased the pressure. His hand cradled her nape as he slanted his mouth over hers, deepening the kiss. Emma had never known such intense feelings, and when he ran his tongue over her lower lip, and she gasped at the sensation. He took advantage, his tongue sweeping into her mouth, tasting every inch of her. Her insides seemed to melt. She never wanted it to end and uttered a whimper of displeasure when he finally broke the kiss.
“Perhaps now you’ll understand why I’d like to be with you.”
“Your Grace, you’ve rendered me speechless.”
Richmond laughed. “Miss Bainbridge, I don’t think I’ve ever heard that from your lips before.”
Emma chuckled. “Doesn’thappen very often.”
“Before the rest of the family comes down for dinner, would you answer my question?”
“Your question?” Emma asked, confused. He hadn’t asked one, had he?
“Miss Bainbridge, you have to be the most exasperating woman I’ve ever met with all your questions.” He knelt in front of her and took her hand. “Emma, I don’t want to court you.”
“You don’t? I don’t understand. That kiss—”
“No courting. I know what I want, and it’s you. You’re the most extraordinary woman I’ve ever met, and I want to see your face every morning over breakfast and have you in my arms every night. I want to kiss you until we are both breathless. You’re everything to me, and I’ve fallen deeply and irrevocably in love with you.”
“You love me?”
“I do. Would you make me ever so happy and do me the honor of becoming my wife?” he asked, holding out a small box.
It was Emma’s turn to smile, and her eyes filled with tears of happiness. The man she adored and loved beyond measure wanted to be with her. Her dreams were coming true. “Oh, yes. I’d be most pleased to be your wife, Your Grace. You may have guessed that I love you too—more than I ever thought possible. When you left two weeks ago, I thought I’d never seeyou again, and it broke my heart. There was no joy left in my world. Nothing but a gaping hole where you used to be.”
Richmond wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I hope these are happy tears.”
Emma nodded, and he opened the box to reveal a ring of a center emerald surrounded by pearls. “I hope this pleases you. There are other rings available if you’d prefer something different. You may have your pick of the Richmond jewels.”
“Your Grace, it’s stunningly perfect. I adore it.”
The duke placed the ring on her finger before pulling her into his arms and kissing her again. This time, she wasn’t surprised by his ardor and melted against him, wanting more of his delicious kisses.
When he pulled away, he said, “I’m so sorry you ever thought I’d abandon you. I didn’t want to rush the proposal, especially not because I had to leave suddenly. You deserved the perfect proposal.”
“It was perfect, Your Grace.”
“Emma, do you think you could stop calling me Your Grace?”
“Your Grace?” she said with a mischievous smile.
“Minx. William is preferable, or Richmond at the very least.”
“Of course,Your— William, I mean.”
“I’d like to announce our betrothal at dinner. Would that please you?”
“That would please me greatly,” Emma said, throwing her arms around his neck. “I’ve never believed I could be so happy. You’re everything to me, and I never want to be without you.”
“If you’d like to enjoy a Season, we can marry in June. I’ll leave the decision up to you. I don’t want to deprive you of anything you desire.”
“Oh, William, I don’t want to wait that long. What I desire most is to be with you. The last two weeks were an absolute agony I don’t wish to repeat, and I certainly don’t want to wait months to marry.”
He tightened his hold on her. “I’m so pleased to hear that. Of course, you’ll be able to enjoy the Season as one of Charlotte’s chaperones.”
