He stepped backward in disbelief and trepidation. “What else did you do?”
“It’s what I cannot do,” she burst out. Her face filled with agony. “I can draw, but I cannot read. Not easily, that is. The letters just dance and blur… I would be an embarrassment by your side.”
Relief washed over him.
“I’m not hiring you to be my temporary companion, daft woman.” He grabbed her shoulders so that she would meet his eyes. “I am asking you to be my wife.”
“Even if my brain doesn’t work like it should?” she asked doubtfully.
“I fell in love with your mind exactly how it is.” He dropped to one knee. “Will you let me prove it by taking my hand in marriage?”
“Yes.” She melted into his embrace with a choking laugh. “Yes.”
Chapter 28
Four months later
From the familiar safety and anonymity of a ballroom’s rear shadows, Nora stared out at the busy dance floor before her. She had not been able to shake a bewildered sense of unreality. Nonetheless, the proof was right before her eyes:
This cozy soirée was forher.
She had been married for less than two months, and already her wildest dreams had been exceeded. Her life was perfect.Heathwas perfect. And the dozen people who had responded so enthusiastically to a dinner invitation in her new home—
“There you are, my love!” Heath pulled her from the shadows and swung her to the dance floor beneath a crystal chandelier. His voice was teasing. “No wallflowering allowed when you’re the belle of the ball.”
It stole her breath to whirl amongst what had become a small, but treasured circle of friends. Lord and Lady Wainwright, Dahlia and Simon Spaulding, Bryony Grenville and her latest lovesick suitor. Nora made a mental note to prod her about it later.
Even the row reserved for Society dames was filled with friendly faces. Lady Grenville, of course. Lady Roundtree, whose kindness and loyalty had never wavered. Even Lady Pettibone, who might breathe fire at others but had chosen to give Nora her blessing.
Far more important than the rulers of thehaut tonwas the elderly couple seated in the very same row as the important ladies.
Nora’s grandparents had made their first journey in order to attend the wedding. They’d had such fun in Town that talking them into a second visit had been no hardship. Grandmother and Grandfather had been delighted to learn that Nora and Heath would build a country home near the farm and come for long visits every single year.
Lady Roundtree had even agreed to allow Captain Pugboat to accompany Nora on such trips. A romp amongst rolling green hills was the perfect holiday for any growing pup.
As far as Nora’s brother…
Carter was paying far more attention to the refreshment table than the other guests, but that was entirely her fault. She’d had the kitchen stock the buffet with her family’s favorite treats and a few new ones she’d been certain would prove irresistible.
“Is this really happening?” she asked her husband as he swept her into her favorite waltz. “Can one person truly be this lucky?”
His eyes shone with love. “Twopeople can.”
He was right.
The rest of their lives would be filled with beauty.
Epilogue
Despite the eager queue stretching around the block, Heath could not help shifting his weight in nervousness.
Today was the grand opening of his gallery. It had taken months to select just the right pieces and arrange them in just the right order. At least, he hoped he’d achieved the magic he wished to convey.
He had put Nora’s work in the north salon, exciting canvases from a young Welsh painter in the east salon, stunning sculptures from a Scottish talent in the west salon, and a breathtaking sequence by a Cornwall-based artist in the south salon.
He hoped the steady river of patrons found as much joy in the carefully chosen selection as Heath had experienced whilst discovering it.
Nora squeezed his hand as the next dozen patrons streamed through the door. “Already a success, I see. I knew it would be.”
