“Thank you, Emma.”
After a short embrace, Emma excused herself, casting a knowing look over her shoulder at her brother.
Grace stared at Alan for a moment. It was only the two of them. It felt odd, and yet there was nothing wrong with the situation. As her intended, she would be spending ample amounts of time alone with Alan.
“May I fix you a plate?” He gestured to the sideboard.
She nodded and he rushed to do her bidding as the footman helped her take her place at the table and poured her a cup of tea. With her pointer finger, she traced the scrolled carving on the edge of the table as she waited. The tiny action helped to calm the butterflies dancing around in her stomach.
Alan set a plate of kippers with buttered toast and eggs in front of her, then settled in his seat to her right.
“Thank you for the flowers,” she said. “They are beautiful.”
He lifted his teacup. “I had a little help.”
She gave a half laugh. “Yes, Prudence already claimed credit.”
The comment broke the unease that had permeated the air, making conversation more comfortable. Alan told her about the hothouse he’d sent to for the flowers and about his early morning ride. She relayed to him her interaction with Mr. Clayton, expressing how much she liked the older man. They talked of the nearby hamlet and some of his neighbors he thought she’d like to meet. Then the discussion turned to scheduling.
“How soon might the banns be read?” Grace asked.
Alan took a sip of his coffee. “Mr. Clayton already has his orders.”
She nodded. “I met him on his way out. All that is left then, is to contact the rector at Venworth.” Grace sucked in her breath. “I forgot to write to my mother.”
He chuckled. “Your brother sent word this morning after I met with him to obtain formal consent.”
She tipped her head. “Your morning has been far more productive than mine. If I am going to keep pace with you, it seems I will have to rise earlier.”
He slipped his hand over hers on the table. “Sleep is productive too. If I could have rested more, I would have.”
She turned her hand over and gripped his, her eyebrows pinched together. “Did you have a nightmare?”
He grinned. “Not this time. I was simply too excited to stay in bed.”
She smiled back, liking this lighter side of him. His expression intensified and the air in the room changed. He let go of her hand and trailed his fingers up her arm until they cupped her elbow. A pleasant tingle accompanied the touch, and she willingly leaned forward when he gave her arm a tiny tug.
His lips met hers over the corner of the table, soft and warm. He tasted like sweet jam and tea, two of her favorite things… three if she included him.
Someone cleared their throat, and they broke apart quickly.
Anthony stood at the door, his hand over Bradley’s eyes. With great theatrics, he removed his hand, but Bradley’s eyes were still firmly closed.
“Are they done yet?” He asked.
“I believe so, but one can never be certain with newly engaged people.” Anthony shook his head.
Grace laughed. “Stop it, you two. One would think you’d never seen anyone kiss before with all this tomfoolery.”
Anthony gave her a look of mock affront. “Don’t you know? Tomfoolery is what I do best.”
“I can attest to that,” Alan said.
Grace grinned at him. “As can I. Are you certain you want to marry into all this ridiculousness?”
He held up his teacup as if to give her a toast. “Too late. Emma has already done that for me.”
“Yes, but now you shall have twice as much.”
