Augusta stood as the others exited the room in groups until it was left with her and Benedict.
Calm yourself.She reminded herself when it was left with only them.
Benedict turned to her, his smile beautiful, lighting up his eyes in a way that made him appear younger and less worried about anything.
“I cannot believe we are soon to be married,” he said suddenly, still sporting his smile.
“I can,” she said breathlessly, her hand lifting to her chest. “My brother can be silly sometimes but there was no way he could have denied us the chance of getting married, especially not after he’d been so devastated when he found out I had no intention of getting married.”
Benedict laughed. “I suppose I hadn’t thought of that.”
He took her hand in his and held it up until he could see the ring on her finger. He kissed it softly. “You’ve been wearing it.”
“Of course, I have. Did you have any doubts that I would?”
“I hoped that you would but thought that you might not do so until your brother agreed to our marriage. I’m glad to see it on your finger. It looks beautiful on you, like it has found the right owner,” he said softly.
“I’m glad it is my finger that wears it.”
Benedict kissed her hand once again, pulling her closer to him. “I want to kiss you. I will not proceed if you wish me not to. You need only tell me and I will do whatever you ask.”
Her breath caught in her throat as he leaned in close. Her heart beat faster, her mouth drying out. Although the kiss in the garden had ended terribly, she wanted nothing more than to feel what she felt then again.
“Kiss me,” she whispered shyly, standing on her toes.
Benedict pressed his lips to her, groaning. His arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him until there was no space between them. She gasped at the feelings that burned in her. She ached for more of him.
The sound of footsteps heading in their direction reached her eyes and she pulled away from him, taking a seat as her chest heaved. She bit her lip, blushing just as her family returned.
“I trust you have had enough time to… talk,” Evan said. “I know you must hate to have a chaperone with you but I’m afraid that is how it has to be until you’re married.
“The Earl of Lowstones, my lord,” the butler announced before they speak.
Evan looked at Benedict. “Did you plan to have Lord Baker with you, Harris?”
“No, I actually didn’t know he would be coming,” Benedict said just as the Earl walked in.
“I apologize for my intrusion, however, I have come to speak with you, Lord Curtis. I would like to ask for Lady Nancy’s hand in marriage,” he said.
Evan clapped his hands dramatically as Nancy squealed. Augusta did not know whether to look at her excited sister or Evan who appeared to be ready for another round of his dramatics. She looked at Jane pleadingly but her sister-in-law simply laughed, clearly finding everything so amusing.
“Today really must be a day blessed by the heavens. I did not realize that I would be receiving two suitors for both of my sisters today. I dare say, this is one of my happiest days. I believe I will need the handkerchief for real this time if I am to be able to speak,” he said, stretching his hand out.
Jane rolled her eyes. “Perhaps you should speak and then we can consider getting you a handkerchief if you really do need one.”
“Splendid idea, my lovely wife,” he grinned at her.
Matthew stared at Benedict in confusion. Augusta felt sorry for him. He did not yet understand how dramatic Evan could be.
“Please, come have a seat,” Augusta said, putting him out of his misery. He took the chair next to Nancy and smiled at her, forgetting his momentary confusion.
“I can’t say I understood what just happened but I certainly hope my suit to marry Lady Nancy will be granted. I assure you, I will spend every moment of every day taking care of her and making sure that she lacks nothing,” Matthew tried again, this time his words were more than just seeking permission. He was a man in love and Augusta could see the honesty in her.
“Lord Baker, my sisters speak very highly of you and being that you are a friend to Harris over here, I do believe that on its own shows the kind of man that you are, so yes, you have my permission to marry my sister, if she will have you,” Evan said finally.
“I will,” Nancy shouted, her face heating up when everyone turned to her with a knowing look.
“I will,” she replied quieter.
