“Don’t youdare,” she warned. But she was smiling. “I think Annis and I must take you for our own—if only to protect the rest of our sex.”
“Hera...are you certain?”
“Well, first, you must get Annis’s approval.”
“Is she bribable, too?”
She drummed her fingers thoughtfully. “Shedoeshave a penchant for being rocked.”
“Then I will rock her as much as she wishes. I’m very good with children, you know.”
“I’ve heard that about you.” She patted his cheek. “But aren’t you getting ahead of yourself? You haven’t yet askedmethe question, have you?”
He glanced rather doubtfully at the floor. “Difficult to go down on one knee in a carriage.”
“Too arrogant? I under?—”
He whipped around and knelt on the carriage floor.
“Hurtheven! You’ll muddy your pantaloons.”
“I daresay I already have.” He grinned up at her. “Miss Hera Tyhee Bythesea, will you do me a great honor, and allow me to be your husband, a father to Annis and, of course, any and all of your future children?”
“On approval of Miss Annis, I willgladlyconsent to be your wife.”
She squealed as he pulled her off the bench and they both tumbled in a tangle onto the floor. “Pending the approval of Miss Annis, of course, when do you wish to wed?”
She frowned. “I’m not even sure what parish should post the banns!”
“Silly things, banns.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper.
“Godric! You bought a special license?”
“Yes.”
“And if I had refused?”
“My purchase would have gone to waste—and the poor Archbishop of Canterbury, or his secretary, would have researched for naught.”
Now, she was certain he’d wanted to marry her all along. “I might cry.”
“I seem to have left my handkerchief behind. You may use my shirt if you wish. It’s already been hopelessly creased.”
“I rather like you disheveled.”
“Then I shall do my best to be so more often.” He frowned. “I’m sorry, however. This isn’t the most romantic of proposals.”
“Oh yes,” she sniffed. “Yes, it is.”
The carriage slowed. “Oh dear! Do I look affright, too?”
“You, as always are a picture of perfection...”
“Lies.” She shook her head.
“And all I wish to be is presentable enough to meet your daughter.”
She ran her fingers through his hair. “There. Now, you are presentable enough to meetourdaughter.”
