Ann smiled down at him, expectation and love radiating from her green eyes.
Evan rubbed small circles on the backs of her hands. “Dearest Ann, you have captured my heart. Though we have known each other but a short time, reason is beyond me when I look at you. My heart beats your name. You occupy my every thought, and when I am near you, I feel like a youth mooning over the fairest maiden in the village. I cannot imagine my future without you in it. I want to protect you from every storm. Stand beside you in the good times and the bad, care for you, laugh with you, love you.” He kissed the backs of her hands, then met her gaze once more. “Lady Annabelle Lindlow, will you marry me?”
“Yes.” she dropped to her knees and captured his face between her hands. “Yes.” Ann pressed her lips to his and his heart overflowed with love.
He broke the kiss, resting his forehead against hers. “I will make you happy, Ann. I promise.”
“You already have.” She hugged him close. “Now let us return to the ball before we are discovered and our surprise ruined. I wish to enjoy the secret of our engagement for a few hours before we share our joy with everyone.”
“As you wish, Duchess.” He stood, then pulled her to her feet.
“When shall we make that title official?” She asked as she pivoted and wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
“As soon as you wish, sweeting. You have only to tell me what you desire, and I will make it happen.”
She pressed light kisses to his lips, then said, “Tomorrow shan’t be soon enough.”
He captured her mouth, giving her a deep, claiming kiss. “Then tomorrow it shall be. I will see to a special license at once.”
“I am counting on you, Your Grace,” she teased as she released him and started toward the door. “Do not disappoint me.”
Remembering the ring tucked into his pocket, he hurried after her. “Ann, wait.”
She turned back, curiosity burning in her eyes.
“I forgot this,” He said, pulling the box from his pocket and flipping the lid off.
Her face glowed with excitement as she tentatively reached for the gold band holding a large sapphire encircled by pearls.
Evan caught her hand. “Allow me,” he said.
She nodded, moisture gathering at the corners of her eyes. He slid her glove off, then placed the ring onto her third finger. “If you would rather, I can buy you an emerald to match your eyes.”
She shook her head. “Don’t be silly. This…” she looked at the ring, “… it is beautiful.”
“It pales compared to you.” He helped her put her glove back on covering the ring, then kissed her finger where the ring now hid. “Go now, before I change my mind and keep you right here.”
“Return in time for the waltz.” She pressed a kiss to his jaw, then strode away.
Evan moved to the sideboard then poured two fingers of brandy. He would enjoy the drink, then send one of his men to procure the special license. After he could return to the ballroom with none being the wiser.
Annie felt as though she floated into the ballroom on the wings of sparrows. She’d never been happier—never felt so complete—so right. Annie sought Gran and found her conversing with Eva. She went right over and hugged her grandmother without a care for who raised a brow. “Thank you, Gran.”
Gran smiled, a knowing glint in her gaze. “I take it he asked.”
Annie shook her head, barley able to contain her jubilation. “And I said yes.” She beamed.
“To the d-duke?” Eva asked.
“Yes.” Annie took Eva’s hands and squeezed. “The stone worked. He loves me and I love him back. We’re betrothed, and soon the world shall know it.”
“How wonderful.” Eva’s face brightened, a wide smile curving her lips. “I’m so happy for you, Annie.” She glanced around, then returned her attention to Annie. “We m-must tell Henrietta and Lilli.”
Gran placed her hand on Eva’s arm. “I believe the duke wishes to announce their engagement later in the evening.”
“Oh, yes. Around supper time.” Annie nodded. “I simply could not contain myself and since he asked Gran first, I knew I would not ruin any surprises by coming to her.” She felt her cheeks warm as she glanced at the entrance. She missed Evan already.
“Eva and I will not say a word until after the duke does,” Gran said, then flipped her fan open and began cooling herself.
