“As assumptions go, you’re not wrong.”Pere lifted up her hands in surrender.“I mean, you’re simply putting the pieces together.It’s just, usually, the man does that part for you.Traditionally,” Pere added, still giggling.
Anna turned to Henley, utterly horrified as she realized she’d basically proposed to him, without once confirming his intentions.And gone one step further and told her parents.Good merciful Lord.
“I never meant—”
“Don’t take it back now; I’m enjoying this romantic moment.”Henley reached out and took both of her hands, tugging her closer, but not too close.
“I’ll talk with my parents… again.”
“No, I will talk with your parents, soon, and confirm and add to everything you said, or implied.”He leaned down to catch Anna’s eyes, as she was staring at her shoes, unable to face him in her embarrassment.
“Look at me, love,” he whispered softly.“You couldn’t have said or done anything more wonderful for me.Not because I don’t wish to tell your parents myself, but because of how deeply this speaks of your confidence in my affection for you.And…”
Anna met his gaze and searched the depths of his eyes, her thundering heartbeat slowing and finding rest and rhythm in his.
“For the record, I accept.”
Anna sighed and tugged a hand away to smack his shoulder.
Henley chuckled and tugged her still-held hand in as he wrapped her into a warm hug.Anna couldn’t resist melting into his embrace.
Pere cleared her throat.“Not that I object, but if anyone decides to walk on this path, they will have more questions than answers, and you’ll be speaking to more people than her parents.”
Henley sighed and, with slow reluctance, released her.“Soon,” he murmured, brushing a thumb over her knuckles, “I won’t have to let go.”
Anna’s smile was soft, private.“No.You won’t.”
They continued walking, the hush of the woods wrapping around them like a secret.Behind them, the path curved gently out of view—where Edwin, questions, and propriety no longer followed.
Anna lifted her chin toward the trees, her steps lighter than they’d been in weeks.
She didn’t look back.
Chapter Twenty-Three
As Henley tookthe hall toward the private parlor, he thought back over the afternoon’s events.His heart hammered with the power of love returned as he, for the hundredth time since this afternoon, thought over Anna’s actions.They spoke to him more than words ever could, and with that assurance of her affection, Henley paused in front of the doorway.His heart pounded with anticipation and the weight of the moments ahead.Speaking to her parents was the formality that gave power and action to the future ahead, the future of Anna as his wife.
He fully opened the slightly ajar door and bowed in greeting to the Duke and Duchess of Kinfield.“Your Grace, Your Grace,” he greeted formally.
“Lord Allendale,” the duke replied, nodding once, as Her Grace gave a small smile of welcome, of expectation.
Henley closed the door firmly and then turned to face his soon-to-be family, Lord willing.
The duke’s eyes assessed him, then he leaned forward in his seat and speared Henley with a direct gaze.“I understand you have something important to discuss.”
“Yes, sir.And I’d like to begin by apologizing.Not for my intentions—those are sincere—but for the fact that Anna had to speak them on my behalf before I could find the proper moment.”
The duchess covered her mouth but not before Henley noted a small grin, likely thinking of her daughter’s bold statements earlier.
“Continue,” the duke encouraged, arching a brow.
“It would be my greatest honor to request the hand of your daughter, Lady Anna.”Henley spoke clearly, the words echoing through his heart.
The duchess raised an eyebrow.“It was somewhat communicated this morning that your intentions were made clear to our daughter first, and I must say, it was rather unexpected.”
“I understand, but I hope that unexpected doesn’t not mean unwelcome.I wish, I need, to give you my full assurances that my affections, indeed my heart, has only been secured by one woman, and that is your daughter.It came as a surprise to her as well.”He gave a self-deprecating laugh as he remembered her expression when he first kissed her.“It would seem I’m not as transparent as I believe myself to be, so I was rather bold in my declaration for pursuing your daughter.She didn’t encourage me, nor did she discourage, and knowing her heart to be worth any risk, I sought after her love as the greatest gift.I will love and adore her my whole life, if you’ll give me the deep honor of her hand, Your Graces.”Henley waited, breathing slowly in and out, the moments stretching.
“You have our blessing, but we do have a few questions,” the duke answered, then shared a glance with his wife.
