She swallowed. “It is. More than anything else in the world..” She wanted the opportunity to try again, at the very least.
George blinked a few times. “I would like nothing more than to have a son or daughter with your brown eyes and lovely brown hair—or two. I have no need for an heir, but I would like to become a father.”
His answer surprised her. At last, he had answered the question that had haunted her for days now, and she wasn’t sure how to feel.
He wanted children.
He leaned forward then and dropped a featherlight kiss near her ear. “I look forward to creating that child with you, as well.” His breath was warm as it caressed her skin.
It did not make her shiver. It did not make her want to lean in and press her mouth against his. But he was a kind and respectable gentleman and he wanted to marry her, and hewanted to build a family with her. Last spring, when she’d decided that she might marry again, these had been her primary requirements.
“You could return to London with me, instead of remaining here for the holidays. We could have the banns read at St. George. We should not wait, Margaret.” The warmth in his eyes left no mistaking why.
She nodded. “I do want children, George. I am not greedy. I would be ecstatic to be blessed with even one. But I…” Her eyes stung. “I feel it only fair to tell you that I lost one child four years ago. I am not sure that I am able. But I want to try again. I want another chance.”
He squeezed her hand again. “Then we must begin trying as soon as possible, would you not agree?”
This was what she had wanted all along. She turned again to stare as little Louella Miracle wobbled and dropped onto her bottom. Penelope scooped her daughter off of the ground and pretended to dance with her. The little girl giggled when Penelope placed a kiss on her chubby baby neck.
“Will you marry me still and forgive me for the announcement last night? And shall we return to London together when the party is over?” George asked again.
Margaret nodded. “I will marry you, George, and of course, I forgive you. I would only ask that you consult me in the future when making a decision that affects both of us.” She dropped her gaze to their hands and an uncomfortable sensation tugged at her as she studied the finger that was slightly red and swollen. “I will consider changing my plans and give you an answer tomorrow.”
“But of course.” He leaned forward and this time, pressed his lips against hers. He smiled then. “And you have my promise that I will not share our decision with another living soul until you are entirely comfortable with it.”
He was being sweet. His behavior was what she’d expected from him after she’d first accepted his proposal.
But she had been reluctant to make an announcement at the time.
“The craft looks to be free in a moment. Shall we take our turn, Margaret dear?”
She was going to get exactly what she wanted. She was going to marry George and they were going to try to have a child together. It was exactly what she had wanted.
She smiled brightly at him. “That sounds lovely.”
He assisted her to her feet and led her toward the shore where Sebastian was assisting Miss Crouch onto dry land. The young woman was flushed and smiling while her companion smiled indulgently.
“Now that you have proven the vessel is worthy, would you mind if I hijacked it from you, nephew, in order to treat my intended?”
If Margaret had not spent time with Sebastian recently, she might have not recognized the quick frown that furrowed his brows.
“I am happy to relinquish it.” And then, using a handkerchief, wiped a few drops of water from the passenger seat. He met Margaret’s gaze. “I trust you are enjoying yourself today, Lady Asherton?”
Her breath caught. He looked inordinately handsome this afternoon in only his waistcoat and shirtsleeves. “I am. Congratulations on your second-place finish, in the races.” It had been a competitive competition, until the end.
“Well, I could hardly steal the victory from my host and hostess.” His chagrin drew an unlikely giggle from her. Each entrant had been required to row a passenger. Whereas Penelope had encouraged Hugh loudly, Lord Rockingham’s partner, Miss Drake, had dropped a glove in the water and demanded he row back so that she could retrieve it.
“You must choose your partner more wisely, in the future.”
“Shouldn’t we all?” he rejoined. But his smile did not match the look in his eyes. He stepped away from the boat. “Enjoy your excursion.”
13
Loyalties
“Inever had a chance to offer my congratulations,” Sebastian said as he joined his uncle. George was standing to the side of where Maggie and Lady Danbury were playing with the children who had intentionally been included in today’s excursion. Their nannies were currently sitting separately from the guests, presumably to take their lunch uninterrupted.
“I’ll not be satisfied until this marriage business is tied up.” His uncle watched the ladies with a frown, which he quickly twisted into a smile when Lady Asherton glanced over at them.
