“You’re not angry with me?” she asked, eyes wide.
“No, I am not. Now dry your eyes,” he said gently. “Or you will destroy me with your tears.” He smiled wryly. “It has done great damage to my pride to see you weep at my proposal.”
“Proposal?” Arianna gasped.
“I just declared my undying love. Of course I wish to marry you.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Give me the gift all other men could only hope to dream of... your heart.”
She smiled at him through lashes coated in fresh tears. “I cannot give that which you stole so long ago.”
The look in his eyes was something Arianna would carry with her forever. Of all the memories she had collected over the years, this was the one that would someday carry her from this world into the next, the light of love in Derrick’s eyes.
It was a love that ignited her heart and soul until she was a blazing fire of joy.
“Shall we go in and tell your parents?” he asked.
“Soon,” she laughed softly. “But first, let us finish our waltz.”
And so they danced, the snow swirling around them in the twilight.
Eight
Arianna bravely held Derrick’s hand as she entered the room where the guests still mingled near the fireplace. Freddie saw them first, and when his gaze dropped to their joined hands, he retrieved his quizzing glass and peered at them through it critically. He gave Arianna a wink, and she beamed back at him.
Freddie grabbed the attention of a footman and whispered something to him. The man rushed off and soon returned with a tray of champagne flutes.
“I believe a toast is in order!” Freddie announced. “Please take a glass.” He gestured to the tray the footman held, and everyone in the room took a flute. Then Freddie clinked a fork against his glass to recapture the attention of the houseguests.
“Yes, thank you, Poncenby.” Derrick nodded at him and pulled Arianna closer. “I am delighted to share the news that Arianna has agreed to be my wife.”
“Oh, thank heavens!” Martha exclaimed and then hugged her husband’s arm. “Is it not wonderful news, dear? They finally figured it out.”
Barrett smiled and came toward her and Derrick, holding out his hand. “I have been waiting a long time to call you my son... officially, that is.”
Arianna bit her lip to keep from crying as Derrick swallowed hard and shook her father’s hand.
“I am sorry it took me so long to do it, sir.”
“Nonsense, you are not too late. Just slightly delayed.”
Martha huffed. “If he had waited too much longer, I might have missed my opportunity for grandchildren.”
Arianna groaned. “Mama!”
“What? It is the truth, dear. Men can wait forever, but not ladies. Now, when would you like to marry?”
“In a week, if that suits you, Mrs. Asgil? It will give me time to procure a special license,” Derrick said and turned to Arianna. “Is that all right with you?”
She nodded, holding her breath in excitement. Only a week and she would be his.
“Good. Now that is settled.” Martha grinned. “Everyone drink up!”
“To Arianna and Derrick,” Freddie said, raising his glass.
“To Arianna and Derrick,” everyone chorused together.
Arianna gratefully sipped the champagne Pepper handed her and spent the next half hour hugging everyone in the room and discussing wedding plans. As Christmas Eve wound down, she caught Derrick’s eye across the room and gave a tilt of her head to indicate they should slip away. She left first, explaining that she would like to go to bed early. Fifteen minutes later, as she waited in her bedchamber, there was a knock upon the door, and Derrick slipped inside.
He closed the door behind him and leaned against it, his expression soft and gentle.
