He rose up on his side so their faces were close enough to kiss. Her breath caught in her throat. She heard him chuckle as she playfully pushed him away. She lay on her back and stared up to the ceiling, smiling.
‘. . . and the way you groan.’
Her smile broadened. ‘You can stop now.’
‘And that little gasp when . . .’
Evelyn reached for her chemise and pulled it over her face to hide her blushes. ‘I’m not talking to you.’
‘And I love the way you make me feel thatanythingis possible.’
Evelyn refused to come out of her hiding place. He was teasing her, baiting her to ask what he meant. Evelyn’s lips tightened.
‘And that I candoanything.’ His voice was sombre, with an edge that unnerved her.
‘Like what?’ she asked.
‘Speak to your father.’
Evelyn dragged the chemise from her face and looked at him. His expression was serious, with no hint of teasing in his eyes.
‘What are you going to speak to him about?’
‘I’ve made love to his daughter. I have betrayed him and if I do not ask for your hand, I will be betraying you too.’
Evelyn’s throat grew dry as her words tumbled out in a breathless rush. ‘He will never grant it.’
‘I have to try.’
‘He has plans for me. Mawgan—’
‘Do you love Mawgan? If you do I will step aside.’
‘I would not be here if I loved him, although I do not dislike him.’
‘But you do notlovehim and he does not love you.’
‘You do not know him to know what he feels.’
‘Do you want to marry him?’
‘It is what Father wants.’
‘And you?’
‘No. And Mawgan would not want me either, if he learns about us.’
‘Then it is settled. I will speak with him.’
‘I don’t want Father to know that I came here tonight.’
‘I am asking for his permission, not to spread idle gossip.’
‘He will refuse to give it.’
Drake did not answer. She knew what he was thinking. What titled man would want their daughter to marry a gardener? Evelyn leaned down to kiss his hand. His skin was warm, with a fine dusting of hair. She felt him gently stroke her hair.
‘When Nicholas died everything was thrown into turmoil. My father wants Carrack Estate to remain in the Pendragon family. I am his only surviving child. If I marry you my name will change. Mawgan has the Pendragon name. By marrying Mawgan, Carrack House and all its land will continue to be owned by Pendragons. He will feel that I have let him down again.’
