“I don’t expect you to.”
“You don’t?”
“Oh, Eve, one of the things I admire about you is that you don’t put up with, well, me. You are what makes me a better man. I can’t change everything about myself, but you remind me when I’ve gone too far.”
“You’ll ask my opinion?”
“If I don’t, I’m certain you’ll offer it anyway.” He grinned.
“I’m not one to demure and sit and stitch the day away, Lord…Henry, and if we are to be married, I’d like to continue in the roles I’ve been fulfilling.
“But you said you didn’t wish to be my maid or secretary.”
“That is when I believed that was all you wanted of me. However, as your wife, it is my duty to see to your care and comfort.”
“Oh, I like the sound of that very much,” he grinned.
“I shan’t be shunned from your masculine domain once we wed and sent up to the parlor to be a good wife?”
“Put such nonsense from your mind, Eve. I need you!” Henry rose from the seat and went to her, taking Eve’s hands in his. “As my wife and everything else. Don’t you understand, without you, the day doesn’t begin. Without you, I’m completely lost.” His grin widened. “Though I doubt we’ll be spending near the same amount of time in the library as we once did.”
Eve wasn’t so certain what he meant as there was a mischievous gleam in his grey eyes, but she dismissed it.
“However, I will not let you take advantage of me or assume what is good for you is also good for me. Do not make decisions on my behalf.”
“I’ll do my best to seek your opinion,” he assured her.
“I’d like to go places as well. The British Museum for one. Art museums would be another. I don’t want to be holed up for days on end.”
“Of course not. Further, I’ll be happy to attend Ascot each year.” Then he frowned. “Does that include balls and such?”
Eve laughed. “Only if your mother requires it of us.” An impish smile pulled at her lips. “Or, you decide you wish for me to spy.”
“And have to stand by while half of London’s bachelors escort you about the room and dance with you. I think not.”
It had never occurred to Eve that Henry could be jealous and she found quite a bit of joy at the very idea.
“Answer me, Eve. Will you marry me?”
All she could do was stare at him, her heart in her throat, with a smile that caused her face to ache.
“Eve?”
“Yes Henry, it would be my honor to be your wife.”
He blew out a sigh as his shoulders dropped.
“I can only hope that in time, you can come to love me as much as I love you. But, even if you don’t, I’m going to do everything in my power to win your love.”
“That won’t be necessary.” Eve assured him as she stepped into his arms. “I’ve been in love with you since before I left. It was part of the reason I did leave. I needed to protect my heart before it was taken from me for good.”
“Oh, Eve, we’ve both been fools, haven’t we?’
Tears dampened her eyes when she looked up at him. “Yes. It appears that we have been,” she answered right before his lips claimed hers.
Epilogue
Henry had wanted to marry immediately, of course. Once Eve had agreed, Henry feared that if they didn’t speak the vows immediately that she might change her mind. He was wise enough to realize that Eve was a gift and he was unworthy of her. Yet, he’d not let her go.
