He chuckled. “Yes, I am. In fact, I have a number of flaws.”
Eve pursed her lips as she drew her eyebrows together in confusion.
“I readily admit that I’m an imperfect gentleman.”
This time she narrowed her eyes as if she didn’t trust him.
Henry couldn’t blame her, of course, but he needed to make Eve understand. It was now or never and by the end of this meeting, he’d know if she was lost to him forever.
“Eve, I’ve never in my life had such a difficult time expressing my thoughts. That is what you do to me.”
She bit her upper lip as if she was trying to keep from smiling.
She was enjoying this. She had the upper hand whether she realized it or not.
“I am a gentleman, a scholar. I study when I’m not teaching and my favorite outing is to the Antiquities Society. I’m not one for balls and picnics and teas, and frankly, other than my housekeeper and maid, I never thought to have any other type of woman in my household until it became necessary.”
“Necessary?”
“Since I inherited and became an earl, my mother has continued to remind me that I have a duty.”
“Oh.” She nodded.
“Obviously, as I’m only seven and twenty, I assumed I had several years until a woman was underfoot and disturbing my life.”
“That woman is gone and won’t beunderfootany longer, Lord Kilsyth.” Her terse tone took him back for a moment.
“Blast!” he pushed his fingers through his hair in frustration. “I’m going about this all wrong.”
“Why don’t you say it plainly, Lord Kilsyth? It is your forte, not to palliate or offer flowery speeches.”
He was doing this wrong, in that Eve was right.
“Very well.” He stepped forward and took her hands in his. “What I’m trying to tell you, Eve, is that in the madness of teaching you to speak properly, and coming to know you, I also lost my heart.”
Her mouth popped open as her eyes widened.
“I’m not very good at showing it and I certainly have no practice in voicing my emotions. Opinions yes, but not emotions. So, there you have it.”
“Have it?” she questioned.
“Have I not been clear?”
“I’m not certain.” she answered slowly.
Of course, he’d have to say the words. “Eve Doyle, I am quite in love with you and I don’t wish to live without you.”
* * *
In love with her?
Eve’s heart soared.
“However, Eve, I’m a difficult man.”
“I know,” she agreed without thought even as a smile pulled at her lips.
“I can’t promise to always treat you softly, though I’ll try. That I can promise, but I’m often unaware of how my tone might sound to another. My thoughts are scattered, and at other times focused.”
