“Of course I do, but I’d rather we never kissed again.”
At least she enjoyed kissing. “Why should we stop doing something we both enjoy?”
“It isn’t right.” Violet crossed her arms over her breasts.
“I disagree, as it feels nothing but right when you are in my arms.”
Emory drew her near once again and put his lips against hers, Violet softened and soon her arms relaxed, and her hands gripped his shoulders. As he deepened the kiss, she melded with him. He hadn’t imagined the heat and passion they shared in the gazebo.
“No,” she uttered as she pulled away and pressed the palms of her hands against his chest.
Emory let go and stepped away.
“You cannot do that again. Do you understand?”
“Why?”
“It’s not right.” She turned and stomped away, putting the settee between them, as if she were afraid to allow him to be close.
“I understand that you’ve had great experience in kissing, and I now understand why widows seek your attention. However, they are knowledgeable in what they are experiencing, whereas I am not. I’d not have you confuse me.”
He hated his past being thrown back at him. Yes, he’d been a rake. Yes, he’d kissed many women, and had done far more than kissing. But that was behind him. He wanted nobody but Violet. Even if she rejected him, Emory couldn’t imagine wanting anyone else, as they’d pale in comparison to her.
“How do my kisses confuse you?”
“They make me want more, if you must know, things that are not proper. I’ll not be another conquest for you, Lord Ferrard.” She notched her chin with determination and looked him in the eyes.
“I don’t wish for you to be another conquest, Violet. Never that.”
“Then why kiss me when our association is at an end, other than the friendship we share?”
“I want more than friendship.”
She stilled, her eyes growing wide. “How much more?”
“Violet Claxton, if you will have me, and His Grace grants my request, I’d like you to be my wife.”
She simply stood there, staring at him, mouth slightly agape.
Perhaps it was simply shock, as he was shocked, yet she’d just survived what would have been a traumatizing experience for most young women, and perhaps his proposal was too much.
Further, he’d forgotten that she had no wish to marry before being forced to do so. “I promise to build you a conservatory at Hawthorn Park, and I’ll even let you fill it with spiders, though I can’t promise to visit you there if you do.”
“Why?”
“I don’t like spiders.” Surely, she recalled his aversion to them.
“Why do you wish to marry me?”
Emory wasn’t good at confessing his emotions, but Violet needed to hear the words from him, or she might never agree. “You are the most unique, beautiful, and intelligent woman of my acquaintance. Moving forward, it will be difficult as my father’s condition worsens, and I’d have you by my side, as I may need to rely on the strength you possess, and your pragmatism would be comforting and well received.” These were not all the words in his heart, but he chose the ones that he believed she would accept the most. “Further, I desire you beyond reason, and I’ve fallen in love with you.” He said the words and nearly held his breath, fearful of her rejection.
The corners of her mouth quirked. “As many spiders as I wish?”
Bloody hell! Nothing about his confession of love, but she was more interested in spiders. He didn’t expect Violet to return his affection, but he hoped that perhaps he’d earn some part of her heart.
“If that is what it will take to win your hand.” He attempted to suppress a shudder and failed.
Violet left the safety of the back of the settee and walked around to stand before him. It was then that he noticed that her hands shook. They’d been steady on a gun aimed at Eardly, but it was him she feared? Emory took her hands in his. “I promise to try and make you happy Violet, and I hope that one day you can return my affection and love me as well.”
