She studied him, her green eyes intense as she looked into his. “But I do,” she whispered, and the band tightened about his heart broke.
“I feared you’d only see me as a friend. That is why I never wished to kiss you again because you made me long for what would never be mine. We were friends, I was certain that when you returned to Sussex that I’d be left devastated. My heart shattered. Though not literally, or many people would have already died of such an occurrence.”
Emory chuckled and pulled her close. “You’ll marry me.”
“Are you lying about the conservatory?”
Emory placed a finger beneath her chin and drew close until their noses nearly touched. “Have we not always had honesty between us?”
“Yes.”
“Would I lie about something of such importance to you?”
Again, she studied, searching his eyes until she finally answered. “No.”
“Then it shall be yours. You can design it yourself, and the gardens if you wish. I would have you happy, Violet.”
“And I’d have you happy as well,” she murmured.
“My happiness is you by my side, as my friend, as my lover, and as my wife.”
She smiled. “I believe that would make me happy as well.”
Emory couldn’t wait to wed. There would be no crying of the banns, or a long wait, and as soon as he had the opportunity, he would obtain a Special License, as he didn’t want to wait any longer than necessary to make Violet his.
“We can return to kissing now.”
“I’d like that very much.” Emory chuckled and lowered his mouth to hers, only to be stopped by someone clearing their throat.
He glanced up to find Epworth standing at the entry.
“Violet, Grandmother requests your presence,” her brother announced then cast Emory a cool gaze. “I’ve sent word to my father to expect you momentarily.”
Emory knew that he must speak with His Grace, however, that didn’t mean he was prepared to do so.
“Shall we?” Violet asked.
“Yes.” He blew out a breath and prepared for the meeting to come.
Violet wantedto skip all the way to the manor house, and she never skipped. Nor had she ever felt so light, as if all burdens had been lifted from her being. She was simply happy, though Emory had grown tense. Did he regret his impulsive declaration?
“Is all well?”
“What is your father like?”
“You’ve not met him before?”
“Yes, I have. However, his disposition might change when one is discussing his daughter’s hand in marriage.”
“Father wants nothing more than for his daughters to wed, so it is likely he will be grateful.”
The butler and housekeeper were waiting just inside the entry when Violet and Emory arrived. She was directed to her grandmother’s favorite sitting room, and Emory was escorted to her father’s library. Poor Emory, he carried himself as if he were walking toward the gallows.
However, Violet had reason to believe that his request would be granted and made her way to where Grandmother was taking tea with Lucinda.
“Did you settle on a husband, Lucinda? Or did you manage to send them all away.” It had been Lucinda’s intention to do just that, and Violet would be forever grateful that she’d chosen Emory to leave first.
“I did not choose any of the lords father invited,” her sister answered.
