Demetrius took a deep breath, stared into her eyes, but said nothing.
“What is wrong?”
“Nothing…everything…”
“I do not understand.”
“I am not worthy of you,” he blurted out.
Lavinia frowned. What the devil was he talking about?
“I am a solicitor and you know my family history, but that has not stopped me from falling in love with you.”
The breath lodged in her throat.
“I was in love with you before we ever came to Seaford but kept my feelings to myself because you were above my reach. You still are and I have no right to profess my heart, but I needed you to know.”
All she could do was gape at him.
“Forgive me if I have overstepped. You are a lady, sister of a duke, and I have no right.” He took a step back. “I understand if you never want to speak of this again, but it was important to me that you know.”
Those were the words that she had wanted to hear. Had longed to hear, yet she was at a loss for what to say at what might be the most important moment in her life.
“Have a safe trip, Lavinia.”
He turned and walked away.
Where was he going?
He just said that he loved her and was walking away.
“Wait!”
He turned, a question in his warm brown eyes.
“Yes?”
Lavinia tried to speak but she could not for fear this was a dream, the one that she had wished for but that it wasn’t truly real.
“Lavinia?”
Words were not necessary. Instead, she ran to him and practically flung herself into his arms and kissed him. It was a long, deep, passionate kiss that she hoped he understood.
“If you keep this up, I will take you back to my cottage which will result in a delay in your travels.”
“I am not leaving.”
“You are expected back in London.”
“I am not leaving without you.”
He stared down into her eyes. “What we have shared cannot continue in London. Servants will speak and it could result in your reputation being damaged and reflect poorly on your sisters.”
“I do not care.”
“I cannot be only your lover, Lavinia. I love you too much.”
“And I love you.” Somehow, she managed to say the words.
