“And so you are trying to rescue me?”
“No.” His arm came to her waist. “I am actually trying to rescue myself. Dara, Iwantto marry you.”
Her first thought was that she wasn’t hearing him correctly, that she had imagined his confession. And then he did the one thing she had wished him to do from the moment he’d arrived—he kissed her, and all her protests over why he shouldn’t evaporated into the pleasure of having him hold her close.
It was as good as the night under the willow. Maybe better. She pressed her body against his. Her breasts felt full and tight. She reached her arms around him even as he bent to gather her closer—
The front door opened. Voices. She didn’t care. She never wanted this kiss to end. She could stay in his arms forever—
“Mr. Brogan?” Elise’s voice said happily. “Is that your horse outside?” The sound cut through the beating passion in Dara’s blood.
He had to have heard as well, and yet seemed as lost as Dara in their kiss.
Consequently, they didn’t break apart as quickly as they should have, even as Elise almost danced into the room with pleasure to see him and caught Dara in his arms.
Chapter Thirteen
Always be chaperoned when a gentleman comes to call.
The Rules (according to Dara)
And try not to be caught by one’s sister in the arms of the man she had hoped to marry.
Tweedie’s suggestion
Michael released Dara. He turned, shielding her with his body.
Dara would have happily hidden, except she wasn’t a coward. She came out to stand by him. Both her sisters stood in the doorway. Elise’s expression was almost comical for its shock. Gwendolyn stayed close to Elise as if ready to grab her if she charged forward or catch her if she collapsed.
Tweedie and Herald came hurrying as fast as they could to the sitting room and then stopped in the doorway.
Everyone seemed posed as if in some horribledramatic tableau until Tweedie brought them back to life with a soft “Oh, dear.”
The shock left Elise’s face, replaced by fury.“What is going on?”
Mr. Brogan’s gloved hand reached for Dara’s hand. “Please wish us happy. Dara is to be my wife.”
Elise doubled over as if in pain. Dara started to go to her, but Mr. Brogan held her back, warning her to stay beside him.
So it was Gwendolyn and Tweedie who attempted to calm Elise. Gwendolyn who whispered, “It will be all right.”
“How could she?” Elise demanded.
“There was no other choice,” Tweedie answered. “You must be practical.”
Gwendolyn faced Michael and Dara, her smile forced. “This is wonderful news—”
“No, it isn’t,”Elise announced, righting herself.
“My dear—” Tweedie started soothingly, only to have Elise shake her off and step away.
Every muscle in Elise appeared knotted tight. There was hurt in her expression, the pain of betrayal.
Mr. Brogan spoke, his tone carrying the weight of authority. “I ask you to be happy for us. We are going to marry within the week.”
Within the week? Startled, Dara looked up at him. “So soon?”
“It would be best,” he answered, half apologetically. “I’ll arrange a special license.”
