“Father will be pleased,” she said when their kiss ended and she began to think clearly again.
“I hope he will.”
“You don’t know how much. Jason was an ancient Greek hero.The Argonauts. Think how well you will fit into the family.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “Does that mean that our children will all be called after ancient Greeks?”
“I’m afraid it will be expected. I don’t care for some of them either.” She grinned. “It has become a family tradition, which I felt you should be warned about. You don’t want to change your mind?”
“No, but I draw the line at Aeson or Iolcos,” he said huskily. He kissed her lingeringly again.
Her pulse raced. She still couldn’t believe it. Was Lawley really dead? “Why do you want to marry me?”
“Why?” He paused. “Apart from the fact that my breath catches in my throat every time I see you?”
She breathed deeply, trying not to cry. He had that same effect on her.
“The first time I met you, I was struck with how unselfishly you cared for others. It’s time someone took care of you, my love. And made things right. I want to give you the kind of life you were meant to live. I can’t claim it’s entirely unselfish of me. I hope you will lavish some of that love and affection you have for your family on me.”
“I want to, Jason,” she choked on the words. “Very much. I love you so. I think I always did.”
His mouth curved with tenderness. “No, my love. Not at first. You were distrustful and suspicious of me.”
“Well, yes, that’s true. But even so, I wanted you.”
Jason’s green eyes, raw with need, locked with hers. “Just how muchdoyou want me?”
“This much.” She kissed him with a passion she never believed herself capable of.
“Peyton?” A young voice came from the door.
They broke apart as Toby shuffled forward, yawning behind his hand. He eyed Helen with surprise, which faded as he addressed Jason. “You promised to introduce me to Mr. Nash, Peyton. He’s here tonight, you know.”
***
In the ballroom, Jason cast a possessive glance at Helen, slender and seemingly fragile in her lilac gown. He knew that to be deceiving. She was brave, capable, and strong. She’d spoken very fondly of Cherrywood and her dog, Bertie. He hoped she would come to love Peyton Grove.
At the news, Lady Kinsey, elegant in a gold turban and flowing bronze silk, cried and begged a handkerchief from her husband.
Lord Kinsey shook Jason’s hand. “Congratulations, Peyton. I knew immediately that you were the man for Helen. I’m delighted you were able to convince her of it.” He kissed Helen on both cheeks. “I see I shall have to manage without you on my travels, my dear.”
Jason could detect little disappointment behind Kinsey’s words and suspected he hadn’t wanted the distraction of a vulnerable young woman while he delved into the mysteries of the East.
“I would prefer us to marry soon.” Jason smiled at his fiancée. “But Helen feels we should wait until the Season ends, don’t you, my love? To offer our support to Diana.”
“That might be prudent. A hasty marriage causes gossip,” Lady Kinsey said. “And heaven knows we’ve suffered enough of that.”
“And will no doubt suffer more of it,” Kinsey said. “Our children tend to thumb their noses at etiquette.” They followed his gaze to where Diana stood laughing with several young men grouped around her. “Let the gossipers say what they like. Time takes care of that nonsense. I can see how well Diana handles the young beaux. She is a force to be reckoned with. And Helen has spent her whole life supporting others. It is time she considered her own needs.”
Kinsey’s jovial expression slid into a wry grin. “But I advise you to lend a word of advice to your brother. That’s a match I won’t condone. He’s still wet behind the ears.”
Jason laughed. “Charlie is about to return to Oxford. In a year, he will take the grand tour. It will be several years before he is able to court Diana.”
“Mm. But the Peytons seem a determined lot,” Kinsey said. “I expect your brother will turn up again, although I’m not sure Diana will be waiting. Several other gentlemen here tonight have a similar idea.”
“I’m sure they do,” Jason agreed. “But Charlie is the only young beau Lady Diana has favored with two dances.”
Kinsey chuckled. “I believe you are right. But come, we’ll announce the engagement before the next dance is called.”
