Hetty moved closer to Guy on the sofa. “My poor love.”
Guy placed an arm around her shoulders and drew her close. The muscles on his arms were hard with tension. Tears blinded her.
“It’s over, Hetty.” He cradled her face in his hands and wiped the tears from her cheeks with his thumb. “I’ve missed you,” he said quietly, and kissed her. “Will you be my wife?”
“Oh, Guy, yes. I love you.” her heart throbbed with love for him. She coiled her arms around his neck and kissed him. As he held her, Hetty stroked his hair and discovered a lump. She pulled away. “You’ve been hurt.”
Guy shrugged. “I’m lucky to have a hard head. Hopefully, I still have my wits.”
She leant her head against his shoulder. “It’s all over now.” She sighed with relief.
His arm tightened around her.
Hetty sat up. “Guy!”
His eyes widened. “What is it?”
“Your sister, Genevieve has arrived in London. We traveled together to Hampstead where you were last seen. She has taken a house in Portland Place.”
Guy grinned. “Genevieve is here?”
“As soon as I received your letter, I sent a servant to let her know you were safe.”
“Merci.” He sobered. “You and she went to Hampstead?”
Hetty wished he didn’t look so defeated and unlike himself. “We traveled in your sister’s opulent turquoise carriage,” she said with a smile. “The coach is lined with fine parquetry, paisley silk curtains, velvet upholstery, and gold carriage lamps. I’ve never seen the like!”
A smile tugged at his lips. “Genevieve is never without her comforts.”
“She was determined to find you.”
He drew away and stood. “I must go to her.”
“Of course, you must. I like her very much, so please tell her I hope we meet again very soon.”
“Tomorrow, I’d like to show you the Mayfair house which I found the day before Vincent…” Guy shook his head. “There might be a delay, Hetty.” He rubbed his hand over his nape. “I must consult with my solicitor and I must ask your father. After that, the banns must read. Reverend Dewhurst at St. Georges will advise us of a suitable date.”
“Oh, Guy.” Hetty gazed at him with longing. “I do so want to be with you.”
He pulled her into his arms and took her mouth in a kiss. “Tomorrow,” he promised, drawing away.
She touched his cheek still unsure, still unable to fully trust in their future and wondering why. “But is everything all right now?”
His eyes looked shadowed. He took her hand in his big one and kissed it. “Oui, mon cheri amour.”
After Guy left, Hetty told her aunt about the house.
Aunt Emily hesitated. “But I cannot go with you. I have an engagement with the poetry society.”
“That’s all right, Aunt. It’s no longer a false engagement. We are to marry.” Hetty paused, something still wasn’t right. His eyes were troubled. Was it because he mourned his brother?
“Well, of course you are to marry,” her aunt said with a laugh.
Hetty, about to leave the room swung around. “You knew?”
“I did. That first day. When I saw how he looked at you.”
“You don’t find it surprising that a baron should wish to marry a poor man’s daughter?”
