“She does indeed.”
“Then why would she want to marry?”
He shrugged. “She told me she was tired of all of the men in her life, and she wanted just one. Because we had parted friends, she chose to ask me.” He hooked her hand around his elbow, pulling her closer as they slowly moved toward the manor. “She’d heard of my situation and that I was low on funds, and so her proposal was similar to yours.” He smiled at Ellie. “It shocked her when I told her that I couldn’t possibly marry her because I was going to marry you.”
Ellie hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath until she released the air in one big gush between her teeth. Happiness danced in her chest. “You did?”
“Yes. After all, in a few days it won’t be a secret any longer. Correct?”
“My father will make the announcement soon.” She stopped and rested her hands on his chest. “Vincent, tell me why you have had a sudden change of mind about me.”
His eyes widened. “Why would you think that? You know I enjoy spending time with you.”
“True, but I also know you were not looking forward to our wedding.”
“Haveyouhad a change of mind about our wedding?” He stroked her cheek. “Because a woman who kisses so passionately, and doesn’t want to stop, tells me that she’s eager for more intimacy.”
Heat flamed inside her, and she lightly chuckled. “If I admit it, will you?”
He took her hands and brought them to his mouth as he brushed his lips over her knuckles. “Youdowant to marry me, don’t you? And not because you don’t want your father to betroth you to Edgar Stone.”
She laughed loudly. “Well, Augusta’s nephew was certainly my main motivation, but I’ll admit that after kissing you a few times, I’m looking forward to life as your wife.”
His smile relaxed, and he placed his lips on her hand, keeping them there longer than before. “And I’m looking forward to sharing many passionate nights with you.”
Oh heavens!He had planted the thought inside her head, and now she was going to think about that until they were wed. This man, who always had seduction on his mind, knew exactly what he was saying, and he probably knew exactly what kind of reaction she would have.
Their wedding couldn’t get here soon enough.
Chapter Eight
Vincent lay inbed on his back with his arms crossed behind his head, as he stared up at the ceiling. He’d had this ridiculous smile on his face ever since kissing Ellie at the Berkleys’ dinner social. He hadn’t been able to get her off his mind. Sleep wasn’t his companion of late. Instead, images of Ellie that filled his head, keeping him in an alternate dream world.
Strange that he would feel this way, especially since her actions before the meal had served to upset him. But afterward…
He grinned. If he had to put a name to the way she’d acted before the meal, he’d say it was jealousy. Yet why would she be jealous of Candace? He was marryingher, not his former mistress.
Sighing deeply, he shook his head. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. Eventually, she would discover his involvement with Adam, which would end drastically for them. He couldn’t allow his heart to get involved with that woman. But could he stop it now?
Memories resurfaced about those days before Adam Haddington had left to join the other soldiers in battle. Adam’s family wasn’t well off, not like some titled families, but they weren’t poor, either. After Adam had asked the duke for Ellie’s hand in marriage, he talked to Vincent. For some reason, the duke had made him feel as though he would never earn enough money to support his daughter. Adam was feeling desolate about his finances, and Vincent had convinced his friend to join the military. Never did he think Adam would be killed in battle.
Vincent frowned and sat up in bed, running his fingers through his messy hair. If he hadn’t convinced Adam to join the military, he’d still be alive and married to Ellie. And Vincent wouldn’t have to carry the burden of guilt of sending his friend to his death—or of marrying the woman Adam had been engaged to.
Other voices echoed in his head, confusing him. Last night, Candace had mentioned that Adam only wanted to marry Ellie because she was wealthy. If that were the case, then why had Adam joined the military after Vincent suggested it? For that matter, why had Adam felt disappointed that he wasn’t making enough to marry Ellie?
Whose story should he believe?
The clamoring of voices in the hall brought Vincent out of his jumbled thoughts. Something was wrong. Why else would people be hurrying in the hall?
He jumped out of bed and shrugged on his robe just as someone pounded loudly on his door.
“Vincent, wake up,” Laura said frantically.
He quickly opened the door. His sister’s face was pale, and she held a large rock with a note tied to it. Behind her stood Lilly, whose appearance resembled that of a ghost as well.
“Vincent, someone just threw a rock through the dining room window.” She reached out her shaky hand, holding the rock toward him.
“Theythrewit at our window?”
