Swallowing, Bryce held himself in check and gazed down into her open expression. The truth was in her eyes, so overpowering he could scarcely credit it. Yet he needed to hear her say it before allowing himself to hope. “What are you telling me, Eve?”
“That I know you did nothing wrong and that I love you.”
Her declaration was perfect in its simplicity. It was also the one thing capable of weakening the tightly held control he’d been maintaining since the moment she’d entered this room for the very first time.
“I love you too, Eve.”
He wasn’t sure if she rose up toward him or if he dipped his head toward her. Perhaps it was a mutual coming together, but all that mattered was that his lips were finally pressed over hers and that he was kissing her with every bit of his heart.
Her arms came up and around his neck, and he was suddenly lifting her onto his lap, loving the feel of her warmth when she angled around and her chest pressed into his. A whimper stole its way past her lips, and he swallowed it on a groan, deepening the kiss, pulling her tighter and holding her close so she’d know he’d never let go.
Although… Reluctantly, he eased back a little and made an effort to think. Which was no easy task, all things considered. “What of your sisters and the duty you have toward them?” Although he hated reminding her of it, of giving her a reason to leave, he could not in good conscience ignore it.
“I think they will understand. And if you’re willing to marry me…”
“Of course I plan to marry you, Eve! What sort of man do you take me for?”
She smiled in response to his teasing tone. “Well, if you’ll help my sister Josephine cover the cost of her townhouse—”
“Done,” he told her sincerely. “I’ll even buy her a new one in Mayfair if she so desires.”
“Really?”
“Absolutely.” Upon which he kissed her again, savoring the taste of her and all the delightful little noises she made.
A loud cough broke the spell, drawing Bryce’s attention toward the doorway where Mrs. Havisham had materialized. “You were taking too long,” she announced. Crossing her arms, she gave them a steely look. “I can now see why.”
“Er…”
Eve didn’t sound as though she knew what so say, so Bryce interceded. “Miss Potter and I will be getting married.”
“Really?” Mrs. Havisham smiled at Eve. “Well, it is what you wanted, so how can I be anything but thrilled?”
Carefully, Bryce eased Eve off his lap and helped her back into the chair. “And since you’ve caught us in a rather compromising position, I would like to propose a special marriage license and forego the reading of banns.” He turned to look at Eve, adding, “Unless, of course, you would rather plan a proper wedding so your sisters can attend.” He’d likely expire from pent-up desire by the time such a ceremony took place, but he’d suffer through it if it was what Eve wanted.
A blush darkened her skin to a pretty pink hue, and she shyly whispered, “I doubt I can wait so long. A special license sounds perfect.”
“Then it’s settled,” Bryce said. “I’ll take care of the arrangements straight away.”
“And in the meantime,” Mrs. Havisham told him, “Miss Potter will come with me. She and I were supposed to enjoy two weeks together, and now I’ll be lucky if I manage to get one day.”
It was a fair point, however reluctant Bryce was to let Eve out of his sight. But he would be busy too, not only visiting the Archbishop of Canterbury in London, but also procuring a ring. “I will call at Amberly Hall once everything has been taken care of,” he promised, mostly to Eve, who did not look the least bit eager to leave his company. And as he watched the Havisham carriage roll away a half hour later with her inside it, he knew what it meant to feel like he was losing the most precious part of himself.
So he turned about swiftly and called for Radcliff to have a groom saddle his horse. The faster he completed his tasks, the sooner Eve would be his.
6
Woolgathering, Eve didn’t realize Margaret had been talking until she jabbed her in the shoulder. “Yes?” Eve blinked. She raised her gaze from the garment resting in her lap, her needle and thread poised in preparation for the next stitch.
Margaret’s lips stretched to form a wide smile, her eyes laughing with unabashed amusement. “Dare I ask you about your ponderings?”
Eve sank back against the sofa and sighed. “It has been three whole days.”
“And thank goodness for that.” Margaret poured a cup of tea and placed it in front of Eve. “If Ravenworth had arrived any sooner, your gown would not have been ready.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
The moment Eve had arrived at Amberly Hall, Margaret had insisted on finding an appropriate gown for her to wear on her wedding day. She’d riffled through her wardrobe while Eve had watched, amazed by the rich collection of fabrics, until her friend had produced a stunning creation of light blue silk. It had required a few alterations to the bodice and hem, which had kept Eve busy during the following days.
