For the briefest moment, when Emily had agreed to become his wife, joy had consumed him. He could not allow her father to ruin that – to turn her against him and crush the chance they had of a happily ever after. He had to stand his ground.
Praying she would believe him, he told her in earnest, “I would have told you about my financial problems eventually.”
“When?” she asked, her voice filled with doubt and disappointment.
“I don’t know, but I would have.” He shook his head. “I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner, but the chance to do so did not present itself, Emily. It wasn’t the sort of thing I could bring up while I proposed in front of your grandparents, nor was it something I wished to discuss in front of your servants. You and I have not had a moment alone.”
“That’s true,” she agreed. “Bu—”
“Had he wished to,” Rosemont said, cutting her off, “he could have drawn you aside and told you about it discreetly. Without anyone else overhearing.”
“Thank you.” Lady Rosemont placed her hand on her husband’s arm. “I do believe your point has been firmly made.”
“I’m merely trying to protect our daughter,” the earl grumbled.
“I know, Papa. You’ve always looked out for me and I’m grateful for that.” Emily turned to Callum. “Do you swear to me upon your honor that you’ve not tried to deceive me?”
“Of course.”
She held his gaze. “To be honest, I believe there’s more to marriage than the wealth provided by each party. At least I’d like there to be.”
“Me too.” He took her hand and held it firmly within his own. “As I mentioned before, I want to marry you, not your dowry. The contract can reflect that.”
“Did you also mean what you said about being fond of me?” This question was spoken in barely a whisper.
He squeezed her hand. “Yes. Having gotten to know you, I’ve realized there is no other woman I’d rather wake up next to each morning, no other I’d rather spend my days talking to, and no other I’d rather kiss good night every evening. I want you in my life, Emily. Forever.”
A slow smile pulled at her lips. “I feel the same way about you.”
It wasn’t a declaration of love on either one’s part, but it was enough to make Callum’s heart race with increased excitement. “Does that mean you’ll still agree to marry me?”
She nodded. “Yes.”
He could have leapt with joy, but since Lord Rosemont did not look like he’d approve of such a display in his parlor, Callum refrained. Instead, he schooled his features and asked his future parents-in-law, “Do we have your blessing?”
Rosemont looked like he might say no. He tightened his jaw, expelled a deep breath, and finally nodded. “If it is what Emily wants.”
Relief swept through Callum. She would be his! He could scarcely believe his good fortune. He also couldn’t wait to tell Peter. The boy would be thrilled to have Heidi come live with them.
Aware that the Rosemonts wished to be on their way, Callum stood, as did everyone else. “Thank you for your time. I’ll not delay you any longer.”
“I trust you’ll make sure an announcement appears in the paper,” Lord Rosemont said.
“Of course.” Callum hesitated briefly before deciding to reach for Emily’s hand. He raised it to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles while taking an uncommon amount of pleasure in seeing her blush. “Until we meet again.”
He’d wanted to make plans to see her the following day, but decided she might need a moment in which to adjust to the new course her life had taken. It was all so sudden, he felt rather dizzy himself. But, he reflected when he arrived home, he was also extremely happy. And since he longed to share his news with someone, he went in search of Peter as soon as he’d handed his hat and gloves to his butler.
“That’s brilliant news!” Peter exclaimed. He was just as excited as Callum expected him to be. “I’ll be able to take Heidi out for a walk every day. We’ll play together all the time. Do you think she’ll be able to sleep in my room?”
Callum grinned. “I’ve no idea. We’ll have to ask Emily about that.”
This didn’t seem to dimmish Peter’s joy. He actually laughed, which was something Callum found rather delightful.
Dawson appeared in the doorway. “Begging your pardon, Your Grace, but the Dukes of Westcliffe and Corwin are here to see you. Shall I show them in?”
Anthony and Brody had both come to call? Their timing couldn’t be better.
“Please let them know I’ll join them shortly.” He turned to Peter. “Will you excuse me for a bit? I need to speak with my friends but maybe you and I can play a game of marbles afterward?”
