“His visits are increasing. Papa believes he will make an offer shortly.” She shivered, refusing to allow the unease in her gut to take over. “But it is no matter. I would rather speak to you about anything else.”
“It is of some import, Emma. I can see how taxing this is for you.”
He was the kindest, most compassionate man. Of course it was taxing. Her father did not approve of Owen in any way. Papa wanted to see her as Lady Gifford, with a title and the prestige that would come along with it. He had not married for love—it had come later in his marriage to Mother. He believed it would work out the same way in Emma’s life if she would only be obedient and follow her parents’ guidance.
It was a constant battle in her home.
She did not wish to discuss it now. Instead, she gave him an overly bright smile. “How are the Buckleys? I do adore your aunt.”
Their steps slowed. Owen considered her question before answering. It was something she had always appreciated about him, though she wondered if he was deciding whether to allow the change in conversation. He had not grown up in Briarstead near her. His life at home was difficult, and he often visited his aunt and uncle, who lived near Emma, so they had been blessed to fall into one another’s lives.
“Uncle Edward learned about my stepmother’s recent trip to Brighton and the obscene amount of funds she spent there. He fears there won’t be a penny left for me by the end of the next decade.” Owen ceased walking and faced her, taking both of her hands in his. “He offered to purchase a commission for me.”
Emma’s heart quickened. “The navy?”
“Army.”
She swallowed against a dry throat. “What do you think?”
His gray eyes, beautiful and gleaming, raked over her face. “I could not make such an important decision without asking your opinion.”
It was as near a declaration as he had yet made. Emma’s heart swelled so large she was certain it would burst. Her hands slid up his arms, resting on his elbows as he gently squeezed her waist. A captain in the army. She, a captain’s wife? It was not the life she’d envisioned for herself, but she did not care, so long as she was at Owen’s side. She looked up now into his face with unabashed adoration.
“I will follow you anywhere, Owen.”
The smile that split his face dove straight to her heart. “I’ve never had aspirations for the army. Being away would be difficult. The travel would be exceptionally challenging. To be truthful, if we can avoid it, that would be my preference.”
“Perhaps Mr. Buckley has another idea? Horse breeding, perhaps? You have always been exceptional with them.”
“It is a thought.” His hands went behind her waist, linking together and pulling her even closer.
“Why, Mr. Owen Buckley, whatever do you think you’re doing?” she asked coyly.
“If I am bothering you, Miss Darling, I can certainly leave,” he said, affecting innocence.
He began to pull away, but she tightened her grip. “Do not dare.”
Owen’s laugh was deep. “Enough of these heavy topics. The only future we need concern ourselves with is whether your family will accept my aunt’s invitation to dine in a fortnight. I’ve been dispatched here with the direct purpose of delivering an invitation, so I must leave it with you before I go.”
She hesitated. Papa had refused to set foot on Buckley land again so long as Emma had a preference for Owen. But surelyMother would bring him around. She affected an air of bravado. “You know we will. My mother loves your aunt dearly.”
“Fortunately for us,” he murmured, his eyes darkening as they fell to her lips.
Anticipation climbed Emma’s spine. She loved this man, and she was eager to move to the next step in their future. Anything that brought them closer to marriage, a life together,children. She looked forward to the life they could share and the roles she would take on.
“But your father does not love me,” he said quietly, pulling her from her thoughts.
“He will. Be patient.”
“How patient?”
Emma hated this. She was not yet of age. If Papa continued to refuse to give his approval, would they be waiting nearly three years to wed? Emma suppressed the thought. She could not dwell on it.
Owen pulled her tightly against him. “I can be patient,” he whispered.
He lowered his lips to hers and kissed her deeply, leaving no doubt as to how he felt.
Emma pushed aside her reservations and surrendered to the moment.
