“Well, that’s not going to happen,” David claimed. At her look of worry, he added, “Because I already had Ertugrul’s assurance that he wouldn’t court you. I made him promise.”
She straightened in his hold. “You did?” she asked in awe.
“Of course. I wasn’t going to let my best friend marry the woman I’m in love with,” he insisted.
A brilliant smile appeared before Rose kissed him. “What do we do now?” she asked when he finally ended the kiss.
He pulled his pocket watch from his waistcoat. “Care for a ride in Rotten Row? The parade will be starting in about an hour.”
Her eyes rounded. “We’ve been gone that long?” she asked in disbelief.
“We have. I’ll have to return you to Ariley Place right after, though. We have asoiréeto attend at eight o’clock.”
“As do I,” she replied.
“Should we tell our parents?”
Rose shook her head. “What if we were to wait until my ball. It’s only a few days, away,” she suggested. “Father can announce it before the supper dance.”
“You’ll dance with me?” he asked.
“Well, of course,” she said, about to slap the glove against his shoulder. He intersected her hand with his own and lifted it to his lips.
“You’re not going to change your mind?” he asked with suspicion before he placed his lips on the back of her bare fingers.
She inhaled softly. “Are you going to change yours?” she countered.
He laughed. “I’m not,” he assured her. He kissed her fingers again. “But given our ages, perhaps we shouldn’t wait too long to wed?” he suggested.
“Are you saying I’m old?” she asked on a huff, pulling her hand away.
He retrieved it and kissed the palm. He shook his head. “I’m not getting any younger.”
“Promise me you won’t tell the men at your club that you’re marrying an old maid.”
He frowned. “I’m not marrying an old maid, so why would I tell them such a thing?” At seeing her look of worry, he tightened his hold on her. “Do you think you could ever love me?”
She shook her head. “I don’t see how,” she replied before a brilliant smile appeared and she giggled. “If you could have seen your face just now,” she teased. Sobering, she wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. When she finally pulled away, she sighed. “I’ll admit, I am in lust with you. Will that be enough?”
David chuckled. “It will do,” he replied. “For now.” He swallowed. “Tell your parents,” he said suddenly.
Rose dipped her head. “I will.” At his look of surprise, she added, “I wouldn’t have been able to keep it a secret for three days.”
They remained on the park bench a few minutes before they finally straightened and glanced around as if they had forgotten where they were.
The two retrieved their horses and made their way south to Rotten Row, both aware they would remember this ride forever.
