“Nothing would make me happier. But... I fear if I did so tonight, you would wake up in the morning thinking it was just a dream.” He reached into a waistcoat pocket. “So, to be sure you remember, I would be honored if you would wear this. At least until we are wed,” he said as he held out the ruby ring.
Staring at the ring for a long moment, Adeline lifted a hand to the side of her face. “Ertugrul,” she breathed.
He slipped it on her finger and then kissed the back of her hand. “A rose for my rose,” he said.
Adeline inhaled softly at hearing his words. “I’m wearing this for the rest of my life,” she murmured. “Where ever did you—?”
“I met Mrs. Tennison today atEwen and Ewen,” he said. “I shall have to return there before we depart England to discover what else I might buy for you.”
Her eyes rounded before she gasped. “Does this mean you spoke with Father?”
“This morning. Before he left for Parliament.”
Adeline resisted to the urge to look back at her father. He hadn’t said a word over dinner. No wonder he hadn’t scolded her for what happened in the library the night before.
“I am not certain, but he seemed sad when he gave his permission,” Ertugrul said in a whisper.
“Well, that’s because I am his favorite,” she said with a watery grin. “Oh, and I suppose I need to say yes.”
Ertugrul grinned as the lights in the theatre dimmed and the stage lights brightened.
“Leave your door unlocked tonight,” she whispered. When he turned to stare at her in shock, she added, “I want to wake up with you.”
His gaze stayed on hers until the singing began, and he reluctantly turned to watch the opera.
Much to Ertugrul’s surprise, Adeline stayed awake for the entire production. She fell asleep on his shoulder in the coach on the way home, though.
