Chapter43
A Donna Creates a Rogue
Later that night
Having finished his grappa and determined there was nothing more to be said about his intent to marry Vittoria, David was about to make his way up the stairs when he heard his name spoken in an urgent whisper.
He glanced back down the corridor to discover Vittoria standing in front of the library.
“What are you doing?”he asked.
“Waiting for you.Nikky said we can use the library.For privacy,” she whispered.
David’s brows arched in surprise.“Does she think I’m going to?—?”
“So we can talk,” Vittoria interrupted.
David’s look of relief was almost comical.“Of course,” he said, holding out his hand to indicate she should proceed him.Once he was inside, he carefully closed the door, aware the other men were making their way out of the dining room and to the parlor to collect their ladies.
The carpet beneath his feet seemed to swallow up any sound, and he silently thanked his sister-by-marriage for having suggested they meet here.
Although one of the sconces was lit on the front wall, the room seemed dark, especially toward the back where a set of sofas and chairs were arranged in front of the fireplace.
Vittoria took a seat on the large sofa and patted the cushion next to her.
David accepted the invitation, wrapping an arm around the back of her shoulders once he was seated.
He was surprised Vittoria settled her head against his upper arm.“Does this mean you’re accepting my offer of marriage?”
She nodded.“Everyone seems very happy for us,” she murmured.
David gave a start, realizing the women’s reactions must have been quite different from the men’s.“My brother is over the moon,” he said with a chuckle.
“When I left the parlor, Nikky was crying.Tears of joy.”
“Donald told me she’s been planning this match for a long time.”
“Two years.”
He chuckled softly and leaned over to kiss the side of her head.
“I’m not going to do anything to make your life more difficult,” he vowed.“I want what you want.”
Vittoria lifted her head from his arm and regarded him with surprise.“What is it you think I want?”
He dipped his head.“A husband who cares for you.Who will provide protection, so you don’t have to defend yourself.A place to live—we’ll have a townhouse in London.You’ll have blunt for the modiste and other shopping.”He paused.“And apparently some sheep.”
She playfully slapped his arm.“I don’t need more sheep.”
“Ah, but if we had them, we could sell the wool to Mr.McAdams,” he said, taking one of her hands in his to kiss her palm.
She inhaled softly.“I accept.”
He leaned over and captured her lips with his, kissing her until they both needed to come up for air.When her eyes darkened and her manner grew serious, David furrowed his brows.“What is it?”he asked in a whisper.
“If I wanted you to be a rogue now, would you?”
He stared at her in disbelief.“I’m not sure I know how.”
