His hand clasped hers under the table, as conversation swirled about them.
If her friends had reservations, no one spoke them as they asked a series of casual questions to the viscount.
“Where is your country estate?”
“How is the hunting?”
“I heard you box, do you have a club you prefer?”This from Brax.Twenty minutes later, the men still discussed the topic, only growing more animated and everyone seemed to relax with the newfound comradery.
Wyatt, while participating wholeheartedly, gazed to Priscilla often.Finally, as the conversation turned away from him, he leaned close to Priscilla.“How’d you manage to escape your guardian?”
A flush rose in her cheeks for a different reason.Irritation at Eugene.“Brax had to pay Eugene a visit and demand he allow me to attend.Eugene attempted to refuse, but Brax reminded him that he was not allowed to keep me prisoner and it was within Brax’s ability to tell him so.”
Wyatt glanced down at the duke.“A man who knows how to wield power.”Wyatt watched the other man.“He’s willing to use that power to protect you should you need it?”
She tugged his hand under the table.“I think so.He loves Mona and does what pleases her.I’ve never seen a man more smitten.”
Wyatt’s features relaxed again.“I’m glad to hear it and appreciative of the fact that he extends his kindness and uses his superior station to protect ladies who need it.”
“He does.”She tightened her grip on his hand.“I hope he doesn’t actually need to become more involved.It’s more than I should ask of him.”Then she cleared her throat.“Is it true that you need to leave early this evening?”
He gave a quick nod.“Apologies.Business that I couldn’t reschedule.”
She attempted not to show her disappointment.“Of course.I’m glad you could come.”
“Me too.It was very kind of your friends to host this so that we might have an opportunity to see one another again.”
It had been.And seeing her here with them, she understood her thoughts on him in ways she hadn’t before.He fit with them, all of them.
From Mona’s imposing duke, to Alexi’s reformed baron, Wyatt was a man like them.Strong and independent.
And she grew more certain that with him was exactly where she needed to be.Wyatt was the right choice for her.
She swallowed, moving closer still.How they must look, heads bent together.“I was the one who requested more time but I think that each time we see each other, I grow more certain.”
He gave her that one-sided smile that sent her stomach plummeting to her toes.“You think you’re going to accept my offer?”
She gave a nod, hardly able to keep her eyes from dancing with excitement.“Are you still offering?”
He loosened his fingers from hers only to slide his hand up her arm.Tingles danced all through her.“Of course, I am.Priscilla,” he breathed in her ear, “I’ll apply for the license tomorrow if you’re sure.”
She gave a quick nod and he leaned away again.But as she lifted her head, she realized that conversation had quieted and everyone stared at them.
A flush rose in her cheeks, but Brax only chuckled, raising his glass to them both.
Soon, the meal finished and the ladies rose, leaving the men to smoke their cigars.But as Priscilla made her way down the hall, lingering at the back of the group, Wyatt appeared next to her.He pulled Priscilla to a stop as the other ladies continued on without her, leaving them alone in the hall.“Wait a moment,” he whispered.
“They’ll notice,” she said, looking at her friends’ backs before they disappeared around a corner.
He gave her a small wink.“Yes.But you’ll also be announcing our engagement.”
“True.”Heat rose in her cheeks as his fingers reached up to brush along her hairline.
“Not that I wish to rush you.”He leaned down, brushing the lightest kiss along her temple.His fingertips skimmed along her cheek and she shivered at the tingling sensation spreading through her.“But I didn’t want to leave tonight before we’d discussed the next steps.”
“Next steps?”
“How are you going to announce our engagement while still living under Eugene’s roof?We both know, the situation might prove tricky.”
