“Yes, that would matter more than anything.If you no longer returned the love I feel for you, even though we are separated, I would be devastated.”
They entered St.James’s Park.Jonathan stopped them beneath a stark winter tree and turned to her, his warm brown eyes fixing hers as he asked, “Do we have to be separated?”
She read with wonder his loving gaze and breathed, “No.”
“Will you marry me, Jane?”he asked.
Relief and joy flooded her body.“Yes,” she whispered.
“Not a marriage of convenience?”
She laughed.“It was only ever that in name only.”
“Certainly that was true for me,” Jonathan stated, “but what about your reasons for our engagement?”
She fingered a button on his waistcoat.“I thought it was to be a marriage of convenience, but I realized, too late, that I had fallen in love with you despite all my principles and plans.”
He squeezed her hand.“I would never try to dissuade you from your beliefs.I will endeavor to support them.”His words were solemn.
“I know that now, but really there is no need if it causes you harm in society.”
“I’m not sure it will.My peers were suitably outraged by my speech, but I see no harm in that.Hah!Marchmere looked like he would explode with indignation.But, if my words influence any of them to think positively about your women’s rights cause, I am well pleased.”Jonathan smiled down at her.
What?Her mouth dropped open.She shut it with a clunk.“I was too late.You gave your speech.”Her heart pounded in her chest.He had done that for her.And weathered the condemnation of his peers.Her grip on him tightened and she rose on her toes to plant a swift kiss of thanks on his mouth.
He grinned down at her, clearly pleased that he had surprised her.He didn’t dwell on the subject though.“Come, Jane, why are we talking about my speech when we should be describing each other’s good points?”
Jane gave a brief hiccup of laughter.“One more thing must be said before we turn ourselves over to flattery,” Jane said.“I have feared the burden of children because of my mother’s illness and death after so many babies, but now that I love you I understand why she so willingly accepted that fate.”
Jonathan frowned.“There is no need for you to suffer her fate, Jane.Truly, if you do not wish to have any children, I’m sure the title would go to some distant cousin.I set my solicitor to finding my heir some time ago.When he’s found, I will take an interest in him.”
“No, that’s not necessary.What I am saying is that I am happy to have your children now that the motivation is love.I understand at last what my mother knew.”
“What say we have as many children as you feel able to cope with?”He questioned her with his look.“Be it none, one, or many.You will decide.”
Relief flowed through her.Jane nodded her agreement.
“So, you will have me without hesitation?”Jonathan asked.
“Without hesitation.”Heedless of their surroundings, Jane reached up to kiss him.
Jonathan hugged her to him and deepened their kiss until Jane heard a sharp gasp of shock from a passerby.
He released her.“Ah.”Jonathan sighed and looked around.There was a throng of strolling people passing through the park.“I think we should take ourselves somewhere less public to express our satisfaction about our agreement.”He drew her hand into the crook of his arm, keeping her close, and they set off toward Harley Street.
Once there, Jane led Jonathan to the drawing room.They were in time for afternoon tea, and she hoped that there were no callers today.
Jane eased the door open.Anna and Charlotte were seated near the fireplace, working on their embroideries.Surprised, Jane pushed the door further open and noticed Lady Elizabeth seated nearby.She was instructing them on a particular stitch.
All the room’s occupants glanced up.They smiled at Jane.As she drew Jonathan into the room, they exclaimed in surprise and delight at seeing them hand in hand.
“Jonathan, Jane, I hope you have good news for us to celebrate,” Lady Elizabeth said.
“If you mean, are we to marry?”Jonathan said.“Then yes, toast to us all you like.Wish us as much happiness as you please.Jane has at last been swayed by my persuasion.We marry as soon as possible.”
“About time,” Anna exclaimed and hugged Jane.
“You have come to your senses at last, Jane,” Charlotte commented.
