Page 40 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

“Bravo, my lady.” His frown turned into a grin to rival her own. “Very neatly done.”

“Thank you.” Now she wished he would take her hand again.

“So why didn’t you tell us this at the time?”

With a sigh, she squeezed her hands together, put her feet firmly on the floor, and launched into the explanation he should have figured out for himself by now. “Had I told you this, in front of the others and Lord Wetherby, I was very much afraid you would have done something rash, such as pummel his lordship senseless.” She laid her hand on his and squeezed it. “I know you are dancing close enough to scandal as it is. You need to keep your position here until the situation with your brother is resolved, one way or the other. Beating Lord Wetherby to death would surely get you the sack and worse.”

Mr. Granger chuckled and lay his hand over hers. “Thank you for that kindness. In the heat of that moment, I might very well have done something rash.”

“Also, to have had such an encounter spoken of might have served as compromising enough that I could be forced to marry Lord Wetherby, although I suspect he would have denied the whole thing. Still, my reputation, which is not as sterling as it could be, given the circumstances of my late husband’s death, could have suffered another blow from which it might not have recovered. Which in turn means my daughter might not be received nor be able to make a good marriage when the time comes.” Maria shrugged. “So I opted to tell a little white lie which would serve to scotch any scandal and smooth things over within the family.”

“I am overjoyed that you have such a good head on your shoulders.” Gazing into her eyes, he took her hands in his. “I am terribly sorry if I have hurt you in any way over this incident. That was never my intention.”

The warmth from his hands rivaled the heat from the blazing fire. “I never thought it was.”

“I just keep thinking about . . .”

“I can’t stop thinking about . . .”

They spoke at the same time and stopped, laughing together.

“What were you saying?” Eyes bright in the flickering light, Mr. Granger seemed to be holding his breath.

Suddenly shy, Maria glanced away from his hot gaze. “I have not stopped thinking about the kiss last week.”

“I have not forgotten it either. Unfortunately, at the time, I was not able to make known to you my hopes for a closer acquaintance with you.” His voice had lowered to a sultry baritone, sending a sharp wave of desire through her. “I have no right to do so, as you well know my situation with regard to my brother. There is the very real possibility that, in the very near future, I will have no home save the steward’s house here. Therefore, I cannot offer for your hand as I would very much like to do.”

Blowing out the breath she had been holding, Maria gripped his hands, her thoughts racing. Everything he had said was true. His circumstances were as precarious as hers in some respects, as Jane would certainly point out quickly. And still, the thrill of hearing the words, that he wanted to make her an offer of marriage, could not be denied.

“Mr. Granger, I am aware of both your circumstances and of the great honor you have alluded to, in even considering asking for my hand.” She glanced down at their intertwined hands, his much larger and stronger than hers. A strong man with whom she could make a life, who could protect and love her and her daughter. “However, I am not quite certain you are aware of my feelings toward you.” She raised her head to find his eyes trained on her, his mouth a straight, thin line.

Abruptly her hands were empty, and Mr. Granger had risen and strode across the room. “I see, my lady.”

She rose and stalked after him. “Apparently, you do not, Hugh.”

He whirled toward her. “Why did you call me that?”

“You called me by my first name earlier, to startle me into telling you what you wanted to know. I did it to get your attention.”

Hands tucked quickly behind his back, he looked even taller and more imposing. As he so rightly knew he would. “You have it, Lady Kersey.”

“Tsk, tsk. Will you call me Lady Kersey when we are married?”

He blinked. “When we are married?”

“Because I should actually be called Lady Maria Granger.” She had worked that out days ago, when thinking about that first kiss. “You were trying to propose to me just now, were you not?” Stepping toward him, Maria stopped when she stood toe-to-toe with him.

“I was telling you I couldn’t propose to you, my lady.” For once Hugh looked uncertain.

“What you said was that you wanted to ask for my hand in marriage, but you thought your circumstances prevented it.” Taking his hand, Maria laced their fingers together. “I don’t agree, although I understand your reservations.”

“If you do, then you must see that to marry now would be impossible.” Yet he raised her hand to press a kiss upon the back, with lips that were warmer than the summer sun.

“Imprudent, perhaps. Especially as I am still in mourning.” Although if she put her mind to it, they might be able to marry before the year was up. She would have to ask Jane if that was the law or merely a custom. “Even so, we could, discreetly, contract a betrothal.”

“My lady—”

“Maria, if you please.” She gazed up at him, reveling at the joy that now shone in his eyes. “You did begin it, and I rather prefer that mode of address, Mr. Granger.”