Page 104 of The Secret Sister

‘Eliza,’ he said, his voice low and choked. ‘Are you still considering suitors? I know that is appallingly rude, but I don’t know how else to ask.’

Eliza took the book from him and put it away. She took hold of his hand, stood close to him, and looked up into his gorgeous eyes. ‘Robert. How can you imagine that there is anyone but you?’

He closed his eyes and held her hands to his lips, where he kissed both tenderly.

‘I wanted you to have the season that you imagined. Where you could find the right person for you. I didn’t want to impose, or to get in your way. Also, in an unbelievably selfish way, I wanted you to consider all the eligible gentlemen of the Ton and… choose me.’

Relief that she hadn’t misunderstood flooded through her and her heart nearly danced out of her chest.

‘Robert Ellice, I would choose you over every man in London and beyond. I cannot imagine why you would think I would not. I abandoned any idea of a list when I realised I was in love with you, and that was weeks ago.’

‘You… love me? You want me? Are you sure?’

She nodded, and he pulled her into his arms and held her tightly, his face buried in her neck. She held him tightly in return, smoothing her hand over his back, over his hair, and tried not to cry, but tears leaked out.

When he pulled back to look at her, his eyes were as damp as hers.

‘I suspect I’ve been a bit of an idiot,’ he whispered, as he gently smoothed the tears from her cheeks with his thumb, then held her face gently.

‘I think I fell in love with you when you knew where Buenos Aries was and understood that war was not a ‘thrilling’ thing.’

She smiled. ‘I fell in love with you at the museum. It did not take me long to realise that no-one else would ever come close. Then when you kissed me in the Pleasure Gardens, I was sure.’

His lips twitched into a smile, and his eyes shone. ‘So, you don’t find me dull and tedious?’

‘Good lord, no. You are the most interesting person I know, and you talk to me properly. You listen to me and consider my opinions. You don’t make me talk about ribbons and dresses. For heaven’s sake, you bring me books!’

He laughed softly. ‘I can talk to you about anything without worrying that I have committed some kind of social solecism and I cannot describe how good that is.’

He leaned down and kissed her gently. ‘And you don’t shy away when I kiss you.’

‘I love kissing you above all things,’ she murmured against his lips. ‘I think we should do more of it.’

He nodded, and they kissed a little longer, and when they parted, he rested his forehead against hers.

‘Marry me?’ he whispered.

Her chin quirked, and the tears began again. She nodded. ‘Yes.’