Page 41
Emily canted her head. “I certainly shall never do so.”
She’d clearly and cleverly told him that if the gossipmongers caught wind of it, it would be because of indiscretion on his part. The gossips would be equally malicious to the real Mrs. Clement Grenville and her children as they would to Emily, and he knew it.
“I’ve taken enough of your time.” After a brief bow, Marlow-Westbrook quit the room.
Face pinched in puzzlement, Avery plunked her hands on her hips. “Will someone please tell me what is going on?”
Mayhap someday, Avery would know the sordid tale, but not today. Instead, Tobias grinned and grasped Emily’s hand.
“I have proposed to Emily.”
Avery squealed and rushed to embrace her. “I’m so very glad. I knew there was something between you two that day first in the park.”
“Congratulations,” San Sebastian said. “Good to know you took my advice, Heatherston.”’
Justina bent down and wrapped her arms around her aunt’s neck. “I couldn’t be more delighted for you, Aunt Emily.”
“I haven’t said yes.”
Everyone’s attention shot to Emily as an unnatural silence spun out far too long.
Tobias’s heart stalled, the pain stabbing his chest worse than the broken rib he endured. Surely she didn’t still intend to leave?
“Leannan?”
She met his gaze, hers clear and bright and, for the first time, unfettered by the shadows that had haunted her since they’d first met.
“You didn’t propose, Tobias. You said you loved me and wanted to marry me. That is not a proposal. It is a statement.”
“Poorly done, old chap.” San Sebastian couldn’t keep the hilarity from his voice. “I could’ve given you a pointer or two if I’d known what a debacle you’d make of it.”
“Uncle Tobias.” Avery scowled. “Do you even have a ring?”
Feeling very much a chastised lad, he shook his head. “Not with me.”
He hadn’t come intending to propose.
The ring sat in the top right desk drawer.
She threw her hands in the air. “When the day comes that I am proposed to, if my beloved botches it as badly as you have, I shall say no.”
“Might I suggest we leave Aunt Emily and Tobias alone so that…” An incredulous expression flitted across Justina’s face. “Why, Avery. I’ve just realized. My aunt shall also be your aunt and your uncle, my uncle.”
“It’s the grandest thing!” Avery clapped her hands. “We shall be cousins.”
Emily bent her mouth into a tolerant smile. “I still haven’t said yes.”
“Oh, yes. Of course,” Justina said, still beaming. “Let’s allow them a moment of privacy.”
Chattering like magpies, Justina and Avery left the drawing room, arm in arm.
San Sebastian followed at a more sedate pace. He tossed over his shoulder, “Welcome to the family, Heatherston.”
Emily peaked her eyebrows high on her forehead. “I haven’t said…”
“Yes.” San Sebastian chuckled and pulled his earlobe. “I know. I know. I shall leave you to it then.”
Tobias didn’t wait until the door snicked closed. He pulled Emily onto his lap and captured her mouth in a searing kiss.
“Marry me, Emily. Please marry me. Ye must say yes, lass. I don’t want to live my life without ye. Ye’ve filled my heart with joy unimagined.”
Eyes bright with love, she placed her palm on his cheek.
“Yes, you dear, sweet, patient, tolerant, kind, loving man. I will be your wife, and I can only pray that I make you as happy as you’ve made me.”
“Aye, I’ve no doubt ye will.” He winked. “Did I mention I want a large family?”
“Then I suppose a short betrothal is in order,” Emily said, with a mischievous spark in her eye. “I am past my prime, you know.”
“I believe I can persuade ye otherwise, my love.”
And he did. Most handily.
