“Is this what it feels like to be in love?” she whispered.
“Yes, Josephine. It is for me, and from the way you responded to my kiss, I believe it is for you, too.”
Once again, their lips met, only with more passion. He bent her back on the blanket, and they lay close together. Josephine had no more doubts. Her heart was racing. The feeling was tangible. Oh, god, she thought, don’t ever let this end. Before the passion went any further, Win released her from his arms.
“We must cease this for the moment. It would be sinful for us to continue in this vein, although, I have to say I’ve never wanted a woman more in my life.”
“Would that be so wicked, when we know that we love each other?” asked Josephine. She really had no idea about such things.
“Not so terribly wicked, my darling, but certainly immoral. I don’t ever want to be accused of taking advantage of your youth and inexperience. The correct time will come, my sweet Josephine.”
“When will that be?” she asked.
“I don’t know the answer to that question yet. However, I suspect I shall very soon.” He sat up and helped her to rise, as well.
“Oh, Win. I do find you so attractive, so good and kind. But do you understand that all I’ve really ever wanted out of life is my dream cottage with a breathtaking English garden and lots of pets?”
“That’s a young girl’s dream. You have no idea yet what you really want from life. I can promise you that your wishes will change considerably as you mature.”
“You told me when we first met, on the day you rode by Uncle Roderick’s cottage, that I had a very good head on my shoulders.”
“Yes. You do. Nonetheless, you haven’t experienced very much of life yet. A pretty cottage with a fine garden really is a young girl’s fancy. Eventually, you’ll wish for more. Don’t you want children of your own and a husband?”
Josephine thought for a moment and then nodded. “I suppose so. I’ve really never thought much about it. As I told you, I’d never been kissed until you held me a moment ago.”
“And you enjoyed it, didn’t you?”
“Yes. I can’t deny that. However, isn’t it possible that’s merely physical attraction? My mother taught me about such things.”
“We’ll leave it at that for now, Josephine.” He smiled. “I believe, as we grow to know each other better, your feelings will also grow.”
“Perhaps,” she answered, looking down at the ground.
There was a pause in their conversation. In her heart, she would have loved to kiss him once more. Nonetheless, she was wise enough to know that it would be dangerous to allow feelings to override common sense. She looked up.
“Win, don’t you think we had better eat the delicious lunch your cook has prepared? It would be horrible to waste it, and surely, her feelings would be hurt.”
“Of course. I’d never do anything to hurt Mrs. Whitaker. She’s been with our family forever. You’ll meet her,” he continued as he reached to unpack the various delicacies the cook had prepared. “Ah, she’s provided a marvellous variety of food. Here, Josephine. Look. I hope you’re hungry. There's enough here to feed an army.”
“I am hungry, but good grief. I don’t think there’s any way we can consume all of that.”
“Then we’ll save what’s left. You can take it back to your uncle and Andrew.”
“That’s a fine idea.” She smiled.
They tucked into the food and finished the bottle of white wine. While eating, they chatted, but Josephine didn’t allow the conversation to stray back into uncharted territory. After they finished their lunch, Win returned the leftovers to the basket. He reserved them in one container, so Josephine might take it back to her uncle’s cottage.
“I see David with the car, driving toward us,” said Win. “Time seems to have flown.”
“Yes. It most certainly has. It’s been a wonderful day, Win. I’ll never forget it. After all, I received my very first kiss.” She smiled, and her cheeks grew warm.
*****
CHAPTER SEVEN
Weeks passed, and Win made certain he and Josephine saw each other often. She always woke thinking about what to wear, since she expected he would be coming by the cottage after sunset. They went on outings to Winthrop-on-Hart, rode horseback together, played games in the Chambers’ parlour, and chatted on the porch while fireflies flew about, night after night. Roderick thought Win was splendid, and he never failed to give permission for an activity the couple planned.
Josephine was thrilled to find that Andrew thought highly of Win, but she also sensed that he worried about her meeting the elder Winthrops. She suspected he thought her lack of a title would shadow the encounter. She had a feeling the Winthrops would not be any different from other aristocratic families she’d known. Josephine had never heard of such a family warmly welcoming someone with her heritage into their charmed circle.
One afternoon, she found Andrew in the parlor and decided to join him. She sat down, hoping to discuss any concerns her brother might have, thinking it best to clear the air.
“Andrew, I suspect you’re worried about my growing relationship with Win. It must be apparent that I’m head-over-heels for the man. Surely, you can understand why. He’s an extraordinary chap. I believe you think the world of him. Nevertheless, I also think you’re of the opinion that I’m about to have my heart broken.”
“Because you know as well as I do that the likelihood of his family accepting you is slim to none.” Despite his words, Andrew’s tone was gentle. “Aristocratic families just don’t want a son marrying beneath himself. Particularly an eldest son. If he ever did so, there would be a scandal the likes of which you’ve never imagined.”
Josephine shook her head. “No, Andrew. Win has assured me that his family will welcome me with open arms.”
“I think you and Win are living in a fantasy world. That isn’t the way things happen in real life. Not in Great Britain’s present class system. Hopefully, someday, this nonsense will end. Until such time, we have to learn to deal with present reality.”
“Don’t you believe he cares for me? Do you think he’s only trifling with me?”
Andrew shook his head. He leaned forward and took her hand. “I am certain he cares very much for you. Very much. I don’t think he’s trifling with you. However, feelings between a man and a woman are insignificant when it comes to a member of his class choosing a bride from a family like ours.”
“What in blazes is the matter with our family? I know we’re not titled. But I suspect our father had as much money as they do.”
“That’s quite possibly true, Josie.” Andrew was the only person in the world she allowed to call her Josie. “But money isn’t the only thing dividing you. I’m certain you know what I’m saying. I just don’t want to see you hurt,” he responded.
“I don’t believe Win would ever hurt me,” she answered. She stiffened her spine and squared her shoulders, certain of her feelings on that score.
“Not on purpose, no. However, I must to tell you, I’ve made a few subtle inquiries from people I’ve met in this area. Each person I’ve spoken to says that the Lord Winthrop is a splendid fellow. But the caveat is always that the Lady Winthrop is a shrew. Also, from what I’ve learned, the Lady Winthrop is the one who wears the pants in the family. If she doesn’t find you suitable, the Lord Winthrop will stand with her.”
“Who has told you this? They’re probably insanely envious of the fact that Win and I have become very attached.”
"No, Josie. These are people I know well. Chums of mine from Oxford. They also come from titled families. One is the son of a baronet. Another is the son of a duke. They wouldn’t lie to me.”
“Well, I don’t give a whit. Win says his family will love me and welcome me with open arms.”
“You haven’t spoken to him about marriage, have you?
“No, of course not. That would be highly improper, without my having met his family. Nonetheless, he’s
hinted at it. He doesn’t show the least concern regarding my lack of a title. In fact, I spoke to him about that very thing. It was the day we went on the picnic. He said that if his parents didn’t approve of me, he would leave them and allow his brother, Oliver, to inherit.”
“That would be unheard of. Win is not thinking rationally. Love will do that to a man. All I’m asking is that you be cautious. Don’t expect a miracle when we attend the dinner Win has planned. If his parents have any suspicion that your relationship is serious, I suspect they’ll instruct him to end it immediately.”
“All right, Andrew,” Josephine answered with a sigh. “But I’m telling you, I am quite certain Win isn’t the sort of person to have said the things he has to me if he were the least bit concerned about his parents’ approval.”
Andrew patted her on the shoulder. “All right, dear heart. I want so much for you to be happy. We’ll leave it for now. Please, don’t hesitate, though, to come to me with any concerns you have. Will you promise that?”
“Yes, Andrew, I promise that,” she responded with a loving smile. She gave him a kiss on the cheek. “It will all work out though. I’m certain of it.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
Win was once again on the Chambers’ doorstep that very evening. She had invited him for dinner, and he had readily accepted. After a lovely meal, he asked if she would like to take a stroll outside.
“It’s such a pretty night. The moon is very bright in the sky, and the stars are gorgeous. It’s warm and breezy but not overly windy.”
“Yes. Of course, Win. I’d love to. Do I need to fetch my wrap?” She turned, as if to go back up the stairway.
“No, I don’t believe so. It’s the end of June, after all. Come. I think you’ll be fine.”
They left the cottage, and Win gave her his arm. They walked down the cobblestone pathway and out to the gravel road. “Oh, it is a gorgeous night,” he exclaimed. “Just look at the stars. There always seem to be more of them in the country. The City lights obscure them. Shall we walk down the lane to the gazebo behind your cottage? I’ve always loved gazebos. They remind me of the Victorian age.”
Win took hold of her hand, and they strolled to the wooden structure, and for the first time, Win was free with his emotions, telling her how he’d never believed he would meet such an incomparable young lady. He actually told her he believed he had fallen over-the-moon in love with her. As they sat in the lovely, Victorian gazebo, he reached into his pocket and presented her with a velvet jeweler's box.
Josephine’s heart felt as though it had reached an incredible speed. It was quite obvious what a box of such a size, obviously from a jeweler’s, would contain. All of her life she’d dreamed of such a moment, but she had never in a million years thought Win would present her with an engagement ring before she had even met his family. Everything was moving so quickly. She knew that generally couples slowly grew to know each other before they reached the point she and Win had arrived at. Of course, there was absolutely no question in her mind as to whether or not she would say yes to the question she was sure he was going to ask. They had already generally agreed that sooner or later this time would arrive. Still, she found herself stunned when he presented the tiny, velvet box to her.
This was the moment every girl waited for. From the time she had been a young lady, only in her early teens, she had wondered what it would be like when it actually came to pass. Who would the man be? Would he be the handsome gentleman she’d always dreamed about? Would she be over-the-moon in love with him? Would she truly be ready to commit to spending the entire rest of her life with him? Interestingly, none of those questions now went through her mind. He was, indeed, all of those things and more. Nevertheless, the most important thing on her mind was that she was so completely in love with him, she could believe people actually did give their hearts away, as she was about to do with Win.
Even though she very well knew what to expect when she opened it, she knew she should act a bit coy.
“What in the world is this?” she exclaimed, composing her features into a puzzled expression. Her heart was beating very quickly.
“What do you suppose it is, my beautiful Josephine? Open it and see.”
Josephine gingerly opened the box. Inside lay a magnificent ring, a large ruby completely surrounded by brilliant diamonds. Josephine was stunned. “Does this signify what I think it does?” she asked, her voice trembling.
“Indeed, it does, my pet. I’m asking you to be my wife. I don’t want to rush you, and we can wait until you're a little older, if you wish, but I have no intention of letting you escape. I’ll never find anyone like you again.”
“But, Win, are you absolutely certain? I’ve not met your family yet. I still have grave apprehensions about what their feelings will be toward me. I don’t believe it’s even proper for me to accept such a gift, nor your proposal, without our having done this in a proper manner.”
“Josephine, the only thing worrying me is whether or not you love me. If you do and we’re both certain of our feelings, then please, darling, accept this ring, which will seal the fact that we intend to become man and wife.”
“Oh, Win, of course, I love you. How could I not? You’re every girl’s dream of the perfect man. Nevertheless, I’m frightened.”
He took her hand. “What’s frightening you?”
“I’ve told you, over and over. Basically, I don’t want to have my heart broken. And it will be if your family disapproves of me.”
“How my parents feel is completely irrelevant to me. I do hope they welcome you warmly, as they should. However, if for some foolish reason they don’t, it will have no influence upon my feelings. I love you. I am mad for you. Please, please,
let’s put this talk of parental approval out of the conversation. This is my life, sweetheart. I’m going to live it with whomever I wish. You are the lady I wish to spend it with. Leave the rest of to me. Trust me, Josephine. I will never break your heart. That is a solemn promise. Make me the happiest man in all England, Josephine. Make me the happiest man in all the world. You know we’re absolutely made for each other.”
“Do you really believe that, Win? We come from such different backgrounds. I know you don’t want to hear me say that again, but I can’t help it. It frightens me.”
“Josephine, only one thing matters. Do you or do you not love me?” He squeezed her hand and gazed intently into her eyes.
Josephine could no longer hold back her feelings. “Win, I do love you, too. So much. Of course, I want to be your bride.” She paused. “All right. I’ll trust you to know what’s right. However, I have to add one caveat.”
“What, my pet?” Win asked.
“I don’t believe I should wear this ring until after I’ve met your parents the night of the dinner at Winthrop Manor.
“All right. But please keep it in a safe place. Plan to bring it with you the night of our dinner. After we’ve spoken to my parents, you can slip it on your finger. Do you agree?”
Josephine nodded. “Yes, my darling. We will do this as you wish.”
Win took her into his arms again. They kissed long and hard. It was like nothing she’d ever encountered. She truly was head over heels in love.
CHAPTER NINE
The last Saturday in July arrived. Josephine found herself much more nervous than she'd anticipated. Granted, Win was twenty-four years of age and quite mature enough to make his own decisions, but wasn’t it simply proper etiquette to introduce the proposed groom’s parents to the prospective bride?
Just as these thoughts were running through her mind, she heard hoofbeats come to a stop in front of Uncle Roderick’s home. She peeked out the window in her bedchamber and saw that it was Win. After scurrying down the staircase and out the front door, she ran into his arms, just as he’d disengaged from the stirrup. He picked her up from the ground, spinning her ‘round.
“Your timing is excellent, my precious Josephine.” He laughed and kissed her cheek.
<
br /> “Oh, Win, I’m so glad you’ve come. I’ve been in something of a dither.”
“What’s troubling you now, darling?”
“All of a sudden, it struck me that we’re about to announce our engagement to your parents. I know we’ve discussed this a dozen times. Nevertheless, I’m really all undone.”
“We have discussed this a dozen times or more. Please, leave this to me. I don’t think they’re going to be terribly surprised. I have mentioned you to my mother on numerous occasions and have told her something of your background.”
“You know as well as I do that men are supposed to introduce their brides-to-be in a much more suitable manner.”
“Yes. I know that. I am going to introduce you in a very suitable manner. I’ve told you not to wear the ring until we’ve announced that we want to marry. You’re making too much of this, darling. I intend to make the announcement before the other guests have arrived. We will arrive early and have an opportunity to chat with my parents before they’re tied up with other visitors. By the time dinner begins, they’ll know we plan to marry. You can wear your ring then. We’ll simply enjoy dinner, chat with the other guests, and I intend to formally announce our engagement to everyone then.
“You’ll have ample opportunity to meet my sister and chat with my parents. If they voice any objections, I’ve told you what my reaction will be. If we haven’t finished speaking with them by the time the others arrive, after I’ve taken you back to your uncle’s cottage, and everyone else has departed, I will ask to speak with them privately again. Josephine, please believe me. It does not matter what their reaction is. Naturally, I hope they’re overjoyed. They’re probably expecting something of the sort. I’ve told you before that I’ve mentioned you to them often. However, if there is any dissension, I’ve told you and told you that you will come first.”
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