The Favor: The Blooms of Norfolk
Page 11
He turned to look down at her. “Once Lady Markham heard Iris was expecting a child, I didn’t think she would come to Hill House.”
“Abigail promised she would go to Iris in Devon before the birth.” She made sure the other women were out of earshot before she added, “Iris will make sure the baby’s great-aunt will be at the birth. She doesn’t want Abigail to feel as if she isn’t needed.”
The two ladies exited the glasshouse, headed for the next. They appeared to have forgotten all about Lottie and Peake.
“And we are alone.” Peake turned to her, placing his other hand over hers on his forearm. “May I kiss you, Lottie? I should dearly like to do so.”
She felt her breath quicken. “Our first kiss. Yes, please.”
Peake stepped forward and leaned in ever so slowly to touch his lips to hers. Her eyes fluttered shut. His warm, firm lips touched her mouth gently, once, twice, and then the pressure increased. She felt a flutter in her chest.
“Lottie . . .”
She opened her eyes. His gaze roamed over her face, and she smiled. He flushed.
“I wanted to give you some time to get to know me. Get used to me.” His grin was a mixture of tenderness and embarrassment. “I thought I wanted a wife in the country while I was in town. Now I can’t imagine being away from you.”
“You won’t have to be. We will let a house in London after we are married. Thank you for telling me about your father’s debts. How close you were to ruin.”
“Your brother knows all about my past financial difficulties.” He paused. “I asked for your hand before Ambrose left London.”
“You did?” She squashed the urge to tease him. Best not to interrupt any further revelations.
“I was sure, you see. Sure you are everything I want.” He looked away. When he closed his eyes, she sensed he waited for her response.
She replied, “And you are everything I want. Everything I need.”
“My dearest girl.” His eyes now open, he moved both his hands to grasp hers. “Marry me, Lottie. I love you. Make me the happiest man on earth.”
“And I love you. I will marry you if you promise to kiss me again.” Her smile was shy.
“I promise.” He pulled her into the shadow of his body. As he lowered his head to hers, he said in an uneven voice, “I promise to kiss you every day for the rest of our lives.”
Their lips met, his mouth brushing back and forth ever so softly against her own. She heard the door to the glasshouse creak open.
“I told you, my dear,” Lady Peake whispered. “All they needed was a bit of privacy.”
Abigail sniffed loudly. “I hope he knows what he’s getting into. The girl replaced my perfume with water, don’t you know.”
THE END