THE NEXT MORNING, COLINpaced his study, waiting for Abigail. She had sent word that she wanted to speak with him, and he could think of no other reason than to provide an answer to his proposal.
Would she accept? What if she didn’t? He had made his offer as enticing as possible. What would he do if she declined? What could he do? A gentleman’s code of conduct dictated he should accept her decision with good grace and not press. But dammit, he wanted to fight and conquer her love. He didn’t want to lose her. He couldn’t.
He was more than a little aghast to realize how much he had let himself care about her. He had to control his emotions. It was unseemly, really. Even if she accepted, he had to remember he had proposed only a marriage of convenience. This was not a love match. Not on her part.
A knock sounded at the door, and his heart somersaulted in his chest.
He cleared his throat and called, “Come in.” The door opened softly, and she gracefully walked in. He scrutinized her face, but it was carefully blank, giving nothing away.
“Abigail. Have a seat, please.” He was proud that his voice was its normal, courteous tone, betraying none of his inner turmoil.
“Thank you, my lord.” She said, taking the seat he offered and folding her hands primly on her lap. “I have thought about your proposal. And I have decided.”
“Yes?”Put me out of my misery please, say yes. He wanted to beg.
He watched her delicate throat as she swallowed. “I accept.”
Triumph, white hot and radiant, blazed through him. He wanted to shout. Wanted to pump his fist in the air. Wanted to throw her over his shoulder and carry her to his room where he could devour her... He did none of those things, of course.
Keeping his congenial gentleman facade in place, he smiled innocuously. “I am glad, my dear.” He would allow himself one small indulgence, however.
Coming to stand before her, he extended his hand, and she placed her hand on his. He pulled her to her feet, cupped her face with his hands, and kissed her tenderly. Her lips were soft, welcoming, her taste intoxicating. He had to force himself to keep it light, to step away from her.
He pressed his forehead to hers and breathed in a sigh of relief, her scent filling him. “I promise to do all in my power to make you happy. You’ll never regret your decision.”
It was the most solemn vow of his life.
CHAPTER 17
IT WAS HIS WEDDINGday. The fortnight since Abigail accepted his proposal had been filled with wedding preparations. Now, as he stood at the base of the altar in the village church, waiting for Abigail to arrive, he looked at the faces of his stepmother and sister. They smiled at him from the front row.
Next to him, Wang stood quiet and unobtrusive, wearing a perfectly tailored English suit, although nobody would mistake him for an Englishman. His features were too distinctive and marked him as a foreigner in this land.
These people were the only family he had. A knot of emotion formed in his throat.
They seemed to approve of this match. In fact, they were fairly beaming with happiness for him and Abigail. He hoped it was a good omen for their union.
