“Of course, my lord,” Miss Putnam said, removing her bonnet and gloves before showing him into the front parlor.
Carlisle wasted no time in taking her hand in his. “Miss Putnam, I’m sure you know what I wish to say. I find you a delightful young woman and enjoy our time together. Would you honor me by agreeing to become my wife?”
“You wish to marry me?” Agnes asked.
“I do.”
“It’s all so sudden.”
“Do you think so? I’ve thought of nothing but you for quite some time now and can’t wait to start our life together.”
“You have?”
“I have indeed.”
Agnes smiled. “I would be most honored to become your wife, my lord.”
Carlisle dropped her hand. “That gladdens my heart. I’ve already spoken to your father and the marriage contract is being drawn up. There is one thing I hope you can help me with, though.”
“What is it, my lord?”
“I wanted to marry by special license so we could be wed by the end of the week, but your father insists the banns be read. I don’t know if I can wait three weeks to make you mine.”
Agnes hesitated before answering. “If that’s what Papa wants, I must honor his wishes, my lord. There’s much to be done in preparation for our wedding. I’m sure the weeks will pass quickly for both of us.”
Carlisle fisted his hands. It seemed Agnes wasn’t the meek young lady he’d originally thought. But it wouldn’t do for her to see his agitation. “If that’s what you wish, then that is what you shall have,” he said, giving her a chaste kiss on the lips. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I will take my leave.”
“Will I see you at the Wollard ball, my lord?”
“Indeed. Until then, Miss Putnam,” he said with a bow.
Carlisle could hardly contain his fury as he left the Putnam home. How dare they defy his wishes? His financial problems could have all been resolved by the end of the week if they married by special license, but now he’d have to juggle his remaining funds for another three weeks.
“My solicitor’s office,” he called up to the driver as he got in his carriage. It was going to be an interesting meeting with his solicitor. He’d have to convince the man to delay his billing until after the wedding. The solicitor would have to get in line behind all of the other people Carlisle owed.
“Damn you, Putnam,” he murmured. “Why must everything be such a chore?”
Chapter 17
CARLISLE CIRCLED THE ROOM ATthe Wollard ball looking for Miss Putnam, but before he found her he caught sight of Alesbury dancing with Miss Bainbridge. He looked besotted with the young beauty and it made Carlisle’s blood boil. A dangerous plan began to form in his mind. He wanted to make sure Edgerton suffered and he had the perfect plan to make that happen.
ALESBURY COULDN’T RECALL EVERbeing so happy. The five days since he’d last seen Violet had been the longest he could remember and he’d missed her desperately, but she was finally in his arms again, dancing at the Wollard ball. She looked so beautiful, she made his heart sing. “Miss Bainbridge, may I have a private word with you after the dance?”
She looked at him with a brilliant smile—the one she gave only to him. “Of course, my lord.”
When the dance ended, he led her through the French doors to the terrace beyond and guided her to the end of the terrace, where they could enjoy a modicum of privacy. His finger traced along her jaw to the sweet hollow of her throat. “You’re so beautiful, my love. Every time I see you, I’m overcome with the need to keep you by my side always.”
Violet shivered. “Thank you. What did you wish to speak to me about?”
Now that the moment he’d waited for all Season was finally here, his heart pounded and a trickle of sweat slid down his back as he lifted her hand to kiss her knuckles. He took a deep breath and began. “My darling, from the moment we were introduced last fall, I knew there was something special about you. The more time we spent together the more that initial feeling was reinforced. I feel so empty when you’re not with me, like a vital part of me is missing.”
Violet nodded. “You’re special to me as well, my lord.”
“Will you please call me Brooks?”
Violet licked her lips, and Alesbury ached to kiss her. “Brooks, you’re very special to me and you must call me Violet.”
“I’m ever so glad you feel the same because I’ve never felt like this about any woman. You make me a better man, and I love you with every fiber of my being. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?” Tears pooled in Violet’s eyes, and Alesbury experienced a moment of panic. “My darling, why are you crying?”
