Her heart swelled with love for this man. When she pulled back, she placed her finger on his lips. “My darling, there’s no need to chastise yourself. Events pulled us apart. Events that have changed our lives forever. I wanted to comfort you in your grief, but it felt wrong until I knew if you wished to see me again.”
“See you again? I wanted you here and thought of you every day, but I didn’t want to compromise your reputation. Bett, don’tyou understand? You’re my moon and stars, my constant, my dearest love.”
“You love me?”
“With all my heart. Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife?”
“Oh, Noah. I love you too. I’ve loved you since the house party. But I thought I was just a flirtation for you.”
“Never, and I’m sorry I gave you that impression. I should have called on you earlier. As I’ve told my friends, I was an idiot.”
“You’re not an idiot, and I’m sorry you received such a rude reception from Lord Williams. It was my fault for not mentioning you to him when I returned from the party.”
“Shhh. None of that matters now, my love. May I have your answer, or do you need to think about it?”
“I’ve been dreaming about this moment since June; I don’t need any more time to think about things. I love you, Noah, and would very much love to be your wife.”
Noah pulled her into his embrace and swung her around. “My darling Bett, you’ve made me the happiest of men. I shall go to London for a special license. I don’t want to waste any more time.”
“Noah, as much as I want to marry you, I don’t think it’s a good idea to get a special license. You’re still in mourning for another month, and I wouldn’t want to disrespect your uncle’s memory.”
Noah set her down. “How did I get so lucky as to have such a smart wife?”
Bett chuckled. “Not wife yet, but soon, my darling. There’s no need to give anyone a reason to criticize you for marrying before your mourning period is over. I think it would be best to have the banns read. That way, your tenants may come to the church if they wish.”
“Well, as much as I don’t want to wait, I can see you’re correct. I don’t want to start our life together with a scandal hanging over our heads. And I do think everyone has been greatly affected by the deaths and this could give them something to celebrate.”
“Exactly. Shall we share our news with our friends?” Bett asked.
“Absolutely,” Noah said, holding out his arm. “Let’s go find them.”
They found their friends in the parlor, and when they walked in, Robertson and Olivia turned to them with expectant looks on their faces.
“Can I assume by the smiles on both your faces that you’re engaged?” Robertson asked.
“We are indeed, and I couldn’t be happier. Having my love by my side is everything I could ever ask for,” Noah said.
Olivia jumped up and went to Bett, hugging her fiercely. “I’m so very happy for you both.”
Bett felt tears sting her eyes and blinked them back. “Thank you. I’m overjoyed.”
“So, are we off to London for a special license?” Robertson asked.
Noah shook his head. “No. My soon-to-be wife has wisely counseled me that it would be better to have the banns read. We will marry after I present myself to Parliament.”
“Well, that will give us plenty of time to visit my modiste in London,” Olivia said with a wide grin. “We’ll have such a good time in Town while the men go to Parliament.”
“I’d love to visit the modiste. Do you think she’ll be able to fit me in?” Bett asked.
“Of course. When a countess and a soon-to-be viscountess ask for a dress to be made, the modiste will be happy torearrange her schedule to accommodate us. After all, she’ll be thrilled to have us as future clients.”
Robertson slapped Noah on the back. “Well, my friend, I do hope you have an abundance of coin. Trust me, you’ll need it after the women finish their shopping.”
Noah chuckled and looked at Bett with a smile. “My lovely lady may purchase anything she wishes.”
“When shall we leave?” Olivia asked. “The modiste will need some time to fill the order.”
“Of course. We can leave in the day after next if that’s agreeable to everyone,” Noah said.
