Taking a breath, she straightened his cravat and ran her hand through his hair. “Not anymore.”
Elizabeth placed her hand on Geoffrey’s arm. Her legs were still a bit unsteady. She did not know if it was from his caresses or the fact that she was finally sure that he loved her.
He could not have said the things he did and kissed her that way unless he loved her. He had still nottoldher he loved her. That was what had made her hesitate before she had agreed to be his wife. Some men, her aunt had said, had trouble saying the words, but showed their love with deeds. Geoffrey could not be more considerate of her, and the way he kissed and touched her . . . There could not be anything better.
She was glad her friends had told her what to expect, especially the kissing with tongues part, otherwise Elizabeth would have been shocked. As it was, she reveled in Geoffrey’s taste and the flames that coursed through her veins from her lips to the place between her legs. She had felt his hard length against her and was excited that he wanted her. And he had asked her to dream about him as he would dream about her. He must love her.
“Are you ready to go in?” he asked, continuing to touch her in small ways, as if now that he had started he could not stop.
Elizabeth did not wish to rejoin the ball. She would much rather have remained out here all night. “I suppose we should tell my family that we will marry.”
“And my grandmother and cousin.” In a matter of minutes, everyone at the ball would know.
“Will they be happy about our betrothal?” She began to worry her bottom lip. Elizabeth supposed they might be expecting Geoffrey to offer for her. Yet, that did not mean they wouldn’t have liked another lady more.
“I can promise you they will be delighted.” He caressed her cheek, running his thumb across her lips. “My grandmother was very taken with you.”
That made her feel better. Elizabeth had never before considered how nerve-racking it was to be joining a new family.
He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and they strolled into the ballroom. After being in the dark, the candles glowing from the chandeliers and wall sconces made the room seem brighter than before. A few people turned their heads when she and Geoff entered the room. Two middle-aged ladies both wearing turbans adorned with feathers whispered to one another. And she fought the blush rising in her cheeks.
They found Aunt and Gavin not far from the French windows. Had one or the other or both of them known what was going on?
“Have you been strolling?” Aunt asked, looking closely at Elizabeth. Nothing though, not gossiping ladies or her aunt’s scrutiny, could dim her mood.
“I have been proposing,” Geoffrey responded, a grin on his face.
Just like that, their betrothal was suddenly real. Elizabeth smiled at him. She had never been so happy! “And I have been accepting.”
Gavin raised his glass of champagne, and said in a loud voice, “Congratulations. May I be the first to wish you happy?”
Any remaining doubts she felt left her as her brother called for more champagne and others gathered around to hear the news. Geoffrey was slapped on the back by some of the gentlemen, and a few of the ladies embraced Elizabeth.
“When is the wedding?” Lord Endicott asked.
She glanced at Geoffrey. It had to be soon. He looked at her, but did not answer. Right then, it was up to her. “As soon as a special license can be procured and an appointment with the vicar made.”
There would be no time to have new gowns made. Fortunately, the pale colors of a lady just making her come out suited her. Other garments could be procured once she was on the Continent.
Elizabeth had every faith Wellington would be successful and before long Napoleon would be in a prison of some sort. And she and Geoffrey would be living the life they wanted.
“Harrington,” she heard her brother say in a low voice, “we must discuss the settlement agreement soon. If you will have your information sent to my solicitor, I am certain he can have the initial contract completed by tomorrow or the next day.”
“My father must approve any contract,” Geoffrey said. “It would be better if you could send me your lawyer’s information. He knew I wished to marry, and I believe that he has sent his requirements to his solicitor. As soon as I have your lawyer’s information, I’ll attend to the matter.”
“Certainly,” her brother agreed.
Geoffrey turned his focus back to her. “We must find my grandmother and tell her before someone else does.”
“I did not expect my brother to be so loud.” She winced. “That was not well done of him.”
“I can’t blame him.” He squeezed her hand in a reassuring manner.
As they were about to excuse themselves to tell his family of their impending marriage, she heard Miss Covenington’s dry voice. “I can only think of one reason there is such a crowd gathered around you.”
“Are we to congratulate you?” his grandmother asked.
“If you please, ma’am,” Elizabeth said, hoping Geoffrey was right.
