“Adele?”
She met Hugh’s gaze. “Yes?”
“You have not answered my question.”
“I haven’t?”
“Lady Adele, will you marry me?”
She gave in to her feelings, then. Joy made her feel like she was floating. “I will,” she said. “Of course I will.”
Hugh grinned and then broke into laughter. He swept her up in his arms and spun her around. She was dizzy when he put her back down, but she did not mind at all.
What he’d just said hit her, then. She imagined this conversation would replay itself in her memory many times.“Hugh, I do not believe my father will be an issue. He may not offer much of a dowry, but he will be so elated to have a man of your standing offer for me that I cannot imagine he would protest. Based on some things Lord Waring said, however, I do fear your mother’s reaction.”
Hugh nodded. “I cannot deny that I fear her reaction as well. Which is why I figured I would speak to you first. If you would not have me, then I needed not tell my mother.”
“How would you have felt if I’d said no?”
“I would have been devastated. And I would have argued most ardently in favor of my suit. I am somewhat relieved I do not have to do that.”
“Oh, I don’t know. I should like to hear some ardent arguing.”
Hugh gave her a soft smile, and she liked the way his skin crinkled near his eyes. “I would have said that I have never met a woman who makes me feel as you make me feel. I’ve never met anyone as beautiful or intelligent or kind as you are. I have thought of you nearly constantly since the moment we met, and I am overjoyed that I may have you by my side for the rest of my life. And, again as my friends will tell you, I’ve never met anyone who made me think matrimony might be a joy and not a reluctant obligation.”
She recognized that he did not say he loved her, but that was all right. He clearly cared for her and was offering a happy life. She would take it for now, although she wanted his love in the future. Perhaps soon, he’d be able to say it, and Adele trusted him enough to know that when he did tell her he loved her, he would mean it with all his heart.
“Kiss me,” she said.
“What?”
“Kiss me. Promise me.”
“With pleasure.”
When Hugh pressed his lips to hers, it was not a chaste kiss but a hungry one. He groaned like a man eating his first bite of food after a long fast. She put her arms around his shoulders and clutched his coat like he might escape otherwise. The kiss warmed her, made her skin tingle, aroused and excited her. All kisses should be like this, she thought, or no kisses should be because then everyone would just kiss all the time.
She laughed, and broke the kiss. Hugh shot her a happy but befuddled look. “What is it?”
“I was just thinking that if all kisses were as wonderful as that one was, everyone would just kiss all the time. Then I pictured what that would be like.”
“No one would accomplish anything,” Hugh said, a chuckle in his voice.
“Indeed.”
“I won’t keep you from your packing, but I will send my coach for you tomorrow. I can speak with Lord Winchester if you like.”
“No, that is all right. I will do it.”
“You shall move into my home. I’ll have one of the spare rooms readied for you. Mother and I keep bedrooms at opposite ends of the house, but for propriety’s sake…”
This was all happening so fast. “Yes, of course. But what if your mother says no.”
Hugh grimaced. “I do not know. I hope it does not come to that.” He waved his hand. “It is of no matter. I will speak with her this afternoon and hopefully make her see that you will be a wonderful daughter-in-law. She may even enjoy planning a wedding.”
Adele giggled despite herself. She hadn’t even met the dowager duchess, but she was intimidated by her.
Hugh took one of Adele’s hands between both of his own. “Do not worry. We will find a way. I promise.”
