Page 69 of Lord of Loyalty

“I shouldn’t imagine he’ll be much missed. Well done, Maybury. It seems Mistress Marston and I are not the only ones to have been involved in adventure of late.”

“Indeed, indeed.” Maybury took a covert glance at Paulina, but she seemed to have retreated into herself again. Most unusual. Her experience with de Velors had left its mark—Will began to feel pity for her.

“So, Mistress Marston, Cavendish has found you. I’m right glad of it.”

“He has.” Isobel shot Will a coy look that made him want to puff out his chest. He grinned.

“And he’s removed any further danger to my person.”

“Excellent news. And you’re both friends again, I hope?”

Where was this leading? Why did Maybury seem so awkward? He was a man who usually got right to the point. Will rested his hands upon Isobel’s shoulders in a proprietary gesture. That ought to satisfy the man.

“I should say we always have been, Maybury. Now, will you stop paddling around the pond and tell us what you really want to say.”

Maybury drained his cup. Paulina wound her hands together and stared at him.

“On the journey home, Mistress Mathieson and I were thrown much into each other’s company. As you know, my wife died. I mean—I’m not averse to marrying again. Paulina and her father spent a night at my house and liked it a good deal. A pox on’t! What I’m trying to say is… she and I are now betrothed.”

Will felt an ache around his heart. This news was exceedingly welcome but, at the same time, reminded him he’d not yet received Isobel’s answer. How could he bear to congratulate his friend on the prospect of domestic felicity when his own future was far from certain?

Isobel had risen and, bless her forgiving heart, was embracing Paulina. “That is splendid news and gladdens my soul. May I embrace you, too?” She turned to Maybury, who was out of his seat in a second. Will felt the bitter sting of jealousy as the man wrapped his arms around Isobel’s slender waist and kissed her cheek.

This would not do at all. He waited until Maybury had released Isobel, then knelt before her, to a chorus of gasps.

“My lady. I believe that we, too, deserve such happiness. Will you do me the honor of agreeing to become my wife?”

He steeled himself for her answer—how many times had he asked her now? Surely, she could no longer refuse him, not after last night. But by asking her in front of witnesses, he was putting still further pressure on her to agree. She wouldn’t like that. But he’d make it up to her—tonight if she’d let him.

Tender arms wrapped around him, and he felt her kiss his hair. He closed his eyes and waited, feeling as if he were poised on the edge of a cliff, looking down at dark, choppy waters. If she said “no”…

“Of course, I will.” Her voice bubbled with laughter. “You foolish fellow—how could you think I would not?”

He rose then, and—not caring about the company—kissed her thoroughly.

Someone clapped their hands, and a masculine roar of laughter was accompanied by a feminine giggle. Still entranced by the nectar of Isobel’s lips, Will refused to pay any attention—until Isobel gently eased herself away. Even then, he couldn’t let her go but slid his arm possessively around her waist as he turned to face their audience.

Maybury was still laughing. “You two, despite adverse circumstances, have found each other, as have we. Fate is a fickle mistress, but I believe she has smiled on us undeserving mortals this day.”

“Amen to that.” Will shook Maybury’s hand, and kissed Paulina’s, silently forgiving her all the trouble she’d caused him. Then he indicated the table.

“Goodwife Cooper was right. We do have something to celebrate today, and how better than to celebrate in good company? Let us now enjoy our betrothal feast. Is it too early to call for wine, Eurydice?”

Isobel gave him a look that warmed his soul and heated his blood. “Nay, good Orpheus. You have my permission to do so.”

He glanced at Maybury and Paulina, who were watching him and Isobel in slack-jawed puzzlement.

“A private family jest,” he explained as joyous laughter bubbled up in his stomach once more. Isobel was his, his heart was whole, and every day would be a blessing with her by his side.

And he’d devote the rest of his life to proving that Edward had made the right decision when he’d asked Will to care for the incomparable Isobel Marston.