Page 54 of A Gifted Earl

Chapter Eighteen

“Tonight is the Christmas celebration dinner. And tomorrow is Christmas Eve – when we must go home. I had so hoped that, by now…”

Lady Hardenwell sighed.

Venetia almost squirmed on her seat – what could she say? If Lord Templewick had meant his words as a proposal, and taken her acceptance of his kisses as acceptance of the proposal, then… but if he hadn’t…

She swallowed.

“So had I. But at least Jasper is gone, and we don’t have to put up with his company any longer.”

“Indeed. Although it was very strange that he simple upped and left like that – it’s most unlike him to walk away from free hospitality. I won’t complain though – he is such a disagreeable man.”

“He is – but he’s gone, and we can enjoy tonight’s dinner without his irritating presence. Perhaps, if we are lucky with the weather, I can get in one more ride with Lord Templewick in the morning, before we must leave.”

“Yes. But for now, we’d best go down and see what people are doing.”

After an hour in the beautifully Christmas decorated parlour, while people stared morosely out through the windows at the rain soaked countryside, and talked about the dreadful road conditions they were likely to experience on the way home, Venetia made quiet excuses to her mother and slipped out to go to the library – she was not going to let yesterday’s events put her off using the room – there were too many wonderful books to explore in the short time that she was to be here.

As she walked along the corridor, past the top of the stairs, there was no one in sight – not even any servants. For a house full of people, it was very quiet. Then, as she came level with another door, it opened. She glanced sideways, to see Lord Templewick in the doorway.

He looked startled for a moment, then took one step forward, looked both ways along the corridor, turned back to her, and gave her the most wicked grin. And immediately took hold of her arm, and pulled her into the room, quickly shutting the door after her.

If it hadn’t been for that grin, she might have been frightened. Instead, she was curious – what was this about? And… would it involve kisses? The thought made her pulse race, and her breath come short.

“My Lord! Just what is this about? This is, you realise, a shocking lack of propriety, for us to be alone together like this…”

“Is it? Because I might do this?”

With which words he drew her into his arms, and kissed her.

Everything else faded away, and she did not at all care in that moment whether anyone might find them in such a compromising position. All she cared about was the kiss. When he finally released her she stepped back, looked at him and simply said the first thing that came to mind.

“Yes.”

“Yes? Is that yes to my question just now, or yes to my rather poorly delivered proposal of yesterday?”

“Ah… I… Was that a proposal, in truth?”

“Yes, it was. Will you have me, Venetia?”

Her world spun, and she put a hand out, grasping for something to steady her, and he took her arm. He had meant it – he had just asked her again. The tiny flame of hope that she had nurtured in her heart for all of these months burst into a raging fire. She was saved – saved from marring Lord Peterley, saved from being a poverty-stricken spinster, and instead, she was able to marry the man she loved.

“Yes, I will, with all my heart.”

He pulled her into his arms again, and kissed her with a depth of passion which she had not known existed. She allowed it to sweep her away, losing all awareness of anything but him, of the kiss, of what had become her new world. Minutes later, they drew apart a little, both breathing hard.

“Thank you, Venetia – you have made me the happiest of men. Tonight’s dinner can be our betrothal celebration, as well as a celebration of Christmas. But say nothing for now – I must speak with your mother, and make arrangements for all that will need to be done. And I will do that now, as soon as I possibly can, so that we can make our grand announcement at dinner tonight.”

She nodded.

“Mother was in the parlour just before I came out. I was on my way to the library – so I will continue, and leave you to seek Mother out.”

He raised an eyebrow.

“The library? Does not that bring bad memories, after yesterday?”

She shook her head.