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On the other hand, her young girl’s dreams had been smashed. But was she ready at her age to give up on them? Was she truly that much of a coward?
“Sweetheart? You’re making me nervous.”
‘Twas not every day that a woman with no connections, no fortune, or no Upper Crust education and training, was made an offer by a man of the ton.
She hoped the lump in her throat would not turn into tears. “Now I ask you the same question.” Her voice shook as she said, “Are you sure?” She held her breath as he studied her, and then his face relaxed into a soft, warm visage.
“I am quite sure. In fact, I have never been more certain of anything in my entire life.”
Lizbeth clasped her hands to her chest and nodded. “Then my answer is yes.”
Marcus broke into a smile. “May I request another kiss?”
He looked so uncertain that it almost broke her heart. She knew he deserved so much more than her, but she was selfish enough to not care. He wanted her and that was sufficient. “My answer is yes.”
He wrapped his arms around her and drew her close, covering her face, neck and the exposed skin on her chest with kisses. Then he took her lips in a searing kiss that was quickly interrupted by a loud cough.
They broke apart to see Berkshire standing in the library. “I made a bit of noise when I entered, but it seemed the two of you did not hear me. Had you not responded this time I would have been forced to shoot off my pistol to gain your attention.”
Lizbeth smoothed out her skirts and patted the sides of her hair, her face flaming.
Marcus rose and took Lizbeth’s hand, who stood alongside him. He wrapped his arm around her waist. “Congratulate me, Berkshire. Miss Davenport has just made me the happiest of men by accepting my hand in marriage.”
“Indeed?” He raised his brows and walked to the sideboard where the brandy decanter stood. “I must say I am not surprised.” He poured a brandy and held the glass up. “Congratulations to you, Mallory, and here’s to a happy life for the two of you.”
“Thank you,” Lizbeth said. “How is Addie?”
Berkshire shuddered. “I spent time with Michael and then stopped by our bedchamber. That’s when I decided to come down for a drink.” He swirled the liquid around. “But only one.”
“Did you know Dr. Stevens is a woman?” Marcus asked.
“It didn’t start out that way,” Berkshire said as he took a seat across from them.
Lizbeth frowned. “Excuse me? Can you explain that, please?”
“Dr. Stevens—a man—was Addie’s doctor but his own doctor forced his retirement due to poor health. It seems his daughter, Miss Rayne Stevens had been working with him for a while after finishing her medical training and stepped in to take her father’s place.”
“And you are all right with that?” Marcus asked.
“Yes. She is quite competent, and frankly, having recently finished training, I believe she will be more up to date on new procedures.”
“Good for you. You are truly a gem among men.” Lizbeth raised her empty glass in a salute. Then she turned to Marcus. “And you as well.”
Lizbeth slid the key into the lock of Once Upon a Book. It was nearly nine o’clock, and the store was due to open in about a half hour. She was working all day, but Mr. Finch was coming in around noon. He wanted to make some changes in the store which he would do while she dealt with the customers.
As she pulled the dust cloth off the display counter near the door, the sunlight streaming through the window caught the betrothal ring on her left hand.
She smiled as she looked at her finger. She still found it hard to believe that she was about to be married. Well, in another month. Addie had again insisted on holding the wedding breakfast for Lizbe
th and Marcus, even though she heard about their engagement the day after her daughter, Lady Judith Hartley had been born.
Pamela had also stepped in to host the event, but Addie was adamant. Marcus was her brother and she would hold the wedding breakfast. That announcement was made with an outburst of tears. Berkshire patted her on the back and said as long as it was at least a month away, he would allow it.
Truth be told Lizbeth was glad it was a month off. Marcus had been teasing her with kisses every chance he got. She was still a long way off from what he would hope to experience on their wedding night, but he did push her a little bit each time.
The following day Lizbeth had an appointment with an excellent dressmaker who would fashion her wedding dress as well as a complete wardrobe.
Mrs. Mallory, who glowed with happiness every time she looked at Lizbeth’s betrothal ring, had set up the appointment. She also offered to go with her for guidance, which Lizbeth was thrilled to have since the thought of a fashionable modiste quite frightened her.
