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Without opening her eyes, she replied, “I am waiting for you to kiss me.”
He chuckled. “I was hoping you would be more of an active participant in the kiss.”
“What would you have me do, then?” she questioned as she opened her eyes.
Oliver took a step closer to her and placed his hands on her shoulders. He leaned closer, drawing their faces near, and brushed his lips over hers. He heard her let out a staggered breath, but she remained still. Once he was sure she wouldn’t run away, he pressed his lips against hers.
He intended it to be a chaste kiss, but as he felt her softening in his arms, he decided to give her a proper kiss. Slowly, he brought his arms around her and gently brought her towards him. She came willingly, and he took a moment to deepen the kiss.
He was so lost in the moment that he barely registered his sister’s exclamation. “Unhand my friend!”
Rather than do Jane’s bidding, Oliver leaned back and was gratified to see that Emmeline’s eyes were still closed.
Jane came closer. “I’m serious, Oliver,” she said firmly. “Emmeline is engaged to the Duke of Billingham.”
“Not anymore,” he replied, his voice hoarse. “She has agreed to be my wife.”
Jane shifted her gaze towards Emmeline. “Is Oliver in earnest?”
Emmeline smiled. “I am going to marry your brother.”
To his surprise, Jane swatted at his sleeve. “You’d better be true to Emmeline, or I will kill you myself.”
Oliver huffed. “This marriage will be in name only.”
“Are you sure?” Jane asked. “It appeared that you two were getting along quite nicely before I walked into the room.”
Oliver cleared his throat. “That was only to seal our agreement with a kiss.”
“I think it might be best if I return home and pack,” Emmeline said.
“Make sure you pack light,” Oliver advised. “We will only stop to swap out the horses.”
“I understand,” she replied.
Jane glanced between them. “You are eloping?” she questioned.
Emmeline nodded. “I can’t marry Oliver without my guardian’s consent before I am twenty-one, and the duke intends to marry me on my birthday.”
“Mother is going to be furious,” Jane declared.
Oliver shifted his gaze towards Jane. “You will not tell Mother until after we depart.”
“But—”
He cut her off. “I am serious, Jane,” he stated, his tone brooking no argument. “We don’t want anyone to tip off Lord and Lady Taylor.”
Jane pressed her lips together. “I can agree to that.”
Emmeline met his gaze and said, “Thank you, Oliver.” He could hear the sincerity in her voice.
“You are welcome,” he replied with a lopsided grin. “Now, you’d better return home before your aunt and uncle grow suspicious.”
Taking a step back, Emmeline bobbed her head. “I shall see you tonight.”
“I will pick you up at twelve in front of your townhouse.”
He could see relief flicker in her eyes. “I will be ready.”
