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“Oh.”
“Then.” Confusion trenched his brow. “I meant the words then,” she said. “Now? Can it be too soon for me to claim a change of heart?”
His fingers tightened just above her hip. “Hearing that makes me the most blissful of fellows. I want nothing more than to dance you right out the nearest French window and sweep you out into the garden where I might have you all to myself.”
She looked that direction. Dare he hope—with longing? “It is rather cold outside.”
“I daresay that I could keep you warm.”
Eyes glittering, she pulled her hand from his shoulder and fanned her face. “I am feeling significantly warm, if not overly flushed right now.”
“It has been a lengthy waltz.”
“Quite. I wonder why the musicians haven’t halted before now.”
“Because each time your mother or mine caught my eye and pointed to the gallery, I indicated they should keep playing.”
“Are you attempting to make a point, Lord Redford?”
“I am attempting to gain a wife.”
That confident, bold statement begat a herd of butterflies in Anne’s stomach, ones that quite outfluttered the midges. “And a babe in the bargain?”
“In due time. There exists no immediate race to that end. Although I shall enjoy the begetting of one, I am sure, and would endeavor that you do the same.”
She snickered. Could not help herself. “Ensure you enjoy the begetting?”
“No, you vexatious piece of baggage, ensuring that you do.”
“Did you not prove that the other night?”
The tips of his ears grew red. “I, ah, was not at my best that night. I am firmly of the opinion you would benefit… Appreciate… Find me more impressive, and yourself more pleasure, should we repeat the experience.”
Anne gave a gasp of mock outrage. “Why, Lord Redford, you outlandish fiend! Are you seeking to see me ruined?”
“Only if you refuse to have me any other way.”
Did he but know it, every second spent in his company was one closer to her not only acceding to the betrothal, but embracing it with all her might.
“I do not know,” she pondered, glancing up at the ceiling in a bored fashion. “What, exactly, do you have to recommend yourself? Nay—hush now,” she ordered when he started to speak. “It is my turn to enumerate your qualities. Be they positive or negative.”
“Go on. I await your every declaration with breath held and the rest of me a bag of nails.”
“You do know how to make a roaring fire.”
“One that doesn’t last.”
“And you are rather handy with a shovel.”
He snorted a laugh. “And you have a monstrous sense of humor.”
She gave him a nod of agreement, and couldn’t stop the grin that threatened. “I did enjoy your kisses, what I have sampled of them so far.”
“Ah, yes. My kisses are quite acclaimed.”
“Let us keep them betwixt ourselves henceforth. No mistressing about.” His eyes glittered but he remained silent. “You rake. That was an opportunity for you to agree.”
“Mmm. My remarkable qualities, you were saying?”
