Page 128 of Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Elizabeth gasped, and even Milly looked aghast at this public declaration.

Amelia just smiled. She had no idea what he had planned, but she trusted him.

“Consider it done,” Lord Crowland said. “Although I rather thought it was already null.”

Thomas tipped his head ever so slightly. “It’s good to make things clear, though, wouldn’t you agree?”

Lord Crowland blinked a few times, unsure of what he was getting at.

“I would like to make one more thing clear,” Thomas said.

And then he turned.

Looked Amelia in the eyes.

Walked across the room.

Took her hands.

The room fell away, and there was just him…and her…and joy. Amelia felt herself start to laugh—silent and giddy—with far too much happiness than she could ever keep inside.

“Amelia,” he said, and his eyes never left hers.

She started to nod, even though he hadn’t asked her anything. But she couldn’t help it. He had only to whisper her name and she wanted to shout. Yes! Yes!

He dropped to one knee. “Amelia Willoughby,” he said, a little louder now, “will you do me the very great honor of becoming my wife?”

She kept nodding. She couldn’t stop.

“I ask you,” he continued, “because this time it is your choice.”

“Yes,” she whispered. And then she shouted it. “Yes! Yes!”

He slipped a ring on her shaking finger. She had not even noticed that he’d been holding one, so intent had she been on his face.

“I love you,” he said. Right there, in front of everyone.

“I love you, too.” Her voice shook, but the words were true.

He stood then, still holding her hand, and turned to her father. “I do hope you will give us your blessing.”

His tone was light, but the intention was clear. They would marry with or without it.

“Can you provide for her?” Lord Crowland asked bluntly.

“I have reached a settlement with the new duke. She shall want for nothing.”

“You won’t have a title,” Lady Crowland pointed out, but not unkindly. It was more of a reminder, a gentle check that her daughter had thought things through.

“I don’t need one,” Amelia answered. And later, when she thought about it, she supposed that all of her love for him must have been shining in her face because her mother grew misty, mumbling some sort of nonsense about dust as she dabbed at her eyes.

“Well, then,” Lord Crowland said, looking very much as if he’d rather be out with his hounds. “I suppose it’s settled.” Then, as an afterthought: “Again.”

“I should have married you sooner,” Thomas said to Amelia, bringing one of her hands to his lips.

“No, you shouldn’t have done. I might not have fallen in love with you if you’d been my husband.”

“Care to explain that?” he asked, his smile amused.

---