Page 140 of Rakes & Reticules
“Then…perhaps I am to blame for the situation we find ourselves in.” She removed her hands from her hips and placed them behind her, rolling her weight from heel to toe and then back onto her heels. She was deep in thought.
“How do you figure this is somehow your fault and not entirely mine?” he asked.
With her brow knitted she explained, “If I had not made my feelings for you so apparent, maybe you would have been more focused on gaugingmyinterest in marrying you than worrying about gaining my brother’s permission.”
He wanted to reach out and run the edge of his thumb over her brow to release the tension. Instead, he kept his hands to himself and asked, “Would you marry me without your brother’s consent?”
“You’re a fool to think I wouldn’t.”
“Then should we set off for Gretna Green?”
She stared up at him with the brightest smile he’d ever witnessed. “Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.” He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms bringing her hands to the front for him to hold. “Lady Hazel, will you marry me?”
* * *
Hazel blinked rapidly twice.The man was being serious. For a moment she was tempted to say yes and throw all propriety to the wind, but then reality hit her. There were still three words she wished to hear Samuel say to her. Although she had already confessed her love for him and was certain that her feelings for him would not change, it’s be unwise for her to agree to wed Samuel without first hearing a confession of love. Wouldn’t it?
She squeezed his hands and said, “Running away to Scotland is not the answer, my lord.”
He tried to pull away but she held on tight to him and continued, “Do you really wish to spend the rest of your days with me?”
“Do you not?” He arched just his right brow at her.
To date, Hazel hadn’t dared to verbally spar with Samuel on such topics that had the potential to reveal her insecurities. “I asked first.”
Samuel withdrew his hands from hers and placed them upon her waist to draw her closer. Staring directly down at her he answered, “Yes. It would be an honor to be by your side, to be your husband and to be the father of your children.”
An image of a miniature version of Samuel appeared in her mind and Hazel’s heart skipped a beat. There was no doubt in her mind that Samuel cared for her, but did he love her? A marriage founded in unrequited love was not what she dreamed of.
She rested her forehead against his chest and said, “I feel the same. It would be my honor to become your wife.”
He pushed her back away by the shoulders and his gaze searched her face. “Does that mean you agree, you are saying yes, you will marry me?” The uncertainty in Samuel’s tone was foreign to Hazel’s ears.
She shook her head. “Not exactly.”
Samuel’s hands immediately dropped to his side and he took a step back.
Not caring for the extra space between them she step forward and grabbed him by the lapels. “Don’t retreat. Let me explain.” She waited for him to nod and then she proceeded to say, “I wish for us to court, to explore and confirm these feelings we have for one another. And if we are still in agreement by the end of the Season, but Richard continues to have objections, then we can take a trip up north.”
When Samuel shook his head, she released him and it was her turn to take a step back. She didn’t get far, as he reached for her and caught her right elbow.
He shook his head slowly from side-to-side and said, “I don’t need to court you. I already know with all my heart that you are the only woman for me. But if you are still uncertain, I’m willing to do whatever is needed to prove to you that I love you and only you.”
Hearing the three words she’d given up hope on ever receiving from Samuel instantly squashed her fears of marrying the man. “You love me?”
This time, when he answered he nodded and gave her his winsome smile. “I do, and will for the rest of my days.”
“You won’t regret it?”
“Never.” He slipped his hand down her arm and held onto her hand. “Ready to embark upon an adventure?”
Enjoying the banter that so reminded her of their conversations last Season, she grinned and asked, “Are you sure you want to bank on a bluestocking?”
“I’m certain.” Samuel dropped down onto one knee. “Lady Hazel, will you be my wife?”
She gazed upon the man she loved wholeheartedly and replied, “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”
