Page 174 of The Sisters of Sea View
Her sister squeezed her hand, then rushed out to greet the newcomers. “Welcome. Miss Reed, is it?” Emily took the woman’s arm. “Allow me to take you inside. Mr. Sagar, if you could assist me? We’ll find a quiet corner and get you warm and dry. Are you hungry? The food will be ready soon, and we have far too much of it. You would be doing us a favor....”
Emily chatted away and, with Armaan’s help, led the woman into the house without protest. Leave it to Emily to charm even a woman with a heart of stone.
Her thoughts quickly returned to Jack. When had she begun thinking of him by his Christian name? He paid the driver and thanked him, and the donkey cart pulled away.
As the major walked across the wet lawn toward her, Viola stepped to the edge of the veranda. He reached the stairs and paused to look up at her. Two stairs above him, she was slightly taller than he was.
On impulse, she threw her arms around his neck. “Thank God you are safe.”
He wrapped his arms around her waist, gathering her close.
Pressing her cheek to his—his scarred cheek—she leaned into him, savoring his warm embrace.
After several aching heartbeats, Viola pulled back slightly, clasping her hands at the back of his neck. His arms loosened but remained at her waist.
“I am so proud of you,” she said. It was a new experience to look into his face from such a height. Such proximity. Such tempting access to his mouth.
His gaze kindled like blue fire. Something simmered there. Sparked.
As if of their own volition, her hands curved forward to frame his jaw.
Her focus shifted from his eyes to his mouth. She bent slightly, angled her head, leaned closer.
He inhaled a ragged breath.
She touched her lips to his, finding them cool, soft, and wet with rain. A moment later, that impression evaporated. He tightened his arms around her and kissed her back, his mouth growing warm, firm, passionate.
He broke contact at last, and it was her turn to draw a ragged breath. The hands bracketing her waist set her slightly away from him. He looked into her eyes, a tremulous smile on his lips.
Glibly, he said, “Remind me to rescue elderly ladies more often.”
She chuckled.
A moment later he sobered. “Tell me that was more than a thank-you. Tell me you love me as I love you.”
“I ... do.” She faltered, then repeated more confidently, “I definitely do.”
“Did you mean what you said before? That I am still a man with much to offer? Despite my scars and the fact that I am blind in one eye and all but missing one ear?”
“Yes, I meant it. With all my heart.”
“Does this mean you have changed your mind? That you are willing to brave a future with me?” His voice thickened. “Viola...” came his hoarse plea. “Say you’ll marry me. Hurry. For I long to kiss you again.”
“I will.” She leaned forward and pressed her mouth to his once more.
In reply, he embraced her, lifting her from the veranda into hisarms, her body held to his, his mouth pressed to hers. Then, slowly, slowly, she slid down the length of him until her feet, once again, came reluctantly down to earth.
Even though Sarah had not been able to help directly with the rescue efforts, she was glad they could at least offer those who had, and those displaced, a haven to get warm, dry, and well-fed.
Mrs. Besley, Jessie, and her mother were putting the final touches on the banquet in the dining room while Georgiana and Effie went around offering hot tea or cider, having ceased their play practice to lend a hand.
Soon the drawing room was crowded with a mismatched jumble of people. There sat Mrs. Denby and Armaan, not far from Mr. Gwilt and his parrot.
And near the fire sat the mysterious newcomer, Miss Reed.
Then arrived Colin and Mr. Hutton from Westmount, come to see if the major and Armaan were safe.
Emily quickly reassured them. “Mr. Sagar is just there. And Major Hutton is perfectly well too. Just, um ... finishing up outside. He shall be in shortly.”
