Page 68 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
“It is bad enough that I kissed you…that Iwantedto kiss you. And then we were caught in a groping kiss. But did you then have to make an utter jest of it?”
He looked genuinely perplexed. “How did I jest about it?”
She gasped. “Hopefully, my wife?That’s what you said. Who is ever going to believe that nonsense? Viscounts do not marry cooks.”
“How do you know? Have you met any viscounts other than me?”
“No, but that is beside the point.”
“It is entirely the point. Did I not promise I would always protect you?”
She shook her head. “No, you promised never to hurt me.”
“I’m sure I promised both. No matter, it is the same thing. Marry me, Viola.”
She considered punching him in the nose again, but she had gotten away with it once and there was something in his fierce expression that warned she would not get away with it again. “Have you had too much to drink?”
He grinned at her. “If I am intoxicated, it is only because of your beauty.”
She rolled her eyes. “That is dreadfully lame, my lord. Truly worthy of a groan.”
He raked a hand through his hair. “How do I convince you I am serious?”
“I don’t think it is possible.” The only thing worse than accepting his proposal was her being stupid enough to believe she would ever exchange vows with him at the altar. Even if he were serious about it, his family would prevent it from ever happening. As nice as they were– and she did like them all, even his blowhard of a father– they would never allow her to marry into their family.
His father was the only one being honest about it.
Lady Withnall and his grandmother now followed them into the conservatory.
“Great,” he said, his sarcasm apparent, “I do not need you two old biddies interfering in my life. I am making a fine mess of it all on my own.”
“We are not here to talk to you,” his grandmother said. “We wish to speak to Viola.”
He put a protective arm around her. “What is it you wish to say to her? I’ll toss you both into the cabbage patch if you dare insult her.”
Lady Withnall smacked him on the shoulder with her cane. “Behave yourself or I’ll tattle on you to your father.”
Viola wanted to laugh at the absurdity of the moment, but she was already in so much trouble. She did not need to pile on any more problems.
“My dear girl,” his grandmother said, giving her hand a gentle pat. “Neither I nor Lady Withnall is going to hurt you. We happen to think kissing you is the smartest thing my grandson has done in an age. So, the secret of your first kiss is quite safe with us.”
“It is?” She glanced at her grandson, this big, gorgeous man who still had his arm protectively around her shoulders.
He nodded. “If my grandmother says it is so, then it is so.”
She emitted a ragged breath. “My reputation is not ruined?”
Lady Withnall snorted. “Hardly. If it took you this long to receive your first kiss, then I doubt you are a moral danger in anyone’s kitchen.”
His grandmother patted her hand again. “Alexander has already arranged for us to talk to you tomorrow morning about your situation. The kiss will not be mentioned. I hope you will not run away. I am looking forward to getting to know you better.”
“As am I, my dear,” Lady Withnall said with unexpected kindness.
The pair sauntered off, leaving her alone once more with the viscount. “Should I believe them?”
“Yes, Viola. They like you and wish to protect you as I do, so there is no need for you to leave. Let us get through this weekend party and then you and I are going to talk seriously.”
She nodded.
