Page 69 of The Viscount and the Vicar's Daughter
Obviously, he was not going to propose to her again.
He had stepped forward to protect her when caught kissing her, but the crisis was now over. “I’m sorry I punched you.”
“I’m sure I deserved it.” He laughed softly, reaching over to open the door for her. “I’m not sorry I kissed you. Good night, Viola. Are we all right?”
She nodded. “I will remain here and cook for you.”
He frowned. “That isn’t what I meant.”
“Oh.” Then what did he mean? She was too tired to care. “Good night, my lord.”
She retired to her quarters, undressed and snuggled under her blanket.
But she could not help wondering about tonight’s kiss and their being caught.
What might have happened had she accepted his offer of marriage instead of punching him in the nose?
He could not have been serious about it, could he?
CHAPTER 12
ALEXANDER FELT PARTICULARLYproud of Viola. This morning’s breakfast was another triumph. He’d had to pry his family from the dining table in order to gather them in his study for their interview of the girl.
He was going through with it because he had promised Viola.
As for him, he wanted Viola as his wife.
He’d kissed her last night and removed all doubt.
She was the woman with whom he needed to share his life. The notion would frighten her, no doubt. However, meeting the rest of his family beyond his father might soften her to the idea.
As for him, he could think of nothing else since that kiss.
She had the softest lips and the sweetest body.
However, he was the densest clot in existence. Why had it taken him so long to realize his perfect match was right in front of him all this time?
Greaves knocked at the study door he had purposely left ajar. “My lord, Miss Ruskin is here.” He stepped aside to allow her to enter.
Alexander’s heart began to pound the moment she walked in, her eyes big and bright beneath the hideous mobcap that somehow managed to look adorable on her. She had not removed her apron, likely keeping it on to remind him she was no elegant viscountess but a mere cook.
“Come in, Miss Ruskin. Allow me to introduce you to my family.” Alexander rose from his chair behind the desk and came around to escort her to the settee. He placed her between his grandmother and Lady Withnall, who was not family, but no one was about to refuse her involvement in today’s interview of Viola.
Viola sat with her hands neatly folded on her lap and looking quite uncomfortable. But as his grandmother patted her hand gently, she seemed to ease a little…only a little. The poor girl was scared.
Also present were Gabriel and Daisy, Graelem and Laurel, and his parents.
Alexander now shut the door to afford them privacy.
“A pleasure to meet you all.” Viola’s eyes were wide as saucers as she took in all of their staring faces.
Perhaps he should have limited the attendance, but he wanted them to meet her and this was the most efficient way to accomplish it. Viola still thought his family was to offer her assistance in securing a respectable position once her father passed. But he had stayed up half the night consumed by thoughts of her and the only position he hoped she would take on was that of his wife.
Since he did not wish to be punched in the nose again, he was going to let the matter of marriage drop for now and simply proceed with the original purpose of this meeting. “Miss Ruskin is the young woman who has cooked the meals you are all enjoying so much.”
“Best I’ve ever tasted,” Gabriel said, his smile genuinely kind.
“This little sprite of a girl made them?” Graelem heartily agreed with Gabriel’s assessment.
