Page 82 of Lady Louisa and the Carriage Clock
She replied softly, “If only you knew someone who liked to decorate.”
“If only.” He grinned at her. “I saw the booties you made for the baby. They look dreadful.”
“But I can dance,” she whispered as their gazes locked.
“Like an angel,” he whispered as he lowered his head and touched his lips to hers, once, twice, and then again. When he lifted his head, they both broke into laughter.
“You’re here.” She wanted to cry from relief.
“I’m here.” He took her hands in his. “I don’t understand everything I’m feeling, Louisa. All I know is that I want to move forward and I want you with me. I never desired a family until I met you.”
She nodded. “I never thought about the future until I met you.”
“We can live in London or the countryside. The Rogue’s Alliance is done for.”
“And you’re ready to move on? Your brother...”
“I did what I set out to do. I hope he can rest in peace.”
“While I’ve been here, Ashford has told me many stories about your brother. He sounds like he was a kind, honorable man who put family above everything.”
Cecil closed his eyes a moment before replying, “He did. He was the best man I’ve ever known.”
“And he would want you to be happy. You’re the best man I’ve ever known.” She reached up to kiss his cheek, thrilled at her boldness.
He turned his head to meet her lips, his lips were less gentle than before, the kiss more urgent.
“I love you, Louisa,” he said against her mouth.
“And I love you.”
Several moments later he lifted his head and said with a sigh, “With no dastardly criminal cabal to fight against, I’m afraid I’m not as dangerous or fascinating as I was.”
“You’ll always be fascinating to me, my love.” She wrinkled her nose as she added, “Grow you hair long again, everyone loves a pirate.”
“As you wish.” Cecil released her hands and stood up. “Shall we inform our friends that we’re engaged?”
“I don’t recall you asking me to marry you,” she replied as she rose to her feet.
“Your father and Leopold gave me their blessing.” He shrugged. “A proposal is just a formality.”
“Cecil...” She decided she should start as she meant to go on. “A proposal is tradition. You and I may not be particularly traditional people, but I want you to ask me.”
Louisa looked up to see several figures at the windows in the long gallery of the house. She suppressed a grin as she said, “I want a proper proposal.”
Cecil sighed but went down on one knee. “Lady Louisa, my graceful, well-dressed love, will you do the honor of marrying me?”
“I will. Now get up, our friends are taking too much delight in watching us.” She pointed to the gallery windows.
“Louisa! You knew they were there!” He shook his head but took her hand in his.
“I imagine our marriage will be filled with skirmishes as we are both very competitive. I must take the opportunity to best you when I can.”
“You know this means war,” Cecil replied as he led her along the garden path back to the house.
She giggled, feeling joy burst inside of her at the years ahead she would spend sparring with this man. “Oh yes, my love. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
EPILOGUE
