Page 37 of A Wicked Earl's Widow
He tipped up her chin and brushed a lock of blonde silk behind her ear. “And do you want to go to Scotland?”
Eliza shook her head but would not meet his eyes. He bent on one knee, brought one gloved hand to his lips. “Eliza, I ask you again, with all the sincerity of a gentleman in love. Will you be my wife?”
A tear slid down her cheek. She brushed it away, nodded her head, and gave him a watery smile. “Yes, Nathaniel Pendleton. With all the sincerity of a lady in love, yes.”
He stood and gathered her in his arms. His lips brushed hers softly until her arms slid around his neck. Her soft form, molded against his, his need roaring through his veins. His mouth claimed hers, his hands caressing every curve, every soft hollow. His lips trailed down her neck and over her shoulders while passion pulsed through his core. Pulling back just enough to speak, he bent his forehead to hers, trying to control his growing desire. Their breaths mingling, his voice husky as he whispered, “I will protect your mother and daughter and help you heal. I will be with you each day while you grow stronger and marvel at the woman you are and the woman you will become. I love you, Eliza, with every breath in my body.”
Epilogue
Pendle Place
Two weeks later
“Stop hovering over me, daughter. I am fine.” Lady Landonshire stood next to her bed, clutching the back of a chair. “My legs won’t get any stronger lying in bed.”
“It’s only been two weeks, Mama. You aren’t recovered yet.”
“Dr. Goodman said I could get out of bed whenever I thought myself ready. I’m ready.” Her mother’s chin stuck out, indicating the conversation was over.
With a sigh, Eliza resigned herself. Her mother had withstood so much. It was hard to believe her father was dead and they were all safe. And she was betrothed. The bans would be read next month after they were sure Lady Landonshire was well enough to attend the ceremony. She would meet her relatives from Scotland for the first time when they arrived for the wedding.
After hobbling about the room once, the older woman returned to her bed. “That’s enough for one day. I don’t want to tire myself before Grace and Lord Sunderland arrive tomorrow.”
“Did I tell you the Falsburys will be here soon? I know they miss Althea terribly, as we miss them. They should arrive some time in the next two weeks. I do wonder what they will think of their granddaughter’s new companion.”
Her mother shuddered. “That drooling beast! But he is so devoted to our little girl. And he is a hero of sorts, I suppose.”
Hearing a knock on the door, the women turned to find Hannah with a tray of tea. Nate stood beside her, holding Althea’s hand, who in turn held Cyrano’s ear. “May we come in?”
“Of course. I just finished a bit of exercise and need to rest. The company would be lovely. Come give me a kiss, Althea.”
The little girl ran to the bed and pulled herself up to sit next to her grandmother. She very carefully leaned over and kissed Lady Landonshire on the good cheek. Hannah poured the tea for everyone and settled in a chair at the foot of the bed. Eliza sat next to Nate, trying to wipe the smile off her face. It happened every time he entered a room. He was a hero, her hero. No romantic novel could have created a man more wonderful than Viscount Pendleton.
The inquiry by the Justice of the Peace had been handled by Nathaniel. Dr. Goodman had taken the place of a coroner. Nate had taken responsibility for Landonshire’s death with Maxwell as the witness. That act alone had convinced Eliza that he would do everything in his power to keep her and her family safe.Theirfamily safe.
When he proposed again, she’d remembered what he’d said in the cabin, while the storm raged outside and he had captured her heart.
You are not weak but scarred. Terrible wounds do that. But the pain goes away and with time the scar fades. It may never totally disappear. I know that. But it will grow fainter as the years go by.
Eliza repeated those words every day. It had become part of her morning ritual. And she came closer to believing it each time.
“Have you given any more thought to our proposal, Lady Landonshire?” asked Nathaniel. He tried to look around Althea, who now sat on his lap, busy trying to retie his cravat.
“I believe I will accept your offer. There is nothing that could make me happier than spending my final days with grandchildren surrounding me.” Her eyes shone. “The dowager’s house will be a piece of heaven for me. I can’t thank you enough.”
He shook his head and picked up Eliza’s hand. “No, my lady, I can’t thank you enough.”
Eliza breathed in deeply. The carriage of life would still have unexpected turns. But these days, she held onto that leather strap with joy and anticipation.
