Page 51 of The Duke's Stubborn Wallflower
“Olivia…” Nigel moved towards her, his hand outstretched and then stopped, shaking his head. “We can’t.”
“You keep saying that, but I see no reason that we shouldn’t.” Olivia met his gaze. “Unless… unless you do not love me.”
The words felt like a noose around her neck. For a moment, neither of them said anything.
“It does not matter what I feel. We cannot marry.”
“It matters to me.” Olivia moved closer, catching Nigel’s hand in her own. “Do you love me?”
Nigel looked at her, his eyes alight with something Olivia could not quite recognise. “Damn you. And damn me for a fool, but I do. I love you, Olivia Rokesby.”
“Good.” Olivia stroked Nigel’s face. “I do not know why you think we cannot be wed, but I do not plan on being kept from you. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”
An odd look crossed Nigel’s face, but before Olivia could understand it, he had wrapped her in his arms and kissed her forehead gently.
“I take it you will not leave here without a proposal?” His breath tickled her skin.
“I will not.” Olivia breathed in his scent, letting the nutmeg and cinnamon flood her.
Nigel laughed softly. “That is hardly a reason to make a proposal, for I do not want you to leave.”
“Then give me a reason to stay.”
“Marry me. Marry me, Lady Olivia Rokesby, and let us always remain two complete and utter fools together.” Nigel tilted her head towards him.
“Of course.” Olivia beamed at him and laughed delightedly as he caught her in his arms and twirled her in the air.
Her heart seemed to fill with joy as her feet left the ground. She was half convinced it would burst with the sheer force of her delight.How can one body contain such feelings?
As Nigel spun them around, the corgi, still on the ground, began to bark excitedly. Still laughing, Olivia felt her feet touch the floor once more as Nigel put her down. She was immediately assaulted by the exuberant dog.
“I am not sure that your brother will be pleased to learn of this.” Nigel frowned, a sadness stealing over him as he knelt to pet the corgi at his feet. “I do not think I have ever seen him so angry.”
“My brother may be a fool, but he will forgive you. After all, we are to be married.” Olivia grinned. “And if he doesn’t see sense, I will thump him until he does.”
Nigel laughed in delight. “Oh, I would love to see that.”
Olivia playfully batted Nigel. “I am sure you would, but I doubt it will come to that.”
I will make him see sense. One way or another.Olivia took a step away from Nigel and beamed at him. “I think we should celebrate.”
“Do you indeed? And what exactly do you have in mind?” Nigel raised an eyebrow at her. “It is rather early to be drinking, even for me.”
Olivia shook her head. “That is not what I meant. Besides, I will have to return to Pembleton manor and tell them what has happened. Oh, I hope Lady Cotswalts will not be too upset.”
Nigel took her hand and squeezed it gently. The warmth of his touch sent shivers through her. “Why would she be upset? I am sure she will not begrudge your happiness. Although I know she was trying to set you up with my cousin.”
“You and her both, it would seem.” Olivia shook her head at him. “Do not think I have quite forgiven you for that little transgression.”
Nigel bowed his head. “I swear I will never tell another man you do not care for me again.”
“Good.” Olivia glanced towards the door then back at Nigel.
He had an odd look on his face. “Are you sure you want to marry me?”
Olivia canted her head towards him. “Yes. Unless you can think of a good reason that I should not.”
Nigel opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, he pulled her close once more and gently held her. They remained like that for a moment until the corgi moved between them, deciding that she needed attention.
