Page 63 of Presenting Miss Letitia (Once a Wallflower 1)

“Mr. Cartwright, Brandon, you can’t just drag me off,” she said, half startled, half laughing. “Really, I am already the subject of much gossip.”

“I suspect you will always be the subject of gossip, Miss Bromley.” He led her down the steps.

Drawing her back out of sight of the window, he placed a hand on the wall on each side of her, in case she should choose to escape him. She made no attempt to, however.

“Let me look at you.” His gaze wandered from her shiny dark hair to her lovely eyes and soft lips.

She lowered her brows. “I look tired, I haven’t slept well since…”

“Since?”

“Since London.”

“Ah. Why is that?”

“You are not going to learn anything more from me, Brandon, until you tell me why you are here.”

“I think you know why I’m here.”

She flushed, and her eyes slid away from his. “How was Paris?”

“I will tell you about it…later.”

A troubled look crossed her face, which he feared might herald a crushing refusal.

“Before you’re sent on another mission?”

“No more missions. I’ve retired.” He searched her lovely brown eyes, watching them change from disbelief to hope to joy. “Do you want me, Letty?” He held his breath.

She gasped. “Oh, Brandon. I do, of course I do.”

“Then please say you will marry me.”

She breathed in sharply. “Yes, oh yes, my darling, of course I will marry you.” She smiled, tears in her eyes. “Even though you have not asked me properly.”

He grinned and eyed the muddy ground. “I could go down on one knee, but I shall present a sorry picture when I approach your uncle and ask for your hand with dirty breeches.”

Letty laughed. He remembered that laugh and felt as if he’d come home. His troubled world seemed to right itself. Willard was right, he’d

been extraordinarily slow witted.

He pulled the small jeweler’s box from his coat pocket and flipped it open with his thumb. The diamond sparkled in the light from the window above them. She gasped as he took her hand and threaded the ring onto her finger, pleased that he’d accurately guessed the size.

“It’s beautiful!” she murmured, holding it up before her. Her eyes met his warm and loving, sending heat rushing through his veins. “Is it a family piece?”

“No. Bought it in Paris. You see, this has not been a hasty decision, Letty.” Gazing down at her lovely face, he yearned to hold her tightly, to carry her off. Now, wouldn’t that be talked about in the village for years? Aware that her uncle might still disapprove of him, he restrained himself. Framing her face with his hands, he lowered his head to capture her lips. He drew away and gazed at her. “I love you, Letty.” The deuce! He had to kiss her again. He sighed and gathered her into his arms, lowering his head to kiss her deeply.

A rousing cheer came from above. Brandon looked up. Several faces were pressed to the window overhead, and more people peered out the door. “Kiss her again,” some fellow yelled.

“My goodness,” Letty murmured with a startled laugh, turning to look up.

“No objections there at least,” Brandon said with a grin.

“Perhaps not, but I’m more worried about what my uncle will say.”

“I remain hopeful he will agree to marry us.”

“Married here in his church? I would love that, but the bans must be read for three whole weeks.”

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