Tempting a Proper Lady (28 page)

He squeezed her hand. “Look at me, love. I have news.”

Her heart clenched at the endearment. “What news?”

“Annabelle has finally given up on me. She knows I'm in love with someone else.”

Her entire world flipped over, scattering her emotions like a broken strand of pearls. “She did? You are?”

He pressed a kiss to her palm. “I am. With you.”

“Oh.” Elation surged through her. She stared into his eyes, hardly able to comprehend the tenderness she saw there. “I thought you said you were not capable of love?”

“I lied. To myself and everyone else.”

“Oh, thank heavens.” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath to keep her overwhelming joy from reducing her to a blubbering watering pot. “How is Annabelle?”

“She's fine. Annabelle is a smart girl, if young. She wants what her parents have in a marriage, and once I told her that my heart was otherwise engaged, she agreed we should not court after all. She didn't want to live a lie.”

“I can hardly credit it.” Tears threatened her composure again. She struggled, but the betraying moisture welled in her eyes and began streaming
down her cheeks. She sniffled. “I apologize.”

“Don't.” He handed her his handkerchief and dropped a kiss on her head. “Your soft heart is why I fell in love with you.”

These words served to only make the tears come faster. She blotted her eyes and laughed at the mess she must appear. “I imagine I will lose my position here when Dolly finds out. I suppose I can make arrangements to move to my parents' house in London.”

“I'm sure Dolly will be pleased for both of us, once she gets over her disappointment. After all, this was Annabelle's decision.”

She crumpled the handkerchief in her hand and searched his eyes. “Are you sure this is what you want?”

“Are you crazy? Of course it is.” He pressed her hand against his cheek. “You reminded me of what real love is, Priscilla Burke, and I'll be damned if I'll let you slip away from me.”

“I never knew myself until I met you.”

He cupped her cheek in his palm. “I want a family with you, so you have to marry me.”

“Yes. Oh, God, yes.” She rubbed her cheek against his hand. “My mother will be thrilled.”

“My business is in America, but I imagine we will have to spend some time here in England as well so you can see your family.”

“That would be wonderful.”

“There is one last thing.” Samuel looked down at her hand as he played with her fingers. “I have
several more lessons for you. They are absolutely required for a wife.”

“Oh? How many more?”

“A lifetime's worth.”

She grinned at him. “I expect I will be a most eager student. When do we begin?”

“Now.”