Page 112 of A Cinderella to Redeem the Earl

‘Who has, because of me, not been punished. But I am glad the young Mr Long was not made to pay for his father’s crimes.’

‘You are the sweetest, nicest person a man could ever wish to meet. I had spent so long being angry, I could not see what I was missing from my life. I meant what I said, earlier. I love you and would be honoured if you would become my wife.’

The sincerity in his gaze held her entranced. She shook her head. ‘I am beyond the pale.’

‘I put you there. So it is only right I join you. Besides, I care nothing for London and its society. And after what happened at my ball, I doubt they care much for me. I am off to the New World. Please. Won’t you come with me? I love you beyond anything.’

She had never cared about society. Not for a moment. A sense of a new beginning welled up inside her. And looking into his eyes she knew he was telling the truth. ‘Yes.’ She smiled. ‘Yes, I will.’

He swept her into his arms. ‘I love you so very much.’

She pressed her hand to his cheek gazing up at him. ‘I love you too.’

His mouth came down on hers in a long hard kiss.

A cough behind them broke them apart. The butler was holding the door open. ‘Good day, My Lord. Madam.’

They laughed and stepped out into the street.

Epilogue

Susan pinned the pale pink silk rose in Pamela’s hair and stepped back to admire her handiwork. ‘You look beautiful.’

Pamela smiled at her friend and erstwhile maid. ‘I am so glad you agreed to come with me.’ She had also agreed to stand as a witness to her marriage.

Susan touched her arm. ‘Me, too. It will be quite an adventure.’

Pamela took a deep shaky breath. Butterflies seemed to dance in her stomach. Was she right to trust Damian? Was it love, or a sense of duty that had made him offer marriage? He said it was love, but... It was too late for second thoughts now.

She straightened her shoulders. ‘Let us go.’

Damian was waiting downstairs with the Vicar who had agreed to wed them at short notice once Damian obtained a special licence.

When she descended, Damian and Pip were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. Damian looked up and smiled. As usual he looked so darkly handsome in his impeccably fitted coat. The pink rose in his lapel matched the rose in her hair. But it was the sweetness in his smile that tugged at Pamela’s heart and it slowed to a steady beat. Together they would face anything.

He ran up to meet her and put his arm through hers. ‘You look lovely,’ he murmured, kissing her cheek. Feeling as if she was floating, she walked the rest of the way down the stairs.

At the bottom, Pip offered his arm to Susan and, to Pamela’s surprise, she saw a secret little smile pass between them. Oh, dear. Perhaps she would be wise to warn Susan about Pip’s butterfly ways. But not today.

As they entered the drawing room a sliver of pale winter sunshine chose that moment to find its way into the room and illuminate the spot before the Vicar.

Her heart lifted.

She glanced at Damian to find him looking down at her, the love in his eyes clear for anyone to see. Her heart welled with joy and confidence. ‘I love you,’ she whispered.

He gave her hand a squeeze. ‘Always and for ever, my darling,’ he murmured.