Page 49

Mary gave herself over to Kit as he trailed his tongue along the seam of her mouth, and when she opened her lips in a sigh, he conquered her.

She tentatively touched her tongue to his, and he pulled her closer, exploring the cavern of her mouth, tangling his tongue with hers in a strange intimate dance.

How had she ever thought he wasn’t interested in her?

“ Mine. ” His voice was a low growl .

Joy filled Mary’s entire being. This was all she’d waited for and had almost given up on. It was even better than in the books.

Her words emerged in a breathy whisper. “Yes, yours.”

His hand moved over her back, to her derrière. Cupping it, and lifting. She pressed forward, trying to get closer, but they were already flush against one another. All she wanted to do was climb on to him. This was so much better than she had ever imagined a kiss could be.

His lips moved over her jaw. “Marry me.”

Hmm. Not exactly the proposal she’d looked forward to, but just having him kiss her made it worth it. She’d never suspected Kit could be so ardent. “Yes.”

He took her mouth again, claiming her, this time giving no quarter. She moved her hands to his cheeks, cupping them as he devoured her. She gave, then took from him as well.

Suddenly he jerked his head up, breaking the kiss as if the magic spell had been broken. “No.”

“No?” No what? He doesn’t want to marry me? After he kissed me like that? This could not be happening.

He ran one hand through his perfectly coifed locks. “This is not the way to do it.”

Do what? She wanted to pummel him, yet he still held her against his chest. “I don’t understand you.”

Taking her hand in his, Kit dropped down onto one knee.

“Mary, my love, before I even saw you in my house, I knew I wanted you to be in my life forever. I love you and cannot imagine my life if I don’t spend it with you.

Would you do me the great honor of becoming my wife, my friend, my lover, and the mother of my children? ”

He stared up at her as if he wasn’t sure what her answer would be. How could he doubt her? Mary’s throat closed, and she had to blink back a sudden rush of tears. A watery chuckle burbled out. “Yes, Kit. More than anything I want to be your wife and everything else you said. I love you too.”

Then she was in his arms again, yet this time he pressed his lips gently to hers, teasing her to join him. She leaned into him, clutching the back of his neck with one hand and placing the other on his cheek. “I love you.”

Someone coughed .

Kit broke the kiss, but didn’t release her, and Mary peeked around him.

“It is almost time for the supper dance.” Marcus raised a brow. “A brave guest finally convinced Lady MacDonald to allow a waltz. I assume you are now able to partake.”

Mary’s face flamed. Why hadn’t she thought they’d be caught? Thank the Lord it was their friends and not someone else.

A large smile split Kit’s face, and instead of looking at Marcus, Kit gazed down at her. “We are. In fact, I may never again dance with another woman. You may wish us happy.”

Oh my. She had so many thoughts running through her mind.

Everything from what it was like to have him gaze at her as if she were the most important person in his life forever—and it was wonderful; she had never felt so cherished—to feeling sorry for the young ladies and hostesses who would no longer be able to rely on him.

Perhaps she could allow him to dance with some of the young ladies, but no waltzes. They were all hers.

She was smiling so broadly her cheeks began to ache. Finally, she had everything she’d ever wanted. No romance-book hero could match her Kit. “Yes, you may.”

Suddenly all their friends were crowding in, congratulating them. Phoebe, Anna, and Caro had knowing looks on their faces as they took turns kissing Mary’s cheeks and hugging her. The men slapped Kit on his back and shook his hand.

All the fear and tension she’d been feeling for years had slipped away. This was right. The way it was meant to be. Mary’s throat tightened as she blinked back tears of joy.

“If we are going to take our places”—Phoebe linked her arm with her husband’s—“we had better go in now.”

“What did you do with the other man?” Rutherford asked.

Kit glanced toward the garden. “He decided he’d rather commune with nature.”

Huntley barked a laugh and Caro smiled.

“Good place for him, if you ask me.” Rutherford twined Anna’s arm with his. “I didn’t like the look of him.”

Mary refused to allow anything to ruin her mood, yet Rutherford was right. There was something awfully smoky about Mr. Munro. She shook it off. She was betrothed to the man she loved, and her closest friends were here. Nothing could go wrong .

They arrived on the dance floor as the music began. Kit held her closer than usual. “Are you happy?”

Why did he even need to ask? “I am perfect.”

The doubt left his eyes and he grinned. “You certainly are.”

Theo glanced over at her husband. “I believe a journey to England is in the making. I shall instruct my maid to begin packing.”

Titus narrowed his eyes. “I think you’re counting your chickens before they hatch, my lady. You’ll be eating that turban yet.”

Stubborn Scots. “Hmm. Just where do you think Munro is right about now?”

Titus glanced around. “In the card room, most likely.”

“If you wish, we can wager on it.”

“And just where do you think he is?” Titus’s jaw tightened. A sure sign he knew he was going to lose. Papa had taught her all about tells.

“I believe he is picking himself out of the holly bushes below the balcony.”

“Ha!” Titus scoffed. “As much as I admire Mr. Featherton, he’d never be able to take Munro.”

Theo suppressed her smile. “You think so, do you?”

“Aye.” The syllable was short and curt.

“Well then, if I’m right, you buy me that diamond necklace I’ve been admiring, and if you’re right . . .”

“We don’t go to England.”

That was only to be expected. After seventeen years, he’d still not forgiven her father for attempting to stop their wedding.

“Done.” She thought for a moment. “Let’s sweeten the pot.”

His eyes narrowed. “What are you thinking?”

She widened hers. “If they marry within the next two days, you’ll spend Christmas with my family.”

“And if they don’t, you’ll agree to pack up and go on the next expedition. In two weeks.”

“I agree.” She slid a look at her husband and wondered how badly he would take losing their wager.