Page 16 of Beguiling the Duke

A becoming blush stained her cheeks. She glanced away, withdrawing her hand. “Would you care for some spiced wine or tea?”

He frowned, detecting the subtle tension in her posture. She appeared happy to receive him, yet held back in a way she hadn’t before.

“Lizzie, should I not have come? I should have sent a note, perhaps, I know, but…”

She shook her head and sighed. “No, of course not. I simply wasn’t expecting a visit and...” Her voice trailed off as she twisted a ring on her finger.

His stomach clenched. She was thinking of her late husband. The barest shadow of grief and loss still lingered in her features, a specter he couldn’t banish.

“Forgive me for intruding unannounced.” He stepped closer, yearning to comfort her but unsure of his reception. “If you wish for me to leave, just say the word.”

Her gaze snapped to his, eyes shining with unshed tears. “No, please don’t go. I’m glad you came.” A trembling smile curved her lips as she placed her hand on his arm. “Stay.”

Warmth flooded his chest and he covered her hand with his own. “As you wish.”

Matthew took Lizzie’s hand in his, gently caressing her soft skin. A tender silence stretched between them, more intimate than any impassioned embrace. He marveled at how she could stir such depth of feeling with a single touch, a single glance.

“You must know how I care for you,” he said quietly. “These past days have been torture, wondering if I would see you again. I cannot stop thinking of you, Lizzie. I don’t want to.”

Her eyes glistened and she smiled, a soft and bittersweet curl of her lips. “Nor I you. I tried to convince myself it was merely a passing fancy, but...” She shook her head. “You have become dear to me, Matthew. Too dear, perhaps.”

Joy and alarm warred within him at her admission. He clutched her hand tighter, afraid she might slip away. “Is it so terrible, then, to care for each other?”

“Caring led me only to heartbreak before. I’ve been afraid to risk loving again.” Her voice was scarce more than a whisper.

He lifted her hand and pressed his lips to her knuckles, a feather-soft kiss. “I would never intentionally hurt you, Lizzie. I want only your happiness. If you wish me to leave you be, I shall honor your request, but I beg you for a chance.”

Her breath caught and she stared at him, eyes searching his face. He held himself still, every fiber of his being attuned to her. Waiting. Hoping.

Then she leaned up on her toes and kissed him.

He wrapped his arms around her as she kissed him, deepening it, and for a long, blissful moment there was nothing but the sweet press of her lips and the warmth of her in his embrace.

When at last they parted, he rested his forehead against hers, breathing in the rosewater scent of her skin. “I have been a fool,” he whispered. “After Amelia married, I vowed never to love again. I thought I would marry someday to beget an heir, but not for love.”

He drew back to gaze into her eyes. “Then I met you, Lizzie, and everything changed. I haven’t known you nearly long enough to be declaring my love, but I have known myself long enough to recognize I feel deeper for you than I ever did for Amelia.”

Her eyes widened, lips parting on a soft gasp. He stroked her cheek, thrilling at the rush of tenderness the simple caress evoked in him.

“My attraction to you is different,” he went on. “With Amelia, it was passion and lust and selfish longing. With you...” He paused, struggling to find the words. “With you, I want your happiness more than my own. I want to bring you joy and keep you safe. I want to share life’s moments, both bitter and sweet, and I want to grow old with you by my side.”

He gave a rueful smile and shook his head. “Forgive me. I have known you scarce a month, and here I am speaking of forever.” His thumb traced the curve of her lip. “I cannot seem to help myself where you are concerned, Lizzie. You have bewitched me, body and soul.”

Her eyes shone bright with tears, but a smile lit her face. “As you have bewitched me,” she whispered. “My heart is yours, Matthew, for as long as you will keep it safe.”

Joy suffused him, as warm and golden as the firelight surrounding them. He gathered her close again. “Always, my darling,” he vowed against her hair. “Always.”

Matthew drew back to gaze into her eyes, suddenly solemn. “If you tell me to go and never come back, I will do so. But know that I will always care for you, Lizzie. Always.”

Her lips trembled at his words and her eyes glistened anew. She reached up to cup his cheek, her touch soft yet sure. “I would never send you away, Matthew. Not now, not ever.”

Joy and relief flooded him as he turned his head to press a kiss to her palm. Then she was in his arms again and he was kissing her, deep and tender and true.

When at last they parted, breathless, her cheeks were flushed and her eyes shone with love. She gave a watery laugh. “You have quite ruined me for propriety, Your Grace.”

He grinned, lifting her hand to brush his lips over her knuckles. “And you have ruined me for any woman but yourself, my lady.”

Her smile lit her whole face as she shook her head at him fondly. “What a pair we make.”