Page 43 of Marrying a Marquess (Widows of Mayfair #3)

S itting inside Nick’s carriage, her body resting against his, Priscilla began to shake, and tears rained down her cheeks.

While she had been held inside that room, she had been scared.

But nothing had prepared her for how terrified she had been while Nick and Latham had struggled for control of the pistol.

She didn’t think she blinked once while the fight took place.

Poor Burton had been trying to keep her safe and out of firing range, and all she did was try to get free and go to Nick’s aid.

Which, of course, would have been a stupid thing to do.

It would have put both Nick and her in danger.

When the gun exploded from close behind her, and she witnessed Latham go down, she had almost fallen to her knees with relief. Until she saw the blood staining Nick’s upper arm. She had needed to go to him, touch him, feel his heartbeat beneath her palm, and see the rise and fall of his chest.

In fact, terrified didn’t begin to describe the emotional onslaught that had taken over her mind and body. She was proud of herself for remaining calm in the moment, though. It wasn’t every day a lady saw two dead bodies. If ever.

But now that they were safe, it was a different story. Her chest heaved with silent sobs trying to escape, and she didn’t know how long she could hold them back.

Giving up, she wrapped her arms around Nick’s waist, mindful of his injured arm. She leaned her head on his good shoulder and let the big gulping sobs escape. This was Nick; she didn’t need to be embarrassed if she cried all over him.

He rubbed his head against the top of hers.

“There, there. Let it out. You deserve a good cry after all you’ve been through.

” He cleared his throat, and she thought he might also be crying.

“I have never been so petrified in all my life as when you were taken. I thought I would die if I never saw you again. I was ready to tear apart anyone, limb from limb, if they did anything to prevent me from finding you. I was crazed with worry.”

“I thought about you constantly, but I didn’t want you worrying about me. I didn’t want to cause you pain if the worst happened. I hated that someone had kidnapped me, hurting the people I love most.” She sniffled. “I was afraid I’d never get to tell you again that I love you.”

He kissed the top of her head. “I was afraid of the same thing. I was a bloody arse for not telling you what I felt for you when you were eighteen. And then again, when you came out of mourning. Which, to be fair, was only recently.”

“Yes?” she prompted him.

“I love you. My heart, my soul, my life belongs to you.”

“As mine does to you.” Her heart was ready to burst.

“Will you do me the honor of marrying me and becoming my marchioness?”

She couldn’t help herself. She started to giggle.

“What’s so funny?”

Was she a terrible person for enjoying hearing the touch of panic in Nick’s voice? “My answer is yes.” She tipped her face up and kissed him. “I was laughing because I was taken back to when I was ten and stated that I would be your marchioness.”

“I’m glad you can pronounce it now.”

“Can we get married right away? I don’t think I can wait. ”

This time, he kissed her. “Eager to have me back in your bed, are we?”

“There is that. I want to spend the entire night in your arms—every night. Is it selfish of me not to want to wait for the banns to be posted?” She rubbed her head against his shoulder. “But mostly, I’m worried something may suddenly materialize and keep our wedding from happening.”

He turned on the seat and cupped her cheek with his good hand.

He looked into her eyes with love in his.

“I’ll go tomorrow for the special license.

” He kissed her, and she felt his love for her resonate through the kiss.

It transcended time and place. “I love you so much.” He kissed her quickly.

“Your parents have probably been beside themselves since we arrived ten minutes ago.”

“We must hurry.”

Nick tapped the roof, and the driver opened the door and lowered the steps.

Nick struggled to exit the coach, but he waved off any assistance.

He held his hand out to Priscilla, and she took it.

No sooner was she standing outside the carriage than her parents engulfed her, all three crying, while Nick stood nearby, grinning as tears slid down his cheeks.

“Thank God you are home safe,” her father said as he stepped back. Her mother placed her arm around her waist, keeping her close.

“Yes. Thank God,” her mother said, wiping her tears with her free hand. “Nicholas, we can’t thank you enough for bringing our daughter home to us.”

“Yes,” her father added. “Anything you want, just name it.”

Nick met her eyes, winked, and then looked at her father. “As a matter of fact, Your Grace, I want to marry your daughter as soon as next week. Assuming I have your permission?”

Her father slapped Nick on the back, and Nick clenched his teeth.

Priscilla could only imagine how the jarring made his arm ache.

“Of course, my boy, you have our blessing.” He paused and frowned, squinting at Nick’s arm.

“Were you injured? Why didn’t you say anything?

Let’s get you inside and send for our physician right away. ”

Her father ordered a footman to ride for the doctor and not return without him. Once in the drawing room, Priscilla and Nick sat on the settee while her mother ordered refreshments and her father poured drinks at the sideboard. He handed all four of them brandy. “I think we could all use a drink.”

“I most certainly could,” Nick said as he downed his. “Do you mind sending word to my mother? Tell her Priscilla is safe, and I’ll return home shortly.”

“Yes,” her father said as he left the room. He soon returned and filled Nick’s glass again.

“About this wedding,” her mother said with a smile and tears in her eyes. “We are beyond thrilled. But in a week? Planning a wedding takes time.”

“Mother, Father,” she said as she held Nick’s hand. “We have waited a long time already. I have waited a lifetime to marry Nick. We don’t want to wait any longer. There is no need for a fussy ceremony. And we only want our closest friends and family in attendance.”

“If that is what you both want, then that is how it shall be,” her mother said.

“I will procure a special license tomorrow,” Nick said.

After the physician came, cleaned, stitched, and bandaged Nick’s arm, they found themselves alone at last. “How does your arm feel?” Priscilla asked, her head resting on his good shoulder.

“Good, now that I’ve had several drinks.”

Her hand rested on his chest right over his beating heart. “Do you think anyone will miss us if we sneak up to my chambers?”

Not only did she hear him laugh, but her hand felt the vibration from inside his chest. “I believe they will.”

“A week is a long time to wait.”

He placed his hand over hers. “Patience, my love. Once we are wed, we have a lifetime to spend together.”