Page 109 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“Will you do me the honor of agreeing to marry me?” Hugh asked, taking her hand. “I want to live my life with you by my side.”

“Of course I will,” Esther said softly.

He rose and took her in his arms, kissing her gently.

“Oh, Esther,” Eugenia said, her voice full of light. “Oh, this is wonderful!”

“Well done, Hugh,” Charles said happily. “I can’t wait to attend your wedding.”

“Hopefully you won’t have to wait too long,” Hugh said. “I’m happy to set the date for as soon as we possibly can.”

“We’ll have to speak to my parents before we can do that,” Esther said. “And we’ll have to put on an act for them, I’m afraid. I hope you don’t mind. We’ll have to pretend that we haven’t yet agreed to marry so that my father can let himself believe we waited for his blessing.”

“If that’s what you want, I’m happy to do it,” Hugh said.

“I know it’s an annoyance,” Esther said. “But I fear we’ll never hear the end of it if we don’t pretend to do what they want.”

“You’re right,” Hugh said. “Much better to minimize conflict.”

“What will you do if your father says no?” Eugenia asked. “I don’t think he will, of course. He’s always been intent that you ought to marry the Duke. But he hasn’t been happy with you for coming back to London for the end of the Season, has he?”

“No, he’s angry with me,” Esther said. “And you’re right to think that he might think of doing something to punish me. But our asking for his permission is nothing but a courtesy. If he tries to refuse us, I’ll simply borrow a leaf from your book and do what I want to do anyway.”

“You don’t worry about your reputation?” Charles said. “Going against your father like that…”

Esther shook her head. “I don’t think anyone could say anything in criticism of my choosing to marry the Duke of Hallowbinder,” she said. “But it’s not my reputation you’re concerned about, is it, Charles?”

“I do worry that people will think less of Eugenia,” Charles said. “Her heart is pure. But going against her mother’s wishes to be courted by someone as low in status as me…”

“I’ve told you I don’t care about that, Charles,” Eugenia said. “I love you.”

“But I couldn’t stand it if I was the cause of vicious gossip spreading about you,” Charles said.

“People are going to gossip,” Eugenia said. “If anybody knows that, Charles, it’s me. People are going to think what they like, and they’re going to talk. All we can do in the meantime is find what makes us happy. And you are what makes me happy.”

Charles leaned over and kissed her gently. “I don’t know how I got so lucky,” he said.

Esther nodded, clinging to Hugh’s arm. She was feeling exactly the same way.

“I think this calls for a toast,” Hugh said. “Can we have some wine brought in?”

“Oh!” Eugenia jumped to her feet. “Of course we can. I wasn’t thinking, but of course wine would be perfect for this occasion. I’ll just go and let the kitchen know.” She hurried out of the room.

“I’ll help her,” Charles said, rising to follow.

“You’ll help her tell the servants we need wine?” Hugh asked skeptically. “That sounds like a task for one person, not two.”

“Well, she might need help,” Charles said. “You never can tell.” He winked and left the room.

Hugh chuckled. “He isn’t very subtle, is he?” he asked.

“He was trying to leave us alone together?” Esther asked.

“That’s right,” Hugh said.

“Well, I’m grateful for it,” Esther said. “A stolen moment alone, with no chaperones…”

“Now you really should fear for your reputation,” Hugh teased her.

“If you steal another kiss, I won’t tell anyone,” Esther said.

Hugh responded by pulling her close and kissing her again. This time, the kiss was just a bit more intense than the last one had been.

“I can’t believe we’re actually going to be married,” Esther said quietly. “I’ve been dreaming of this for a long time.”

“So have I,” Hugh said. “And if there’s one thing I’ve come to realize this Season, Esther, it’s that dreams can come true.”

He pulled her into his arms and kissed her once more, and Esther allowed herself to be swept away.

The End?