Page 64 of A Naughty Proposal for His Winter Countess
“We were having a private conversation,” Harriet said staunchly. “When have the rules changed to note that engaged couples cannot have a private discussion?” she ended heatedly.
“Dear,” Aunt Barbara, in a conciliating tone, “think of it from his point of view. Ben had all the right to enforce the marriage because from what I saw you were unclothed—”
“We only took our outer coats off,” Harriet said, tiredly with a twinge of exasperation “We weren't stark naked.”
“I'd imagine that would call for the priest in the next hour,” Aunt Barbara said mildly. “But it's all for the best, Harriet. Ben is only ensuring that there won't be a scandal. You'll have a good home with Lord Barkley, you'll not want for anything, and affection for him will grow with time.”
Rubbing her eyes, Harriet said, “Affection for him is not the issue, I don't care for Ben's brunt force. If it's a scandal he's trying to avoid, I might just run off to Gretna.”
“Don't be rash, Harriet,” Aunt Barbara said strictly. “You'll only put more of a wedge between you and Ben and you'll be derided by polite society if you elope. Put your feelings aside and think of the practicality of the matter.”
Practicality. How Harriet despised that word. It was used against her every time,“Be practical, Harriet, you can't wear trousers,”; “Be practical, Harriet, you need to learn the pianoforte to be accomplished,”; “Be practical, Harriet, riding astride is unseemly.”
Now though, being practical wasn't the issue. It rankled her that Ben could have his way without anyone giving her feelings any consideration.
But now that I know I'm falling in love with him, why the fuss?
“I wish Ben had spoken to us like a reasonable person,” she uttered. “But, fine, we'll marry. It's about time I find my way in the world anyway.”
“And I'm sure the Earl will help you,” Aunt Barbara smiled as she reached for her cane. “Now, if you'd come with me to Lord Carrington's study, where Ben and Lord Barkley are gathered, we'll speak on this issue.”
Reluctantly, Harriet stood and followed her Aunt to the study, where Ben stood with imperious authority, but Daniel looked far from submissive. He stood away from Ben, his posture rigid and his face determined.
“I’d prefer for the ceremony to be here, on the Manor’s grounds,” Ben said. “It's the best way.”
“I will not agree on the location until…” his eyes landed on Harriet, “until Harriet does. If she wants a wedding in London, where it will beeasier, then we'll have it there.”
Inclining his head in contemplation, Ben then turned to Harriet, “Is that agreeable to you, Harriet?”
Going to stand by Daniel she nodded, “Yes, I'd like it to be in London. There are assembly rooms where the reception can be held. It's the easiest way.”
Agreeing, Ben said, “That’s sensible. Raster, I'd like to see the license by tomorrow evening.”
“Will you give Harriet and I some privacy?” Daniel asked. “I'd like to finish the conversation you interrupted.”
“You may use Martha's drawing room,” Ben said, though his expression was unhappy. “You have a half hour.”
Harriet felt Daniel rest his palm on the middle of her back, and with an acknowledging nod to Ben, walked with her to the room.
No one accompanied them, and for that Harriet was grateful. When the door closed, arms enclosed around her and Daniel apologized. “I know this wasn't what you wanted, and I never thought it'd get to this stage, but I don't think this is the worst thing in the world. I won't assume that you feel the way I do—”
Harriet placed two fingers over his lips, “You needn't apologize, Daniel. Not for anything. And don't think your feelings aren't returned, I never got a chance to say it, but I'm falling in love with you too.”
Disbelief was rife in Daniel's eyes, but it soon cleared, as his arms tightened around her waist, “Truly?”
Smiling up at him Harriet replied, “Truly.”
He crushed her to him and kissed her deeply for several minutes, then slowed. His hand softly angled her head so that he could deepen the kiss, and Harriet sighed gleefully against him.
The feel of his tongue skipping between her parted lips was a sweet, romantic kiss, and she loved it.
Parting softly, Harriet said, “Did I ever tell you that you're the only man I've ever kissed?”
“No,” Daniel replied, with a growing smile, “but I am pleased.” His mouth dipped to her ear, and huskily whispered, “And I'd prefer to keep it that way.”
Trembling a little, she let her hand flutter over his face, stroking his roughened jaw, “It will be only fair if you continue to teach me all the wicked things I want.”
“T’won’t be a hardship, Sweet,” Daniel nipped at her finger, “I'm more than happy to fulfill all your wishes.
