Page 110 of When a Lady Dares
“As usual,” Jennie said.
Misery clawed at Sophie’s heart. She turned to Colton and Jennie, expecting to see scorn reflected on their faces. “I broke with protocol. I should have kept my distance.”
A hint of a smile touched Colton’s mouth, a rare thing. He slanted Jennie a glance. “Mrs. Colton and I both have experience with breaking protocol. Don’t we, Jennie?”
“You could say that.” Jennie rested her chin on her folded hand. “Well, Sophie, what are you waiting for?”
Sophie’s stomach executed a perfect somersault. A smile tugged at her mouth. “Right, then. I should go after him.”
She raced from the room, through the halls of the venerable building, to the street.
“Gavin!” She spotted him at the corner, one foot on the bottom step of his carriage. “Wait!”
He stopped in his tracks. “Yes, Sophie.”
She stared up at him, blinking against the sun. “Did you mean what you said?”
“Every bloody word.”
“So, what precisely does this mean?” Sophie studied his face, trying desperately to read the nuances of his solemn expression. “I’m trying to understand where this is leading.”
A thin smile broke through the somber set of his features. “It’s quite simple, really. I want you with me, Sophie. Every day of my life.”
“Is that so?” She flashed a challenging smile.
“Yes,” he said, his voice a low rasp. “If you’ll have me.”
“As it turns out, I’ve decided to stay in London.” She pulled in air, as if that would ease her pounding pulse. “I am amenable to your proposition.”
To her surprise, he gave his head a strong shake. “Sophie, you must not forgo the position with Professor Quinn—not for me.”
“Then how…how can we make this work?”
He took her in his arms, pulling her to him. “I will accompany you, if you wish me to be a part of the endeavor. If not, I will wait for you.”
Had she heard him correctly? After all, with the street noise, she might have misunderstood. “You would wait for me?”
“Of course, Sophie. I would prefer to travel with you and share my knowledge even as you work with Professor Quinn, but I’d be content just knowing you would return to me.” He bent his head, kissing her with a light caress. “We can make this a grand adventure, darling—the first of many.”
Her heartbeat accelerated. “Oh, Gavin…”
“I love your smile and your laugh. I love the way you feel in my arms. I need you more than I’ve ever needed anything in my life.”
Around them, curious pedestrians craned their necks, and carriage drivers slowed to look their fill. “Gavin, I do believe we’re causing a scene.”
“I don’t give a bloody damn. Let them see for themselves what a lucky man I am. For so many years, I’ve pursued rare treasure. But you, my love, are the rarest treasure of all.”
She swallowed hard against the lump in her throat. “Gavin, darling, I don’t know what to say.”
“Say yes, Sophie. Tell me again that you love me. Let me hear the words, and I’ll justify your faith in me. From now until I take my last breath.”
Tears clouded her vision. She blinked them back. As long as she lived, she’d hold this moment in her heart.
“I love you, Gavin. I want you by my side. Now. And forever.”
He enfolded her in his arms. All around them, pedestrians hurried along, and carriages rumbled over the cobbles. Sophie knew full well all eyes were on her. Somehow, it didn’t matter if the Queen herself looked on. At this moment, she wanted nothing more than to be in Gavin’s arms.
“Get on with it, Stanwyck,” Bertram called from his perch on the driver’s bench. “Kiss the girl.”
