Page 97 of The Rogue's Runaway Bride
“Belle, I do hope this is not an inopportune time to broach the subject, but Jon has dispatched two of his employeesto gather yer things from yer aunt’s residence,” she said. “Evidently, since the police put Kentsworth behind bars, Lady Willsbury has become quite cooperative.”
“I’ll be thankful to have my books and journal again. I’d left them all behind.” She turned to Ellie. “Since your shopping spree, I have not missed my wardrobe nearly so much.”
“A lady can never have too many dresses,” Ellie replied with a cheeky grin. “Or shoes or hats, for that matter.”
“I used to believe that, but now, I’m not so very sure.” Belle spoke the truth. There were so many things that mattered more to her, precious things no amount of money could buy. But she wasn’t about to say that and dim Ellie’s smile. So instead, she spoke another truth. “I’m rather concerned that my oak chest will never, ever hold so many garments. The doors might well pop off their hinges.”
Ellie grinned again. “Now that, my friend, is an excellent problem to have.”
“It certainly is,” Belle said. Pity that was not the problem truly weighing on her heart.
*
“My goodness, it’strue, isn’t it?” Macie Mason Caldwell flashed a grin. “My big brother has been hiding the fact that he’s quite the hero.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Jon replied. “You do realize Belle prevented a towering fool from putting a knife in me.”
“A fitting heroine for my dear brother.” Macie wrapped her arms around him in a hug. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Are you now?” he asked, suddenly serious.
“Very much so.” Macie beamed. “Now, enough of this admiration society. I wish to take this time to get to know Belle.”
As the women entered into a robust conversation, Finn pulled Jon aside. “Miss Frost is a beauty, Jon. Clever, too. So, why doesn’t she have yer ring on her finger?”
Jon took a drink of the whisky in his tumbler. “Logan’s been talking, has he?”
“He told me ye’ve got yer grandmother’s ring.” Finn drummed his fingers over the edge of the table. “When are ye going to inform the lass she’ll have to put up with ye for the rest of yer days?”
Jon took another drink as he set his gaze on Belle. She looked especially beautiful tonight. She wore a dress in a rich shade of blue that brought out the sapphire hue of her eyes, while her honey-gold hair, swept back and held in place with mother-of-pearl combs, framed her lovely oval face.
“I’m going to ask her to marry me tomorrow night. I’ve made a reservation at the most elegant restaurant in town. After dinner, a walk along London Bridge in the moonlight should set the mood. And then, I will propose.”
“Impressive,” Finn said. “So ye’ve worked it all out, have ye?”
“You know me well, my friend. Never without a plan.”
“I wouldn’t say that,” he said with a chuckle. “I’ve heard yer beauty showed up most unexpectedly.”
His gaze wandered back to Belle. “That is an understatement.”
“Aye, sometimes the best things in life come to us when we have no bloody expectations.”
“Indeed.” Picturing Belle’s drenched dress and hair, Jon smiled to himself. She’d been a true diamond, even sopping wet in a muck-caked gown. “Wiser words have seldom been spoken.”
They embarked on a spirited discussion as Finn recounted the months he and Macie had spent on the road, photographing everything from Egyptian monuments to flower stands in the heart of Paris. Finn and Macie had the time of their lives, andnow, with their honeymoon behind them and a new babe on the way, they were ready to settle into their new London home.
Delighted to see Macie again, Mrs. Gilroy had joined in the reunion. For all of her grumblings, the old woman was at her happiest in the company of the women who now chatted amiably in his sitting room. Why, she’d even warmed up to Cleo. Over time, Mrs. Gilroy had become much more than a housekeeper to him. She’d come to feel like family.
Carrie had also joined in the cordial gathering. Intrigued by the photographs of Macie’s travels, the child was eager to learn how to use a camera. She and Macie had taken to each other with a natural ease, though it was Belle the girl ran to for comfort when she became a bit weary of the excitement.
Soon, Carrie would be living with his sister and her family. The little girl would have a baby to dote on and a loving home. Macie and Finn would be nurturing parents. And he and Belle would certainly have the opportunity to visit as frequently as they wished.
He knew it was for the best. His sister was settled into her life with Finn. She was delighted by the prospect of bringing the little one into her fold.
So why did the thought of Carrie living somewhere—anywhere—other than under his own roof feel like a punch to the gut?
Blast it, he didn’t need to think about that now. First things, first. He had to know what was in Belle’s heart. Above all, he had to be certain she wanted a life with him. Just as he yearned for a life by her side.
