Page 32 of A Lady's Curves
When the sun comes up, I’ve had four hours of sleep and more water, tea, and ginger remedy than any man should have to endure. However, I’m coherent and nearly normal. Without waiting for my valet, I dress myself and go to Ann’s room.
Empty except for her trunk waiting to be carried down to the carriage.
I nearly fall on my head running down the stairs, but catch the railing in time.
Perfectly beautiful at my father’s desk, Ann stares at me.
I’m sure my running sounded like a herd of sheep had invaded the house. Attempting a smile despite the nerves and effects of excess alcohol roil in my stomach, I say, “I wonder if you would give me five minutes of your time. I know I don’t deserve them, but please.”
Eyes filled with unshed tears, she finishes writingsomething, puts the page aside, and stands. “I can’t think of anything that needs saying.”
“Please, Ann. I’ve made mistakes. I see that now. Just five minutes, I beg you.” I don’t know what I’ll do if she refuses to hear me out. I suppose there will be nothing more I can do today.
“Say what you must.” She crosses her arms over her chest and stares at some point over my shoulder.
Closing the door, I gather my courage. “I went to your father because I wanted to do everything right for you. I thought you desired his approval, and I thought this would gain you that. In hindsight, that was foolish and a bit naive. Had I realized the malice in his heart, I never would have subjected you to his rancor. I am more sorry than words can express.”
Her jaw shifts from side to side and she glances at me before looking away. “I can see how that might have happened.”
It’s not exactly acceptance but I’ll take it. “I had a stupid plan to gain his approval, then propose to you. I had it all planned for last night.” I pull the ring from my pocket and hold it in my fist. Dropping to my knees, I watch as she looks at me. “I was going to get down on my knees and tell you how much I love you, how I’ve loved you since you walked into Lady Jane’s office in London. I wanted you to know that you changed me and helped me to become the man I’ve always wanted to be. I don’t want to hide away in Scotland and work on how to grow the best grain.” I realize that’s not entirely true. “Well, I do want to do those things, but that’s not all I want.”
She takes one step closer as her tears fall. “What other things do you want?”
“I’d like to be part of this community, attend the Lady Day celebration, and deliver the Christmas hams to the tenants. I’d like to go to balls, if you’ll agree to dance with me. I’d like tomarry you, have children, and do a better job of parenting than what you’ve known.” My heart is going to pound out of my chest at any moment. I feel a bit sick and it has nothing to do with my stupidity from last night.
Closing the distance, Ann kneels in front of me. “If I did not love you so much that it aches in my soul, I should never forgive you for going to my father.” She gasps for breath and more tears trail down her cheeks. “I never planned to marry. I never thought anyone would love me for more than a dowry.”
Unable to stop myself, I thumb away her tears. “Your father already informed me there would be no dowry as that money was reallocated many years ago. Those were his words.”
“I’m sure that’s exactly what he said.” She laughs. “I’m not young, Oscar. I’m a spinster. You’re an earl. You could marry any one of the marriageable ladies out this year. They are beautiful and young. They have many years to give you a house full of children.”
“You are beautiful inside and out, my Everton Lady. You are the only woman I will ever want. I love you so much that the pain of losing you was too much to bear. Can you forgive me?” I hold my breath.
“I do forgive you. I love you. It was like being struck by lightning the first time I saw you. I denied it even after we made love, but I’ll not lie to myself anymore.” She cups my cheek. “I love you and if you still wish it, I’ll marry you, Oscar.”
My heart surely can’t take anymore. I drag her into my arms and kiss her hair, her forehead, anywhere I can reach. Finally, she turns her face, and I capture those plump delectable lips with mine.
Together, we generate fire and lightning. All I want to do is love Ann Wittman until the day I die. I may haunt her in the hereafter just to stay near her.
Breaking the kiss, I brush away the rest of the moisturelingering on her cheeks. I take her hand and slide the sapphire and diamond ring onto her finger. “I’m determined to do something right. Ann, I love you more than anything or anyone. I promise to give you the life you deserve. Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?”
She brushes the hair from my forehead. “Oscar, I love you and I will marry you.” She grins down at the ring. “This is lovely.”
“You are lovely, the ring pales in comparison.”
Cocking her head, she grins. “I had no idea you were a romantic poet as well as a scientist.”
This slightly nauseous euphoria must be what happiness feels like. Her hand in mine, I stand, bringing her with me. “I think there are a great many things we still have to learn about one another, my love. I’m looking forward to every moment of education.”
Epilogue
Ann
Being an Everton Lady was exciting and I loved almost every moment. However, being married to the man I love is ten times better. I don’t even mind being the Countess of Kendall. Maybe I should reserve judgment for a few days at least, but I’m too happy to contain it.
“I hope you don’t mind, that I invited your mother to our wedding breakfast.” Oscar wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses my neck.
I hug his arms and breathe in the warm masculine scent of him. “I was surprised to see her at the ceremony. It was a delightful surprise. I’m glad you asked her to come and thrilled she consented. I saw her talking to Lord and Lady Everton. They seemed quite chummy. Even your mother looked happy.”
