Page 26 of An Honorable Arrangement
Montgomery lifted her into his arms.
Keeping her eyes tightly shut, she braced herself for the feel of his mattress under her and his weight pressing her to the feathers. The heat of the fireplace intensified. She opened one eye to find him lowering to a chair near the hearth.
Strong arms held her close around her hip and back as he eased her against his chest. "May I tell you something I had intended to wait upon until we arrived in Sussex?"
Placing her hands around his neck, she stared into his serious face. "Of course, you may tell me anything. We are friends."
"I long to be more than friends, Sarah. I find in this very short acquaintance, that I have fallen deeply in love with you and wish to marry you. Everything you say and do brings me joy. The sound of your voice is a balm to me. The way you debate politics as vigorously as you saunter through a country dance lifts my heart." His cheeks pinked, but his study of her reaction never faltered.
Sarah prided herself on knowing what to say in most instances. It was something that finely bred ladies learned. She knew all the polite remarks to make when a man told her he desired her. Yet, nothing had prepared her for Montgomery's declarations of love, admiration, and friendship. She struggled to catch her breath as her heart pounded out of her chest. "Why would you not wish to tell me this until we arrived at your uncle's home?"
The way his eyes sparkled when he smiled was mesmerizing. "Because I wanted to discuss the offer of marriage with my uncle and aunt before I brought the question to you. It is possible they will not approve of me for you."
"Why ever not?" He was in line for a title, so why wouldn't they approve?
He shrugged. "My parents have long expected me to marry elsewhere."
Pulling back, she studied him. "Are you engaged?"
"Of course not. We would not be sitting here as we are if I have made a promise to another. My mother had another lady in mind, but we have never entered into any agreement." He kissed her chin.
"Is the lady aware that you had intended to offer?" The notion that anyone else might be hurt by her actions sickened Sarah.
"The lady probably knows that our parents desire the match. However, there is no agreement either deliberate or implied."
"You are certain?" she asked.
Lifting her around the waist, he set her on her feet in front of him but kept his hands resting on her hips. He leaned forward, which brought his head to her abdomen. "You need not make any excuses to go if that is what you wish. Lady Evelin is not my intended. She is merely a woman my mother picked to court. I have never indulged in that courtship, as I never had strong feelings about her."
Unable to help herself, she threaded her fingers through his soft curls. "Yet in the five days we have been acquainted, you have these strong feelings for me?"
"I love you, Sarah. I have no doubts about those feelings. However, if you are unsure, you should probably go to your own bed." Sorrow filtered into his soft warning.
Never in all her misguided life had she expected to hear a man tell her that he loved her. Hands shaking and tears threatening, Sarah knelt before him. "I don't know how this happened, Montgomery. I never expected to be loved by anyone or to love another." She shook her head. "If wanting you with me all the time, missing you even when we're apart for a few hours, liking the sound of your voice and the way you are kind to everyone, is love—then I'm in love with you. I know the idea of arriving in Sussex and you leaving me behind torments me terribly."
"I shall never do that." His pledge came from a strained tight throat and hardly sounded like him.
Hands in his, she took in every nuance of his strong chin and brow and the lines of his high cheekbones. She wanted to remember every moment when she woke from her dream. "What if your family forbids the match?"
"I seriously doubt they will do that, but if they do, we shall move on without their blessing." He kissed her. A low groan rolled through his chest and throat.
"I don't want you to be estranged from your family. I would hate to be the cause of you losing your fortune or good standing. Perhaps I should go back to my room, go to bed and we should remain as we are." She stood but didn't release his hands.
He stood. "Being your friend is a lofty position, Sarah. I'll not shun such a fine offer, but do not make any other conclusions. My family loves me and will want me to be happy. When they know that the only way I shall ever be happy is to have you as my partner in life, they will agree. Besides, not even my father has the power to keep me from his title. Only the king could make such a decree. However, you keep making arguments that will take you away from me tonight, and I must conclude it is because you do not wish to make love with me. Am I correct?"
"No." She answered too quickly. "I want you as I have never wanted anyone. I never expected to have these feelings. If you hadn't brought up Lady Evelin, we would already be in bed." A giggle escaped, and she pressed her hand to her mouth to contain her amusement.
Pulling her hand back, he released a torrent of laughter. Montgomery once again scooped her up and strode to the bed. He slowed and gentled her onto the mattress. "Shall I help you with your dress?"
Heart in her throat, she shook her head. Her gown was simple and made for young ladies with little access to a maid's help. She pulled the ribbons under her breasts and the bows hidden at the shoulders, releasing the silky fabric in a puddle at her hips. She stood in nothing but her gauzy chemise.
Montgomery gaped as if he'd seen a ghost.
Had she been too bold? Tempted to hide herself, she reached for the bed linens.
He took her hand and pulled her close. "If I seemed hesitant, it is only because you exceed any expectation, and I am in awe of you, my love."
Feeling bolder, she pressed her hand to the gap in his blouse where he'd removed his cravat. A smattering of hair tickled her palm and his heart beat almost as quickly as her own under the warmth of his skin.
