Page 39 of An Honorable Arrangement
"That would be very nice." She couldn't imagine it was possible, but that didn't stop her from holding out hope.
The music brought them to a stop directly in front of his parents and their hosts, who it seemed were quarreling.
Lady Thornbury asked, "How can you approve of that woman, John?"
"Lord but you're a snob, Melinda. She's a lovely girl, and Monty loves her." Lord Stapleton noticed their arrival and gave her a wink.
Montgomery interrupted. "Mother, Father, as much as I care about your opinions, you should find some way to get over my not marrying Evelin Daniels. I can never love her because my heart already belongs to Sarah Sommers."
"Love has no bearing on marriage." Lord Thornbury's hands fisted at his sides.
His wife glowered at him. "Does it not, George?"
"You know what I mean, Melinda." He stuttered slightly.
Lady Thornbury turned to Montgomery. "I disagree with the last point your father made, Monty. I thought Evelin was a perfect match for you and hoped you might come to love her. However, if you have given your heart and your promise elsewhere, so be it."
"Thank you, Mother." He kissed her cheek.
She frowned. "I am not happy about it."
A low laugh rumbled from Montgomery. "Understood."
Sarah made a curtsy. "Thank you, my lady. I will do all I can to show my worth to you."
Sarah had already been thinking of all the ways she might impress her ladyship. She wasn't much of a musician, but she painted quite well and spoke both French and German fluently. Her list had been longer in her room, but now she was drawing a blank and didn't know how she would work it into the conversation.
Eyes narrowed on Sarah, Lady Thornbury said, "Make my son happy and don't make a fool out of him."
"Mother!" Montgomery scolded and took Sarah's hand, drawing her in closer than was strictly appropriate.
Lord Thornbury bristled. "When is this marriage to be?"
Sarah looked questioningly at Lord and Lady Stapleton.
"I think three weeks of banns would be appropriate. You may marry from Willoughby if you like." Lady Stapleton's eyes filled with joy, though she didn't crack a smile.
"Perfect." Montgomery kissed his aunt's cheek and grinned. Then he took Sarah's hand and pulled her away.
"Shouldn't we stay and listen to what mischief those four might make for us?" Sarah tried to sound calm, but worry crept into her voice.
He led her through the crowd, out of the ballroom, down a hall, and into a small parlor at the back of the castle where a wall of shrubbery was the only view. Dragging her into his arms, he pressed a long kiss to her lips.
Suddenly, whatever worries she had dissolved into nothing. Sarah wrapped her arms around his neck and returned his kisses.
She caught her breath. "I guess you're not worried?"
"Do you want to marry me three weeks hence?" He peppered kisses along her jaw and down her neck then up again.
She'd almost missed the question or perhaps forgotten what he'd asked. His kisses were like a forgetting spell. "I would marry you at any time, Montgomery."
"Then let them plot and plan to their heart's content. As long as you are my wife at the end of the day, I shall be ecstatic." He sucked her bottom lip between his.
"Let them have their way." She returned his kisses. “I have everything I shall ever need and nothing I expected to desire."
He chuckled against her lips. "And is that a good thing?"
Warmth filled every inch of Sarah from the inside out. It had not occurred to her that in love there would be safety and in finally finding a home, contentment. Looking into those soulful eyes, she knew her chase was over. "It's the best thing. Thank you for coming after me."
