Page 97 of Pursued Beyond Treachery
Grinning, she threw her arms about John’s neck, knocking him off balance. He stumbled back a step but caught her about the waist. Laughter bubbled up from within her and spilled out.
“I-is that a yes?”
She placed a hand on each side of his face so she could look him in the eyes. “Yes, without a single reservation in my heart. You have been my dream for as long as I can remember. It grew slowly, a girlish admiration, but these last two years it has blossomed into a womanly desire. You are the kindest, most honorable man I know and it would be my honor to become your wife.”
He pulled a hand away from where his arms had encircled her waist and gently caressed her cheek with his knuckles.
“I… love you… Susannah.”
“And I love you, John.”
He buried his hand into the golden curls at the back of her head and captured her lips with his own. The kiss was gentle at first, warm and sweet, but it was not enough. She leaned into him, her arms encircling his neck, her mouth hungrily meeting his kisses with fervor.
He pulled back and gasped for air, then leaned his head against hers. “W-what do you say to a common license?”
Susannah giggled. “A wise choice after the scandal we’ve created.”
“Not to mention the amount of kissing going on behind this door,” Mr. Kendall called.
Surprise sent Susannah skittering back before they both burst into laughter.
“I should have known they’d not leave even after the door was closed,” John whispered. “They are worse than Lady Plum and Mrs. Cline.”
“I heard that,” Mr. Roberts called. “I suppose I should be the one compared to Lady Plum since she is the finer dressed of the two.”
Another round of laughter ensued from both sides of the door.
Susannah stepped back into John’s embrace and said, “Might you all give us a moment? We are planning the rest of our lives in here.”
“I thought weweregiving you a moment,” Sir Nathaniel said.
“What are you three doing?” Melior’s voice joined those in the hall.
“Eavesdropping,” Susannah called, then giggled. “Would you kindly remove them?”
Melior cracked the door open and a broad smile spread over her face, flashing her nearly perfect teeth. “Of course I will. Take your time.”
Then the door shut and a chorus of complaints faded as Melior no doubt ushered their audience back down the hall.
John cupped her face. “Run away with me.”
Her eyes widened. “Where to?”
“Anywhere but London. At least for a few weeks. My responsibilities will no doubt pull us back.”
“Maidstone?”
He gathered her hands and tipped his forehead to touch hers. “I like the way you think. Tomorrow?”
“Today.”
He pulled back. “Are you certain?”
“Absolutely. I want to be married with our family surrounding us.”
“Our family?”
“You have always been one of us, John, only now it will be legal.”
