Page 46 of The Nabob's Designing Daughter
Lips twitching, Will pulled out a length of rope and tied the bully’s hands behind his back.
Errol reachedAnn in two steps. He pried the poker from her hand, tossed it aside, and gathered her into his arms, pressing her head to his shoulder. The foolish lass ought to have taken a groom with her on this mission. Gillespie would have beaten her, he was that drunk.
“Mam,” Rolly said in a small voice, “will they hang da?”
Maggie went to him and shushed him. Ann looked up at Errol, eyes shining with tears.
“No, Rolly,” Errol said. “I’ll not see him hang.”
“He loves his da,” Ann whispered. “But the beatings and bullyings are not—”
“I know. What about you?” He cradled her jaw in his palm. “Will ye marry me, even without your father’s blessing? Without your dowry?”
She blinked and gazed at him, wide-eyed.
“The only title I can offer is baroness, and the only home a moldy tower needing a roof and—”
She pressed her lips briefly to his. “Yes,” she said.
His heart soared, and he pulled her closer, tucked his arm around her, and kissed her. Her hands circled his neck, and he lifted her higher, lips still locked, teasing her with his tongue till her lips opened for him and welcomed him in. His hand strayed down her side to the curve of her hip…
“Miss,” Maggie cried. “Laird.”
Laird.His mouth stilled. That was him.
“Cover your eyes, Rolly,” Maggie said.
Errol pulled back and looked at his bride-to-be. More beautiful than ever she was with her eyes starry, her cheeks pink, and her lips plump from kissing.
“Oh,” she said, looking back at Maggie, and blushing furiously.
“Maggie, Robby, you’re the first to know: Ann has agreed to marry me.”
Maggie grinned. Robby’s mouth dropped open.
“Ye’ll stay here then, Ann?” Robby asked. “Ye won’t marry that marquess?”
“How did you know—”
“’T’ whole village knows,” Maggie said. “He and that other fella was runnin’ their mouths at the tap last night ’bout fixin’ his gamblin’ debts. Talkin’ aboot snatchin’ ye up. Complainin’ aboot the duke’s servants.”
Fire sparked in her eyes. “That cad.” A look crossed her face. “Edme has a dowry.” She tried to pull away, but he held her.
“Cottingwith will protect her. We’ll send a note to the duke, but he must already know how blatant the scheming’s become. He’s no fool.”
“Oh, Errol.”
She collapsed against him again and his heart filled, the fierce tenderness overwhelming him. He held her like that until her trembling subsided, and then set her back.
“Come up to the tower with me,” he said. “Have you ever visited there?”
“No. Your grandfather wouldn’t admit me.”
“It’s a wreck. Might give you second thoughts.”
“I don’t care… or… I’ve been such a fool. It’s true, I love it here, but I love you more. I’ll go where you go.” She cupped his cheek. “And plain Mrs. Robillard will suit me. We’ll go to London. Only…” She glanced back at the boy and then whispered, “please, don’t let my father have Darleton.”
He thought of the practice in London. A great opportunity it was, yet perhaps it would be there after he sorted matters here. And if not, well, with Ann by his side, he was at peace with whatever was to be.
