Page 80 of Finding Hope
Hope pulled out of his arms. His first instinct was to pull her back, but he let her go.
“Have you considered that marrying quickly will compound the scandal?” she asked as she walked over to the window.
“I have discovered, in my nearly thirty years, that people who wish to make a scandal of something will do so regardless of what I do. With the circumstances being what they are, I have no wish to delay. If the Duke were to depart this life in the near future, that would mean an entire year before we could wed, and I cannot abide the thought of being parted from you for so long.”
She turned and smiled at him. “I confess that would be a sore trial for me as well. And for all that I have been through to be with you, I do think my wishes matter.”
“More than anything in the world.” He did go to her then, and took her back into his arms. He covered her lips with his and struggled not to frighten her with his passion. However, he could not but let escape the fear he felt, and his desperate love forher, into the burning need he had to possess her—body, spirit, and mind. His need surpassed any other worldly consideration, and his love for her had only become more pressing with each obstacle they had been forced to overcome since their arrival at Davenmere.
Thankfully, Hope seemed to return his passion, at least, if not perhaps the same depth of feeling. He could only pray it were so. His first instinct was to crush her to him and never let her go.
To think he had ever thought her not well suited to the role of Duchess of Davenmere, when she had shown her strength and poise in ways far superior to his mother. Max dismissed the thoughts, not wanting the witch to intrude upon these precious moments.
He lifted Hope and sat her on his lap, wanting to hold her and cherish her whilst he could still bridle his passions.
“I love you, Hope,” he whispered into her ear. “I realize you may not yet share such feelings for me, but I can go not one moment longer without telling you.”
She shook her head and turned to look at him.
“What is it? I am declaring my undying love to you and yet you shake your head. What must I do to convince you?”
“I shake my head because I cannot believe you doubt my love is at least equal to yours!”
“At least?” He feigned offence. “I can see you need more convincing.” He crushed his mouth to hers before she had time to reply.
With difficulty, he controlled his desire and kissed her deliberately, taking his time and playfully teaching her, showering her with affection and the promise of what was to come. Hopefully, that would be a lifetime of mutual love and devotion.
After some time of appreciating her lips, eyes, ears, nose and cheeks, he drew back a little. She rested her head against his shoulder, a pose in which he was content to hold her forever.
“I almost forgot to give you this,” he said as he pulled the betrothal ring from his pocket and slipped it on her finger. “I was going to give it to you when I found you missing that day.”
“It is beautiful,” she said as she admired it.
“It does not compare to you.” He showered her with kisses to show her just how incomparable he thought her.
“I do not desire ever to leave your arms,” she said wistfully.
“Your wish is my command. Shall I have everyone else sent away?”
She laughed. “I would not mind, but I suppose we should marry first.”
He sighed heavily, as if much put upon. “I suppose we must. Do you think our sisters might have arranged it by now?”
“Knowing Faith, yes.”
“Knowing Diana, she snapped her fingers, and it was so.”
“We should go and ask them,” she suggested.
“In a moment.” He was in no hurry to relinquish his hold on her. “There is the small matter of having the banns called,” he reminded her.
“Are dukes not above such insignificant details?” she teased.
“Technically, no, but in practical terms, yes. A word to an archbishop would be all that was necessary to procure a special licence.”
“Let me guess. Your father is well acquainted with just such a one?”
“Of course. But with having had to deal with the Duchess’ banishment, he might not have thought to ask for one. I do not think it will delay us long. I can also dash to London, procure one, and be back within a few days. If, that is, you would like to marry here. If you do not, I will understand.”
