Page 79 of Finding Hope
“As long as someone stays nearby. I know she has gone, but…”
“But of course, one of us will be here. You need only call.”
“Please tell Rotham that I am unharmed.” Hope turned and nestled into the pillow. It was hard to believe that it was really over.
CHAPTER 20
Max paced around the study, wondering what he could do next. It had been two days since Hope had last left her room. Was she lost to him forever because of his mother’s high-handedness? That was a very mild way to phrase it, he reflected, considering the damage she had inflicted. Could it be overcome?
The Duke had still not returned from seeing the Duchess removed from the estate…yet another thing he needed to worry about. His father was hardly in any condition to be performing such a strenuous act, though Max could understand his wish to do it himself.
But what to do about Hope? Westwood had convinced Max to give her time, but it was killing him, inch by miserable inch. How could he make her feel safe again? At least she hadn’t left Davenmere. Westwood had confessed that they had tried to convince her to do so, and she had refused. That was something.
He stopped pacing and stood by the window, looking out over the vast estate. It would soon be his, but it meant nothing without Hope.
He wished to send her a note—some communication of his regard—but due to her Grace’s recent antics he feared theywould be a distressing reminder instead of a welcome token of his affection.
There was a knock on the door, and he called for them to enter. Perhaps it was finally news of the Duke. He waited for the person to speak, and when they didn’t, he turned to look.
His breath caught when he saw Hope standing there just inside the doorway, watching him cautiously. He wanted to run to her with open arms, but somehow sensed it would be better to let her come to him.
Max smiled shyly at her. It was a strange sensation, but he was definitely feeling bashful for perhaps the first time in his life. “How are you?” What a ridiculous question! It did not even begin to encompass his concern for her well-being.
“I am well, sir. I asked Faith to tell you. Did she not?” She tilted her head to the side in the most endearing fashion.
“She did, but nothing compares to seeing you whole before me.”
“Forgive me. I did not mean to cause you concern. I slept for almost one full day, I believe.”
“You may have all the time in the world, so long as I know you are safe.”
She stepped forward, and Max held out his arms. She ran into them, and he wrapped them tightly around her, inhaling the fresh lemon scent of her, wanting to be so close they became one.
“Oh, my Hope, I have been so afraid,” he confessed.
“Afraid?” Her big blue eyes looked up at him, questioning.
“Yes. I have been afraid you would come to your senses and run far away from here and me forever.”
“I must be out of my mind, then, because that is the last thing I wish to do.”
“You are certain?”
“I have no doubts whatsoever that I want to spend the rest of my life with you, Max.”
“What about the scandal?”
“I am certain there will be one, but we will pretend nothing is amiss. Eventually, people will either accept us as we are, or not. Our happiness lies together.”
“Indeed, I cannot imagine being happy without you,” he admitted, still holding her close.
“Do you wish to wait, now that your mother is no longer a concern?”
“Absolutely not. I did say that in order to flush out the offender, but my primary wish is to be married to you as soon as possible. Now I only ask that we wait for my father to return.”
“Where has he gone?” He saw the realization across her face. “Oh, yes, I remember now. You said he was personally overseeing the Duchess’ departure.”
“Yes. I expect him back shortly. When you knocked, I thought it might be news of his return.”
