The heat in his eyes drew her closer to him. At the last second, Abigail found the sense not to throw herself into his arms. Simpson would return at any moment. She shook her head to clear it. “That’s what every woman wants to hear.”
“Hmm.” David caressed her cheek. “Is all well between Imogen and yourself? I fear the proposal has caught you unawares since I was sure you had your sights set on an entirely different bride for Peter.”
She caught his hand and held it tightly against her skin. “Yes, I’m just worried she’ll come to regret her decision. She doesn’t love him and he surely does not love her.”
“I thought that the case, too. But everything has been arranged now and there is nothing to stop them. The banns will be called on Sunday and the marriage should happen shortly thereafter. You’ll be glad to know the bank has no further interest in this house.”
“So you’re free to return to London.” Abigail stood and hurried to the front window, staring outside at the bright sunny day without really seeing anything beautiful in it. He was leaving and there wasn’t anything she could do to change his mind. He had responsibilities and he would honor them. Tears threatened to fall down her cheek and she held them back ruthlessly. When he was gone, she would blubber all she liked. But she wouldn’t waste what was left of their time together.
“I’m not as free as you think. I made a promise to stay, if you remember. But there is one other important affair that must be settled before I could possibly return to the capital. Something that has become very, very urgent and important to me.”
“Princess.” She sagged. “I suppose now my brother’s future is assured I am able to take care of her for you.”
“Good.” He moved to stand behind her, hands resting lightly on her upper arms. “However, she is not at the forefront of my mind right now. And if I can resolve that issue to my satisfaction then Princess’ care will be assured.”
Puzzled, Abigail faced him. His expression had become serious once more. “What is it?”
“I need you to do something for me,” he whispered so softly that Abigail strained to hear.
When he said nothing more immediately, Abigail nodded. “Anything.”
“You agree without knowing exactly what my request entails?” David brushed his fingers along her cheek. “I want to marry you, my love.”
“You do?” Abigail clenched his coat lapels to keep from falling. She had hoped but never dared let herself believe that he would propose today.
He cupped her face with both hands, smiling down on her with a wide grin. “I couldn’t possibly have had any other thought in my mind after the events of the past few days. I should have explained myself better last night, but you’ve turned my world upside down and I must confess I like the confusion very much. I love you. Marry me. Come live with me in London and I promise to give you everything you need. My name. My boundless devotion. My every spare moment.”
“Oh.” Abigail’s eyes filled with tears. He wanted to marry her. She couldn’t believe it really was happening. She closed her eyes to savor the moment and memorize how she felt. Having all your dreams come true was like spinning in the dark with only the bright moon to ground you. The tears fell down her cheeks, but she quickly blinked them away and raised her face in case he got the wrong idea of them.
David, however, frowned at something over the top of her head. “My love, I don’t mean to be impatient, but I’ll need an answer very soon. Your brother is about to come home and will not be happy to see us alone like this. Your reputation means everything to me.”
He removed his hands from her face as the front door opened. He stepped back just as Peter reached the parlor doorway.
Peter blinked. “Hawke, what the devil are you doing here?”
When David glanced at her, she nodded quickly. “I will.”
Peter approached, glancing between them. “What’s going on? Have you been crying, Abigail?”
“Of course I have.” She smiled at David. “I’ve just been made the happiest woman in Brighton. Mr. Hawke—David—has asked me to marry him and I’ve gladly accepted.”
“Like hell you have.” Her brother turned on David, fists clenched. “Haven’t you caused enough trouble? You stay away from my sister.”
“I cannot do that.” David’s gaze flicked in her direction, another smile broke free, making him appear so much happier than before. “I love her.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. You only love money.”
David sighed, a little sadly. “I do love Abigail and cannot bear the thought of not seeing her every day.”
Abigail caught David’s hand and clung to his arm. “I feel exactly the same. Please be happy for me.”
“Utterly out of the question,” Peter snapped. “You’ll be miserable and I’m putting a stop to this nonsense now before it goes too far.” Then he stormed out of the house without another word or backwards glance.
“Now that reaction I hadn’t considered,” David muttered. He drew Abigail closer and pressed his head to hers. “My darling. My love. I’ll convince him.”
“How? He seems so set against the idea.”
“Leave it to me.” He twisted to kiss her cheek, and then brushed his lips softly against hers. “I’m not so easily put off as to believe his first answer. I count myself a skilled negotiator.”