“That is not the same as love, you silly, adorable man.” Despite the fact they were doing this because she was dying, a few pieces of the wall around her heart crumbled. “But oh, that’s so romantic.” Yet, if she hadn’t been given this affliction, would he and she be here at all?
That was a worry for another day or perhaps not at all if fate had her say.
*
Oliver’s heartbeat racedin time to the need throbbing through his member. “Then let me ask again.” Once more he took her hand. “Sophia, will you please marry me and let me make the remainder of your life happy and full of companionship—and all the rest you need—to the best of my ability?”
“And heat. Don’t forget that.” Slowly, she nodded. “Yes.” Amusement, excitement, and a trace of longing danced through her green eyes. “Will we suit beyond the attraction between us?”
Honestly, he didn’t know. He’d merely offered her this choice so her future wouldn’t feel so grim. “I doubt you have the luxury of worrying about that, and at least in this way, your future will have significant less anxiety in it. And, at least, some fun as well.” After everything, would she turn him down?
Sophia drifted closer to him, and the fragrance of roses wafted to his nose. “Will you have the proper papers drawn up to ensure Hannah is well cared for?”
“Of course. I promise to summon a solicitor to Ettesmere Park as soon as I can.”
“Arthur can assist in that I would imagine.” She squeezed his fingers. “Then, yes, I will marry you and am grateful you are giving up so much to do this… for me.”
The tears in her eyes tightened his chest and brought every protective instinct he had to the forefront. “I’m not sure there is much to sacrifice, but you are more than worth it.” He delved a finger into the pocket of his waistcoat and withdrew the family heirloom ring. “And that means this is for you.” His hand shook as he slipped the ruby bauble onto her finger. It fit slightly loose, but it looked somehow right on her.
“You already had a ring?” Surprise flitted over her face. “I don’t know whether to be flattered or alarmed.”
“It’s not like that at all.” Oliver brought her hand to his lips and kissed the ring then pressed his lips to the back. “This ring is the only thing of value I own. It’s been passed down through my family for years, intended for each first son’s bride. Since my mother’s death, it’s been in my possession, and for a long while, I feared I would never have the opportunity to give it to anyone.”
“Yet you’ve given it to me.” Awe rang in her voice.
“Why shouldn’t I?” It was the most natural thing in the world. “To me, it signifies that love will always triumph, regardless of the obstacles it faces. Now, on your finger, hope remains alive for us both. Never forget that, Sophia.”
“Oh. How sweet.” She bounced her gaze between the heart-shaped ruby and then his face. Tears made the green in her eyes luminous. “I’m so honored, even though I probably won’t wear it for long.”
“You will take it to the grave with you. For you will have been my wife.” He clenched his teeth against the pain that invaded his own heart. “We shall enjoy the time we’ll have together and not worry about anything else.” Wanting better access to her, he rose to his feet then offered her a hand. When she slipped her fingers into his, he pulled her into a standing position. “Truly, Sophia, my aim is to make you as comfortable as possible. To help you see the beauty in each day and to dispel the worst of your fears, so they don’t steal the time you have left.”
“I appreciate that so much.” The breath as she whispered the words skated along his jaw. She fiddled with his cravat, and each brush of her fingertips sent him closer to insanity. “In fact, I doubt many other men would do so much for a woman he didn’t know or won’t have a future with. That is much of why I’ve kept myself from society. Pity infuriates me.”
His chest constricted for her plight. “Then it’s fortunate I happened along when I did, thanks to that broken axle.” Slowly, tenderly, Oliver took her into his arms and kissed her. Each time he touched her lips, tasted the faint trace of tea from her mouth, he craved more, and when the first spattering of raindrops hit his cheeks, they did nothing to cool his ardor. When she looped her arms about his shoulders and pressed herself closer—every part of her touching every part of him—need shuddered through him, but before he could perhaps deepen the embrace and start an exploration of her charms, a tiny squeal from somewhere behind him broke through the cloud of passion in his head.
Immediately, Sophia sprang away from him with a hand to her cheek, while he glanced over his shoulder to spy Hannah standing there with wide eyes and a grin spreading across her face. “Hello, Hannah.” The dear girl needed to learn about privacy and the respect therein.
“Does that mean you are engaged to my mother, Mr. Mattingly?” she asked with her hands clasped in front of her.
“It does indeed.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Are you certain this is what you wanted?”
“Yes.” The girl bounded into the heart of the maze and made her way to Sophia’s side. Then she took up her mother’s hand to peer at the ring. “This is wonderful and so romantic! Well done, Mr. Mattingly.”
Sophia glanced at him with a slight grin. “I agree.” Then she gave him a rueful smile. “I told you she’s a handful.”
“How wonderful!” Hannah hugged her mother and then, being the impulsive creature she was, she did the same to him. His heart was full to the point of bursting, for already he was grateful to have them both in his life. “Thank you for easing some of my mother’s worries… and my own.”
“It is my great honor. I hope to make you both proud.” He set her aside in order to address his fiancée. “When would you wish to wed?”
Sophia appeared both dazed and excited, and it was adorable. “I would imagine as soon as we can. As you’ve said, time is of the essence, and you’ll need to procure a license.”
“I don’t have any idea of how to accomplish that.”
“Oh, dear. I’m afraid you’ll need Arthur’s help, for you’ll have to ask for a special interview with the Archbishop of Canterbury because you are a foreigner.” Her expression reflected a rather dismal outlook. “What if he doesn’t grant permission?” Apparently, it was a real possibility, for she swiftly sat upon the bench as if her knees could no longer support her weight.
Was this the catalyst for ushering in her early demise? Worry constricted his chest. “Let’s not borrow trouble.”
Her face had paled. “What if we cannot marry?”
“Calm yourself, sweeting.” His heart squeezed from the distress in her voice while Hannah patted her hand. “If it’s possible, I will chase it. I can be quite clever when needed, and I won’t give up until I’ve exhausted every possibility.” They didn’t come this far to only arrive at this moment and stop. “We should tell your family before dinner this evening, and then if the earl is agreeable, we’ll go to London and demand an audience with the archbishop.” If he had to use every bit of her brother’s influence or that of any other peer he could press into this service, he would. “I’m sure there are men of high authority in London that I can persuade to my cause. I know many people in England.” He caught her gaze. “We won’t fail. I promise.”
Please God, let him not be a liar, for he wanted this little, broken family more than he’d ever wanted anything.