Page 42 of A Spirited Courtship
Diana sobered. “Yes, I wish to marry you.” Then she frowned, her eyes clouded with worry. “Have you changed your mind about me. You haven’t asked and I shouldn’t assume.” Her eyes grew wide. “Was I too difficult?”
Before she could ask another question, he took her lips with his. Passion ignited and he drank from her and she him, and James hoped that was all the answer she needed. However, when she pushed at his chest, he lifted his lips from hers.
“Have you?” She demanded.
“Oh Diana, I’ve wanted to marry you for months and I’m quite certain that there is nothing you can ever say or do to change my mind.”
She pushed harder at him. “In that case, shouldn’t we return to the ball so that you might seek my brother’s permission.”
“He already gave it.” James didn’t rise from her. “I much prefer where we are and to continue what we are doing.”
“Of course you do, but I shan’t risk my reputation.”
James let out a heavy sigh and finally rolled away and helped Diana to her feet. “I truly hope you don’t wish for a long betrothal.”
She laughed as he took her hand. “Not too long, I suppose. Though, I can’t get married until Charlotte has her baby and is allowed into public again.”
James groaned. That baby wasn’t even due to arrive for another month, at least.
“Then there is the planning for such an event, so I’m not certain when we can wed.”
“By special license in the privacy of your home.” He didn’t care if Lynwood’s wife was giving birth as they were saying their vows. He’d not wait any longer than necessary to make Diana his.
“I suppose that is possible,” she agreed.
“Or, perhaps a trip to Gretna Green,” he offered hopefully. “It won’t take long to pack and have the carriage readied.”
When Diana didn’t readily agree, his heart sank. How long would she put him off?
“I do wish to marry quickly, however, I won’t do anything that might cause others to question my reputation or a need to rush the vows,” she explained. “I’ve three younger sisters, and we already suffer enough because of the way Mother carries on. I’d not ruin their chances at a good marriage if Society not only judges them on Mother’s behavior, but mine as well.”
As he was well aware of Lady Lynwood’s reputation, and how cruel Society could be, he understood the need to wait and to plan a proper wedding with banns being cried and whatever else was required so that there was no reason for anyone to gossip. James didn’t like it, but he understood.
“Very well.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss upon her wrist. “But please, don’t make me wait forever.”
Diana laughed. “I promise not to do so.” Then she leaned in and kissed him. “Besides, I’ve always longed for a late September wedding amongst the autumnal foliage.”
“September?” He groaned. That was months away.
“September!” she declared. “Surrounded by family and friends.”
“I still prefer Gretna,” he grumbled.
“You prefer to be bedded, Lord Somerton,” Diana laughed. “And you shall be…in September.”
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