Rose in Bloom (Sex and the Season #2)(34)
She descended and went into the main parlor for breakfast. Evan was already there, as were Sophie and Ally.
“Good morning,” Rose said nervously.
“Rose, good morning,” Ally said. “You’re up early.”
“Yes, I couldn’t sleep any longer.” She turned to Evan. “My lord, might I have a word with you? In private?”
“Yes, of course.” He stood up and escorted her out into the hallway.
“Evan,” she said, “I want to apologize for my…behavior last night. I don’t know what got into me.”
“There’s no need to apologize.”
“Yes, there is. I guess—” What excuse could she give? “I guess my curiosity got the best of me. Lily and I…well, we’ve had conversations…”
“You don’t need to say anymore. I understand.”
“Do you?”
“Of course I do. I want you too. I’ve wanted you since I first laid eyes on you. But it’s not…proper.”
She exhaled. He thought she desired him. Well, why wouldn’t he? She had thrown herself at him like a strumpet. “Yes, of course. I know that, Evan.”
“I’m very fond of you, Rose. I don’t want to ruin what we have together. I think…I’d like to…”
“What is it, Evan?”
“I care for you more than I’ve cared for any other woman.”
“I’m flattered.”
“So I want to do this right, do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“Good. Now, when would you like to go riding today?”
Rose sighed. “Whenever you would like. Just fetch me when you’re ready. Would you care to join me for breakfast?”
“Thank you, but I’ve had enough. I will see you later.”
“Yes. Later.”
Iris woke up in David’s arms, feeling, for the first time, secure. Twenty years ago, when he had loved her, it had been wonderful. An escape. But now, Longarry was gone, and he would never find out. She was in no danger. Had she ever felt so safe before in her entire life? No. Never.
He had loved her tenderly, and she had been amazed at how her body had responded. Feelings she thought long dead had resurfaced, sending her into an ecstasy that she had nearly forgotten. She smiled and leaned over and kissed David’s lips. His eyes fluttered open.
“Good morning, my Iris.”
“Good morning, David.”
He cuddled her close. “I didn’t realize how much I missed making love to you.”
“You haven’t forgotten any of the tricks.” She warmed at her own words, but why stand on ceremony now? They were in bed together, for heaven’s sake.
“I have a few more up my sleeve, you know.” He lowered his head and nipped her breast.
“Do you?”
“Yes, my love. I shall show you.” He pulled her on top of him and slid her body down onto his erection. “Now, my Iris, you will ride with me this morning.”
When they had both sated their hunger and collapsed in exhaustion, David rubbed her back soothingly.
“Iris,” he said.
“Yes?”
“I don’t want to lose you again.”
“You won’t.”
“Won’t I?”
“Of course not. Neither one of us is bound. We can continue our affair for as long as we like.”
“You want an affair with me?”
“Well…yes.” Her nerves jumped. What if he didn’t? “Don’t you?”
“No,” he said flatly.
Iris’s heart sank. He meant to leave her after this weekend. “All right, David. Forgive me. I just thought—”
“I want to marry you.”
Iris gasped. “You…what?”
“You heard me. I love you, Iris. Marry me. Be my countess.”
Her whole body sizzled. “David, isn’t this a little bit sudden?”
“Not really. It’s been twenty years in the making.”
“Oh, David.”
“Is that a yes?”
How she wanted to pounce on him and accept. But, “Well, there’s just so much to consider. My girls, for one. They’re the most important things in my life, and I couldn’t make this decision without… And I have nothing to offer you, David. Nothing. Longarry left us penniless. If it weren’t for Flora and Crispin, we would be out on the streets.”
“What about your parents?”
“My mother died ten years ago, and my father lives alone in London. Neither Flora nor I see him. I’ll never forgive him for marrying me off to Longarry.”
“So your sister knows the whole situation?”
“Yes, she does now. She knew I wasn’t happy, but she didn’t know the whole truth until Longarry died.”
“When will you tell me the whole truth, my Iris?”
“David… Later, all right?”
He stroked her cheek tenderly. “All right. But it doesn’t matter anyway. I still want you to be my wife.”
“But the girls. Crispin gave them dowries. I don’t know how I will ever repay him for that.”