Ring for the Nurse (32 page)

“
Yet you
’
ve been here so little?
”

“
It was not because I didn
’
t want to come, in fact it was difficult to keep away, but you appeared to resent my visits, studiously avoided my company and I began to wonder whether my presence was really welcome.
”

“
I
had to—don
’
t you see, can
’
t you understand?
”
Felicity s voice was husky with repressed emotion, but an underlying urgency forced her on.
“
I came here because you asked me, I knew it was foolish but I couldn
’
t refuse—now, I can
’
t stay any longer.
”

He seemed puzzled by her ambiguous words, only her intention to go was clearly revealed. Leaning over her, he took her forcefully into his arms.
“
I can
’
t let you go—Felicity, you won
’
t leave me—promise you won
’
t leave Weir Court—ever!
”

Her eyes were still wet with unshed tears, but now behind their mistiness there was a hint of laughter.
“
But Guy, you don
’
t know what you are asking—what would the villagers say—just think of the scandal!
”
she teased.

“
Don
’
t be absurd!
”
He dismissed her words without ceremony.
“
We
’
ll have to get married, of course.
”

“
What an odd sort of proposal!
”
Her laughter, born of happiness, was no longer restrained, it was soft and gentle and her cheeks dimpled provocatively.
“
I suppose it is a proposal?
”
she asked, her eyes questioning him mischievously.

“
You know it is!
”
He had drawn her more closely into his embrace and now she could feel the racing of his heart.

Lifting her arms she twined them round his neck, burying her face against the rough material of his jacket. She was aware of his lips on her hair, then, cupping her chin in his hands, he lifted her face to his and she felt his kisses on her half-closed eyes and on her lips, yielding beneath his touch. Clasped in his arms she knew a rapturous sense of joy, an
ecstasy
beyond belief.

When at last he released her, it was only to gaze with loving incredulity into her upturned face.
“
You mean that you
’
ve always cared—and I never knew or guessed! I believe I fell in love with you in that, moment of returning consciousness. You stood by my bed, your fingers touched my hair—I felt my head cradled on your arm, I knew the sweet comfort of your hold. During those days I was so confused, I couldn
’
t understand my relationship with Alaine,
I was ashamed of my feelings for you and dared scarcely admit them to myself. Then—you remember that day?—it was here on this very spot, you helped me recall all that had happened, you told me that you had returned Alaine her ring. I thought then it was all for the best, that you would hardly have done that if you
’
d felt for me the longing I felt for you.
”
With a whimsical smile he went on.
“
Even after I was free, you gave me no reason to think things had changed.
”

“
I was afraid
—”
Felicity broke off and a smile of unsurpassed joy lit her face.
“
That
’
s all over now—it doesn
’
t matter any more.
”

“
No, my love, nothing matters now.
”
His lips caressed her sun-warmed hair.
“
When can we be married—must it be
a smart, formal affair, or
—”

“
The quietest wedding possible!
”
Felicity broke in reassuringly.
“
I have always wanted to be married in a village church. No bridesmaids or bouquets, only flowers on the altar—tall vases of white lilac
...”
Her words trailed away but there was a light of sheer joy in her expression.

“
And afterwards
?
How about a honeymoon trip to California? Shall we go and see Tony and Alaine, you
’
d like that; wouldn
’
t you?
”

“
You mean it? Oh, Guy it would be perfect! You
’
ve no idea how I should love that, what joy it would be to me to see it all for myself.
”

“
You shall, my darling!
”
He stood up, and helped her gently to her feet. Once more he drew her close against him and held her as though he would never let her go. With a swift upsurge of passion, she returned his kisses unloosing all the pent emotions so long imprisoned in her heart. Reluctantly he released her.
“
I suppose we must get back. Can you imagine how delighted Father will be when we tell him—and how surprised?
”

“
Yes I know he
’
ll be glad
—”
Felicity broke off as she
turned to mount her horse and urge it to a trot before finishing her sentence. Although Guy was
close
behind, it was doubtful if he heard her words, drowned as they were by the hoofbeats of their horses.
“
He
’
ll be glad
—
very glad, but not in the least surprised!
”