The Virtuous Ward (Sweet Deception Regency #5) (23 page)

Amity's words were spoken so softly that Max had to bend his head to catch all of them. A wave of flowery scent wafted up to him, surrounding him in a magical spell as he inhaled the girl's fragrance. He had to clear the dryness from his throat before he was able to answer her.

"Perhaps you are right. However I see little need to concern ourselves about her approval," he said, taking her hand once more.

"How so?" Amity asked, raising her head in confusion.

"I fear that I will not be offering for Miss Waterston," he said. If he had not been holding her hand, Max might have missed the slight tremor that passed through her body. His own heartbeat increased to a terrifying rate and his eyes took on a luminous sheen as he stared at her exquisite face.

Amity could barely speak for the pounding of her heart at his words. She did not know what this rejection of Honoria portended yet a thrill of excitement pulsed through her veins. She moistened her lips before she could speak. "I thought Honoria was the perfect lady."

"No, Amity, she was never perfect. For awhile I thought she was." Green eyes locked with blue as he raised her hand to his lips. "You see, my dear, my peaceful life was invaded by a real lady although at first I was unaware of that fact. I suspect this is perhaps a poor time to mention it but I would be deeply honored if you would give some thought to the idea of marrying me."

Although his words created a burst of happiness in her chest, still she hesitated. It was important to think that his words and actions meant he had some feeling for her but she could not trust her own reactions. She had been so long without love that she was frightened that she was imagining his affection. Amity's eyes searched his face, wanting to believe his words. She was so afraid to give him any encouragement for fear he might discover she was everything he did not want in a wife. She pulled her hand from his, moving slightly away from him, aware of her own weakness at his nearness.

"Bancroft wanted to marry me t-too," she said a catch in her voice. "But he soon discovered I was not the person he wanted. Once you think about it, you will see that we will never suit."

"Of course we will suit. We are perfect for each other," Max said, wondering why she was being so stubborn. He reached out to grab her shoulders, wanting to convince her but he stopped before he touched her. The feel of her body beneath his hands would turn his mind to jelly. He folded his arms across his chest so that he would be more able to argue his case. "I have given this a great deal of thought, Amity. I want to marry you because I think you would be the perfect wife."

"You have told me often enough that I do not behave as I should. You will be angry when I do not conform to society's rules," she accused him.

"I assume I will be angry. And at other times I will be bewildered. I will grump and grouse and love every minute of the confusion you spread around you. Don't you understand, my dear, that I really do want to marry you."

"Why?"

Her question caught him off guard. What did she mean? Didn't she understand that he was in love with her. Then in a quick flash of humor at his own idiocy he realized that he had only told her that he wanted to marry her. Exasperation at his own cautious nature, infuriated him. Even if it was too soon to speak of love, he must be honest with her. He must risk everything if he wanted to win the prize. This time he did not hesitate as he reached out to grasp her shoulders and turn her toward him.

"The reason you must marry me is that my life will be impossible without you," he said. "You see, my dear, I have fallen in love with you."

Amity's mouth opened in a silent O of amazement and it was all Max could do not to press a kiss to her soft lips. He felt his senses expanding and he tried to control his thoughts but they scattered before the assault on his emotions. Then he realized that it was the one sure way he could tell her of his feelings, and he touched her lips with his. The kiss was the tenderest of salutes but it offered a promise of delights beyond imagination.

If Max had questioned Amity's feelings, her reaction to this kiss convinced him that she reciprocated his feelings in full measure. This knowledge sent a devastating burst of passion through his body and he groaned, pushing her away.

"We mustn't do that," he said, his voice a mere croak.

"Whyever not? Don't you like to kiss me?" she asked cheekily.

"Behave yourself, you bold minx." He stood up, to stand glowering down at her widespread smile. "As your guardian I need to ask if you have considered the offer of marriage you have just received."

"Yes, Max, I have." Amity's eyes shone with an almost magical blue light.

"And will you accept the offer?"

"With all my heart," she said. She leaped to her feet and threw her arms around him, resting her cheek on the cool satin of his waistcoat. "On condition, of course, that you have no objection to filthy and disease ridden animals."

A rumble of laughter welled up in Max's throat as he thought of the pompous Bancroft Paige. The poor sod had no idea what he had given up. "Yes, my dear, you may keep that mangy dog."

"And Ginger?"

"That is much to ask but I will admit she did me a singular service." He sighed as he pulled Amity closer. "Yes, you may keep Ginger."

"And Primrose?"

Max grasped her shoulders and pushed her away, narrowing his eyes at the guileless blue eyes raised to his. "And who may I ask is Primrose?"

"A cow," Amity said, her lips trembling at the expression of disbelief on his face. "She's ever so sweet. And Dobson thinks she is quite healthy even though her calf is due any day now."

"I will not have a cow drop a calf in my garden storeroom!" Max roared.

"Of course not, darling," Amity said as she placed her arms around his neck.

"And you will no longer pick up every stray animal in London!" he demanded.

"I promise, my dear," she said sliding her fingers into the shining thatch of chestnut hair. "Unless of course...."

A low groan issued from his throat. "I know. Unless they need a good home."

Even as he lowered his head, Max suspected that the years ahead might be long indeed. But there would be joy unsuspected in every day.

THE END

AUTHOR’S NOTE

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About the Author:

Karla Darcy lives with her husband, several tame geckos and an occasional friendly snake on the Treasure Coast on the east side of Florida. She has always felt she lived in the Regency period in a past life. Her early writings were musical comedies and humor columns so it was an easy transition to the romantic and humorous style of Regencies. Lovely dresses, masked balls and witty conversations which contained saucy double entendres were the perfect cup of tea for this author.

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Enjoy these other Karla Darcy Sweet Deception Regency Romances

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The Five Kisses

The Masked Heart

The Marriage Wager

The Scandalous Ward