glazed look of adoration that will hopefully remain in place until after the honeymoon. They have decided to be married in Wiltshire and the date for the glorious event is set for next month after the banns have been called."
When he finished, there was silence as the threesome sipped their tea and considered the happy couple.
"How's your eye, sir?" Val asked over the rim of his mug.
Drew reached up to touch the puffiness under his eye. "A bit sore but otherwise fine."
"It's going to be very colorful. A regular painted peeper," Val said with relish.
"Go away, brat. I want to talk to your sister." Seeing the boy's speculative glance, Drew winked. "Sarge is out in the kitchen with Tate. Tell them to be ready to leave shortly."
"Aye, sir" Val said as he carried his cup toward the door.
"And don't come back until I call."
"Spot on!"
Blaine watched the disappearing figure with a feeling of abandonment. She curled her fingers around her mug and stared into the murky liquid. She was worn out, both physically and mentally. She did not want to be alone with Drew, now that she knew how he felt. The thought that he might discover she was in love with him, was too painful to contemplate. She dropped her head to avoid his eyes, swallowing back tears of self-pity. When Drew removed the mug from her hands, she stepped back in apprehension.
Drew observed the droop of Blaine's shoulders and wanted to run to her and take her in his arms. But he was puzzled by her behavior. After the fight with Stoddard, he had been convinced that she returned his love. Could he have misunderstood the flash of emotion in her golden-hazel eyes? Was it possible that she did not share his feelings and would reject his suit? He stared at her in bewilderment.
"Can you not look at me?"
"No," she said lifelessly.
"Why not?"
"I cannot bear to see the contempt in your eyes."
Suddenly everything was clear and Drew was washed by a wave of relief that erased all his doubts. He grasped Blaine's shoulders and shook her until her head came up and she glared at him, her eyes flashing with their usual fire.
"You birdwit!" he shouted. "Can you know me so little that you would think that I could ever look at you with contempt? I love you, you impossible woman! Do you hear me?"
"You love me?"
There was such a look of wonder on Blaine's face that a lump rose in Drew's throat. Her golden-hazel eyes blazed like twin suns and a flush of pink tinted her cheeks like the petals of a rose.
"First I desired you," he said. "I sought La Solitaire with the knowledge that together we would know passion unrestrained. Then, I found a friend in Lady Yates. I sought her out with the awareness that we enjoyed each other's company. In the woman at the inn, I found love, a combination of friendship and passion that will never grow tiresome or boring. I love you," Drew repeated simply and there could be little doubt of his feelings by the worshipful quality of his voice.
Blaine stared up at his dear face. Her eyes locked with his green gaze and together they searched each other's hearts. Pain, loneliness, anger and fear were shared and thus lost their ability to wound. Joy and happiness seeped into the dark places and erased the shadows of despair. Slowly, Blaine slid her arms around his neck, raising her face to accept the kiss that would bind them for all eternity.
Drew kissed her tenderly. His lips were soft, moving on her mouth with the subtle whisper of silk. His arms folded her against his chest where she could feel the beat of his heart echoing her own. She felt as if she had come home and she burrowed against him seeking the security of dreams she had never believed would come true. When he released her, she was content for the moment. They would have years to taste the further joys that had been promised in his kiss.
"Will you accept my offer, Blaine Margaret Meriweather?"
"Are you offering me marriage, Lord Farrington?"
Drew caught his breath, hurt that she would not trust him enough to know he could never offer her less. Brows bunched over narrowed eyes, he glared down at her, snorting as he caught the light of mischief in her golden eyes.
"Baggage!" he roared. He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her against him. At the feel of her body,