Wed in Disgrace (Convenient Arrangements #3) - Rose Pearson Page 0,59

his boldness, and looked up at him with her lips slightly parted.

Heat shot through his core as he fought the urge to press his lips to hers. There was more to be done before he could even consider such a thing, before he could have the joyous moments with her when he could tell her all that was in his heart.

“I have missed you these last two days,” he said softly, seeing how her eyes shone and her lips curved gently. “It has been almost torturous sitting alone in my townhouse, wondering about where you are and what you are doing.”

Her smile grew. “If it is of any comfort, Lord Coventry,” she said, one hand pressed against his chest, “I have done very little other than think of you.”

Hope burned in his heart as he pulled one hand from her waist and touched her cheek. When he had signed the agreement with her uncle, he had done so with an awareness that he was doing so simply to gain what he required to continue his family line. He had never once expected to gain such a lady as Miss Mullins, whose fear and reticence had melted away into newfound courage and determination. The kindness in her eyes, the gentleness in her manner, and the sweetness of her character made him feel as though he were gaining much more than just a wife. He was gaining a true friend, a companion through life, and, indeed, a lady he could love without hesitation.

“When this matter is at an end, Miss Mullins,” he began—only for her to shake her head, her eyes closing tightly for a moment. Confused, he cleared his throat and made to step back, but Miss Mullins only smiled.

“Can you not call me ‘Delilah,’ Coventry?” she asked, speaking in more of an easy manner with him than she had ever done before. “We are to be wed very soon, are we not?”

The smile that spread across his face was one of sheer delight. “I should like nothing more, Delilah,” he said, seeing how she blushed as he spoke her name. “What I was to say is that, when this matter is at an end, Delilah, I should like to speak to you of our future.” Pressing one hand to his heart, he held her gaze and wondered if she could see in his eyes the longing that was growing steadily within him. “I have much that I wish to share with you.”

Reaching up, Miss Mullins tentatively pressed her hand over his. “I should be glad to listen to you whenever you wish to speak to me of it, Coventry,” she told him, her eyes shining. “For I believe that I have just as much to share with you.”

Had Lady Newfield not been present, Timothy would have lowered his head and kissed her, and, as such, the battle that fought within him was difficult indeed. But, eventually, he nodded, stepped back, and let his hands fall to his sides.

“Then let us hope that we are able to bring matters to a close very soon,” he said as she smiled her agreement, her eyes twinkling.

“Hush!” Lady Newfield came hurrying across the floor, her feet barely making a sound as she drew near to them. “I can hear voices.”

In an instant, everything changed. Timothy froze in place as Miss Mullins turned slowly towards the door. Lady Newfield was quite correct. There came the voice of Lady Parrington and, chiming in on occasion, came another, lower voice that Timothy recognized as Lord Chesterton. They walked past the room that they waited in and, as they listened, Timothy heard the butler announce them to Miss Jamieson.

The time was at hand.

“We wait for a few minutes until they have settled themselves,” Lady Newfield murmured, reminding them of what they all already knew. “Then, we shall enter.”

“I will wait by the door,” Timothy muttered. “Miss Mullins make sure to stay by Lady Newfield’s side. That will be the safest place for you.”

She nodded, her color a little pale but that shine of determination beginning to grow in her eyes. Timothy closed his eyes and waited, taking in long breaths and letting them out with great care, knowing that he had to be very cautious in what came next.

Lady Newfield touched his arm, and Timothy opened his eyes. She nodded once, and he stepped forward immediately, with Miss Mullins catching his gaze for just a moment.

He could not help himself. Turning around, he caught Miss Mullins’ hand and