Page 41 of The Widow’s Christmas Surprise

“Hugh, please, Maria.” He cupped her face in his hand, running his thumb down her cheek, his touch silky, like a butterfly’s wing. “I am honored and grateful and humbled that you would agree to make me the happiest man in the world, but we cannot forget the storm that is brewing. Every day my brother’s hold on life must grow weaker. That he has lived thus long is nothing short of a miracle. But one that will not last. When he dies, my family name may be embroiled in a scandal to which I would not want you linked.”

“Does it matter that I would not care? Let me be at your side, as a wife should be, for better or for worse.” She’d given her pledge to do that twice before. With William there had not been time for either. And in her marriage to Alan, the worst had been a burden she had to bear alone. She’d never had the chance to stand together with the man she loved and face down whatever adversity Fate had deigned to throw at them. “Ask me so that I may be able to say yes.”

“My dearest one, if I have any conscience at all, I cannot do so.”

“What?” Tears pricked Maria’s eyes.

“At least I cannot ask you now.” He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close to him. “I am sorry, but I will not ensnare you into circumstances from which you will not easily be able to extricate yourself should you wish to.”

“But I will not wish to.” His jacket muffled her voice, but her position allowed her to revel in his closeness. Despite the ache in her heart.

“Even if you believe that, it will do us no harm to wait to announce our intentions. As you say, your mourning period will not be over for some months. By that time my brother’s situation will likely be resolved one way or the other.” He kissed the top of her head. “And we shall know then what we face.”

Maria sighed. She would much rather have this all settled now, but she was coming to realize that Hugh had a stubborn streak. Not the worst trait for a man to have, but one she would need to get used to. “Compromise” would likely be a watchword for their marriage. And it now seemed more likely that their marriage would take place, she could relax and get to know Hugh better. “I think we should seal this with a kiss.”

“You do, my lady?” Smiling, he stepped back from her.

“Isn’t that customary?” She knew very well it was not, but if she couldn’t be formally betrothed, she could at least have a little fun until they could be married.

“Not that I’m aware of.”

“Then let it be our custom.” She reached up on tiptoe to slide her arms around his neck.

“I have no objection to that, my dear.” He bent his head and pressed his lips to hers.

No danger of this kiss being a fleeting touch. Without doubt Hugh Granger had definitely taken the helm, controlling what she suspected would be a thorough exploration of her mouth. He tilted their heads slightly so their lips molded together, making everything suddenly so much easier. His gentle pressure encouraged her to press back, hoping he would ask for more still. One thing Maria had to admit, she had enjoyed kissing Alan. He’d also taught her quite a lot. If she missed anything about him, it was his kisses. Now here was a man who also knew what he was about when kissing a woman. She just hoped he intended to show her.

As if sensing her thoughts, Hugh slid his hands up to cup her head, cradling it in them, angling her mouth as his tongue sought entry to her. Oh, so willingly, she opened her lips, allowing him to deepen the kiss. His slow exploration set her pulse, already racing, to a speed so high she felt light-headed. Still, she’d rather swoon in his arms than have him stop.

The sudden creaking of the door froze them, neither breathing, but listening. Maria hoped against hope that the door had simply caught a draft and blew inward on its own.

The subtle clearing of a throat told her that no, not a draft but a footman had discovered her and Hugh in a very compromising position.

Hugh carefully withdrew, set her neatly on her feet, and they turned to meet the stricken face of Saunders and a tall, imposing gentleman whose hat and coat had not yet been taken. The gentleman’s scowl was as dark as the night, his whole countenance glowering at them.

“Lord Kinellan is here to see Lady John, my lady,” Saunders announced, then scurried from the room, leaving the three of them in the deathly silence.

Chapter Seventeen

“Lady Kersey.” Lord Kinellan bowed and glared at Hugh. “You are the grieving widow Lady John has been chaperoning, I believe. I see now why she wrote to me that she must remain as your companion for an unknown period of time.”

Her cheeks aflame, Maria had to ignore her own discomfort in order to keep a check on Hugh. That belligerent look from this morning’s disaster was back on his face. She placed a restraining hand on his. “One moment, Mr. Granger. Allow me to introduce you before you begin to cudgel one another.”

Forcing a smile, she stared into Lord Kinellan’s cold eyes. “My lord, may I present Mr. Hugh Granger, the steward for the Kersey properties and . . .” She risked a glance at Hugh, who shook his head slightly. Drat the man. If she could announce a betrothal it might lessen the censure she was certain would follow shortly. “And my very dear friend. Mr. Granger, this is Lord Kinellan—”

“Gareth, eighth Marquess of Kinellan.” The supercilious lord was certainly full of himself.

“And my cousin Jane’s particular friend.” Maria glared at him and continued. “She has had to put off her visit to his lordship’s estate in Scotland ever since the spring, as she was helping me with my copious troubles.”

“Sir.” Kinellan moved a scant inch in a bow.

“My lord.” Hugh’s nod was as brief.

“Lady Kersey, I will tell you frankly that I am here to escort your cousin to Castle Kinellan, without any further ado. If your”—he gestured to her and Hugh—“assignations are always so much in the public eye, I daresay we may have to insist on a wedding to save your reputation, my lady.”

“That is out of the question, my lord.” Pulling himself up to his full height, which made him eye to eye with Lord Kinellan, Hugh stuck out his chin, as if daring the man to draw his cork. “Much as I would wish to marry the lady, I must decline if I am to save her reputation.”

The truculent look on Kinellan’s face softened, replaced by curiosity. “An interesting argument to proffer when trying to keep a lady from ruin. Can you explain further, Granger?”