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Chapter Nine
Jackson stared with wide, shocked eyes at everyone. It had all happened so very quickly that he still could not quite believe it. His head was reeling, as if he had just received a short, sharp blow.
He had just gotten over the shock that Lady Patricia had lunged at him out of the blue, kissing him, as if her very life depended upon it. Of course, as a gentleman, he should have pushed her away immediately. The allure of her soft lips upon his own had addled his thinking. He had become swept away with it, forgetting both time and place. He was shocked at how fierce the desire for her actually was.
He had heard the approaching footsteps and known that they were in danger of being caught. He had tried to do the right thing and pulled back to save the lady’s reputation from being compromised. But to his utter shock she had fiercely gripped his head between her hands and drawn him to her once again. Then the door had opened…and pandemonium had ensued.
The butler was distressed, of course, and called Lady Hunter immediately, who had been white faced as the butler hastily told her what he had seen. Lady Patricia had promptly burst into tears. And now they were all looking at him to see what he would do. If he would be a cad and walk away, leaving the lady open to scandal, or do the honorable thing.
He took a deep breath. He would sell his soul for a medicinal glass of brandy to try to restore his wits. But there was none forthcoming, and he must respond now.
He gazed at Lady Patricia, who was still sitting upon the chaise lounge, weeping into her lace handkerchief. Her distress was genuine. And she looked even lovelier now, if that was indeed possible. His heart expanded with pity.
Jackson took another deep breath, feeling beads of sweat running down his neck. He admired her enormously and he liked her as well. Even more than that, he felt they had shared a genuine connection. The passion between them had flared as brightly as a fire. And he had promised his late father that he would take a wife. That was one of the reasons he had swallowed his misgivings and called upon her after all.
And now, the possibility of her actually becoming his wife was here. Right now. A situation he had never predicted but could hardly rue.
He got down on one knee in front of her. The room was deathly silent and thick with anticipation. Gently, he reached out, taking her hand.
“Lady Patricia,” he said slowly, feeling himself tremble. “Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
Lady Hunter, who was standing behind the chaise lounge, gasped. But he didn’t look at her. His focus was entirely upon Lady Patricia.
Her face instantly transformed at his words. He could actually see her blossoming with joy. His heart lurched. He had never believed that such a moment would ever arrive, when he would offer marriage to a lady and she would be overjoyed to hear it. He felt as if he was in the midst of a waking dream.
“Yes,” she whispered, her honey eyes alight with happiness. “Oh, yes. I would be so deeply honored to become your wife, your Grace.”
It was all a whirlwind after that.
Lady Hunter was upon them, expressing her delight. A note was hastily penned to Lady Patricia’s father, who was at a horse auction, entreating him to return home immediately. A young girl, who looked a lot like Lady Patricia, hesitantly entered the room and was apprised of the situation. She was introduced to him as Lady Margaret, a younger sibling. Her mother prodded her to offer congratulations to the happy couple.
During the midst of this frenzied pandemonium, he kept his eyes upon Lady Patricia’s face, and to his amazement, she kept her eyes upon his. It was almost as if they were the last two people left upon the earth. As if no one else existed at all.
* * *
Jackson still felt like he was dreaming when he finally stepped through the doorway at St. James hours later, wearily taking off his gloves and hat.
He retreated to his study, pouring himself a tall brandy. The details of the impending marriage had all been nutted out when the Viscount Chant had arrived home. They had retreated to the gentleman’s study to work out the fine details.
The viscount was surprised but pleased at the news of his eldest daughter’s sudden engagement. There had been no need to talk about the delicate situation that had led them to it, even though Jackson knew the man had been informed by his wife of it as soon as he had walked through the door. The Viscount was more interested in settling matters. Obviously he was a practical man.
“I shall procure a special licence, if you are in agreement, my Lord,” Jackson had said. “One that can have your daughter and I wed in three days’ time. I think it advisable in the circumstances.”
The Viscount had coughed into his hand, looking embarrassed. “Very good, your Grace. The sooner the better, in my opinion as well.”
Jackson nodded. “I propose a small wedding breakfast following the ceremony, in the great hall at my premises on St. James, if you are agreeable.”
The man slowly smiled. “It sounds most agreeable, your Grace.” He paused. “Patricia is a very lucky girl, to have found such an honourable gentleman as yourself. You’ve served our good country?”
“I did, my Lord,” he replied. “I was stationed in Spain.”
The Viscount grimaced. “A bad business. My wife’s brother served there as well and has never been quite the same man.” He took a deep breath. “It is truly an honor to welcome you into our family, your Grace.”
“I have no need of a dowry for Patricia,” said Jackson. “My estate’s coffers are very healthy, and I can afford to be generous in the matter.”
A change came over the gentleman’s face, quickly masked. It almost looked like relief. “Are you sure, your Grace?”
“Quite sure,” he said, standing up, and offering his hand. “Do not think of it again.”
