A weight lifted from his shoulders. He’d told her. She knew now. And she didn’t have a look of revulsion on her face. Nor one of pity. She stared at him with clear, bright eyes filled with gentleness.
“I was teased as a child too. Nothing like you were, mind you. But I was too shy of a child, and my face would become red as a crab in any social setting. You said I didn’t belong amongst the wallflowers, but truthfully, it was the only place I could breathe.”
Will tightened his arms. “You belong with me.”
“You know, for someone who struggles with speech when they get nervous, you sure have a silver tongue. Does that mean you’re not nervous around me anymore?” Her flush returned. As did her teasing tone.
“It means you have set my heart at ease, love.”
A hand covered his mouth again. “Are these all lines you practiced?”
Will shook his head. They all came from his heart. He kissed the palm covering his lips and chuckled when she yanked it away on a gasp. “Do you want me to stop saying such things? I don’t know if I can, though, even if you say yes.”
She harrumphed. “Let’s change the subject.”
“What do want to talk about?” Will asked. He would do anything, talk about anything, as long has he could keep her in his embrace like this.
“You made an effort with Rohan today.”
“Talking about other man while sitting on my lap. Tsk.”
“Shall I return to my own seat then?”
“No, no. That seat has become cold. It’s best to stay here. For warmth.” Will suddenly remembered something. He didn’t want to ruin the delicate mood, but he could not delay thismuch longer. “For another change of subject, your father sent an invitation for us to join them for dinner tomorrow.”
She averted her gaze. “You go if you want to. I won’t.”
Will wanted to protest but decided against it. He had hoped that her resentment toward her father would have thawed a bit by now.
He inwardly sighed.
As long as resentment lingered in her heart toward Hatton, could she truly,fullyaccept their marriage? She might be treating them differently now, but they had both signed the devil’s contract, as she had referred to it that time. Was it just a matter of time before she remembered that?
“He is your father, love. And you saw those wagers. He only wanted to protect you.”
“I know,” she said. “That is not why I am angry.”
So it was still about how no one had seen fit to inform her. “Have you ever considered that he might have been scared as well?”
Her brows crunched together. “That’s ludicrous.”
Will shrugged. “It’s something to think about.”
“Nevertheless, I shan’t be attending the dinner.”
Will nodded. He wouldn’t press any further. But he was curious—and half petrified—about the answer to a question he didn’t want to ask but knew he must. “Do you still believe I stole your dreams and snuffed out your happiness?”
She started. “You remember that?”
“I always remember what you say,” Will said, holding his breath as she pursed her lips in thought.
He already knew one of her dreams had been to find a love match, which was at least partly why she’d been so resistant to theirs. He, too, had his dreams. His first dream had been to marry Harriet. Now his dream was to win her heart. Asfor happiness, he already hadhisdefinition—his wife. Every moment spent with Harriet was a moment of happiness.
“I believed it when I said it.” She said finally, not shying away from his gaze. “But I spoke in anger without considering what it actually meant.” Her brows furrowed. “Does this make sense?”
Will nodded. It did.
“What do you believe now?” Will asked.
