“If you are referring to the cloaked gentleman, then yes, but he slipped away after Mr. Helgate confirmed you were still alive.”
Christ. “Your father?” If Helgate and Miles heard the shot, Talbot would have, too. The fact that he was still alive and in her bed meant they had persuaded him somehow to show a wealth of leniency.
“You heard what Leo said, he took responsibility for you.”
“And Talbot allowed it?”
A small smile formed on Louisa’s lips. “Leo and I have discovered he is quite powerless to completely oppose both his children. Also, I might have mentioned that you saved and protected me on multiple occasions.” She lifted her right hand. “The ring fits perfectly, thank you.”
Oliver blinked at the hand that waved before him, and for a moment, words failed him.
She wore the ring.
Accepted the ring.
Hisring.
He had bought it as a suggestion from the barman and recommendation from the jeweler, but the sight of his purchase on her finger made his gut clench in pleasure. Then he recalled their rude interruption.
“Louisa.” Her name came out softer than he intended, but it had the desired effect. Her eyes, which had been fixed on the ring on her finger, lifted to meet his. There was a flicker of surprise there, softened with something else—something that made his heart pound. The words in his soul tore from his lips. “I love you.”
She blinked at him, and he reached out to press his hand against hers, which was still suspended in the air, and locked his fingers in hers.
“Lawks, you . . .”
He squeezed her hand. “And if you don’t believe me, I shall prove myself until you do.”
“I do . . . believe you . . .”
“You do? Are you sure?”
She suddenly laughed, her eyes crinkling into crescents as she laughed. “Why do you sound so surprised?”
“I don’t know,” Oliver muttered. “My mind is still a bit muddled.” And he was very much afraid that he was dreaming.
She locked her fingers with his and leaned in until their faces were almost touching. “You know, you are precisely the sort of man I swore I would avoid at all costs.”
He knew. “You are not avoiding me right now,” he said softly.
“No,” she murmured back. “Because I fell in love with you anyway.”
Dear God. Sweeter words he had never heard before that moment. He wanted to draw her into his arms, hold her, kiss her,loveher. “How long before your brother returns?”
She smiled. “I cannot say.”
He swore.
“Do not tell me you have wicked things on your mind, Oliver Cavanagh,” she teased.
“When it comes to you, Louisa, I don’t believe I possess very many proper thoughts.”
“Well,” she murmured, her lips suddenly grazing his. “We might have a moment or two still.”
Oliver captured her lips in a tender, lingering kiss. He expressed, or tried to express, all the things he struggled to put into words—a silent promise of his sincerity. No obstacles existed here. He hadn’t fallen in love with a Talbot. He’d fallen in love with an angel.
He broke the kiss reluctantly. “Your carriage would be most welcome right about now.”
A grin split her face. “Oh! I received a note earlier from Theodosia.” She retrieved a piece of paper from the table beside the bed. “On our way to Gretna, she says. Shall we join them?”
