Julia’s breath was ragged as she stared into his face. It was as if her heart did not want to believe it, as if she dared not let herself trust it was true. But the hope in his eyes and the tightness of his hands around her waist told her that she had nothing left to fear.
“My brother has conceded?”
Her whispered words made Lord Wiltsham laugh.
“Yes, my darling, your brother has conceded. He could not battle against your wit and determination. You have succeeded where I could not, you have found a way forward for us both. We shall have stability, and I will be able to care for you as a husband ought.”
“You would have been able to do so without your money,” Julia replied as he smiled at her. “It is our love for each other that will give us all that we require.”
“Yes, that is quite so.” Lord Wiltsham dipped his head and caught her lips in a breathless kiss that had him stealing her breath. No doubt there would be uproar amongst society, for there were plenty of witnesses, but Julia did not care. The only thing she wanted was to be in Lord Wiltsham’s arms and to have him hold her close, complete in the joy of knowing they would never have such difficulties again. “I love you, Julia.” Lord Wiltsham whispered against her mouth, one hand brushing across her cheek, the other wrapped around her waist. “From the moment I first found you in my house, I believe that my heart has belonged to you. I cannot and will not be separated from you ever again. I love you with all of my heart.”
Julia smiled up at him, her heart full to overflowing. The fact that they would never be separated again was a balm to her heart, her pain and troubles soothed away to peace and happiness.
“I want always to be in your arms, Wiltsham,” she murmured softly. “I love you too.”
