She laughed. “People will talk if you continue to stare at me like that.”
“Let them. By the way, Sir Nero Arnulfson was looking and also noticed you tucking your spectacles away. Well done, Eden. He’s just spilled his drink all over Squire Hartley.”
She laughed again. “You are making this up.”
“Not at all. Every word is true. Look.”
Indeed, a footman had a cloth in hand and was wiping wine off Squire Hartley’s jacket while another footman was hastily sweeping up the shattered shards of Sir Nero’s fallen glass.
“Good thing your staff rolled up that beautiful carpet for tonight’s dancing, or else it might have been ruined,” she said. “Red wine is no easy stain to remove.”
“Ah, ever the practical lass. But it is my duty as host to point out that your body is spectacular and every man here is completely besotted and cannot tear their gaze away from you.”
“Oh, Connor, stop. You are being ridiculous.”
“No, love. I am being honest, and kicking myself ten times over for waiting this long to tell you what has been in my heart for eons now.” He glanced around to make certain no one was close enough to overhear them, although all eyes were on themfor certain. “Eden, I want to announce our betrothal tonight. Immediately after our kiss. Is that all right?”
“Are you certain this is what you want?” she asked him.
“Yes, don’t you?”
She had always had feelings for Connor. First loving him as her savior when she was barely able to toddle. Then in friendship and admiration. And now in full awareness of him as a man who might soon be her husband.
Was there any doubt she was eager to share his bed?
“Yes, Connor. I am certain.”
He nodded. “This is what I want, too. Not a single doubt. That first kiss is for your satisfaction, not for mine. I know how delicious you are. I’ve already kissed you a thousand times in my dreams.”
She let out a soft breath. “You have? You are impossible to resist, you know. Every woman in the room is wishing they were standing in my place.”
“Perhaps, but you are the only one I hope to claim. I’ve told my children about my feelings for you.”
She was glad he had done so, for they were so much a part of who he was. It was right that they should be told and given the chance to voice objections. “What did they say?”
He grinned. “They berated me for being so dense and waiting this long to realize you were perfect for us all. They want me to send for them when I am ready to announce our betrothal.”
“Oh, yes. Please do.”
“I had already planned on it. They think you are marrying all of us and consider it their moment, too. They love you, Eden.”
“The feeling is quite mutual. I hope they know how much they mean to me. Connor, have you also told your mother?”
“I’m sure she suspects, but I decided not to tell her beforehand.”
“Oh? Why not?”
“She’ll interfere. Is this not what she always does?”
Eden frowned, for this would hurt her so much. Evelyn had always been so loving to her. A valued mentor, mother, and friend. “How would she interfere? Do you think she will object to your choosing me?” After all, this party was Evelyn’s idea, and she had selected thetondiamonds to be invited. Perhaps she wanted someone younger and fresher for Connor.
“No, Eden. She adores you and will be delighted. But I do not want to tell her anything until after you have received your kiss.” Having made that declaration, he bowed over her hand politely and moved on to chat with his other guests.
Lord Aubrey came in shortly after she and Connor had finished chatting. Eden was now talking to the dowager duchess, who had pounced on her the moment Connor left her side because she knew something was in the offing. “Eden, what did my son say to you?”
“He said I looked pretty tonight. Evelyn, I—”
The dowager suddenly turned away and gazed toward the doorway. “That one,” she muttered as Lord Aubrey walked in and began to stroll about the edges of the crowded room.
