“Others had bought their way out, but I knew you never would. You were always courageous. And always had a strong sense of duty. This is why you chose to marry Mary, out of duty to the ducal title. I understood why you decided to, for there was a great risk you would be killed in battle, and you wanted to secure the Lynton line.”
“You got three beautiful children from the marriage,” Eden said. “They were meant to be. It was all part of a divine plan, I suppose.”
“One I almost wrecked because of my refusal to recognize my obvious feelings for you,” he muttered.
“How was I any better? I was so afraid to say anything to you, so terrified it would destroy our friendship if you did not feel the same about me. I could not bear to lose you completely.”
“This held me back, too. You were not the only coward.” He arched an eyebrow and grinned at Eden. “But I was not going to let the situation continue beyond the yuletide season.”
Eden stared at him, no doubt wondering what his grin was about. “You weren’t?”
He shook his head. “I had it all planned out, my own grand scheme to get you to notice me.”
She chuckled. “Notice you? Dear heaven,everyonenoticed you. I was a stuttering idiot every time you approached me.”
“So what was your grand plan, Connor?” his mother asked. “And why did you not tell me about it before I went to all the trouble of putting together this house party?”
“Serves you right for scheming behind my back. I am a grown man, too old to confide in my mother. But as I said, yuletide. I was going to have mistletoe positioned in every room of the house and kiss Eden the moment she walked under one of the sprigs. Not just any kiss, either.”
Eden laughed. “A Silver Duke kiss?”
He nodded. “Only the best for you, love.”
“I liked my plan better,” his mother insisted. “Inviting wholly unsuitable girls to a country house party at Lynton Grange so you could see what a gem Eden was and finally do something about it.”
“Right, and I almost lost her to Lord Aubrey, who also happened to fall in love with her,” he grumbled.
His mother did not appear repentant in the least. “Whose fault is that? Certainly not mine. I’ve been trying to get you and Eden together for the past two years, to no avail. Honestly, you were both so stubborn. And Aubrey was a cad, wasn’t he? He was only pretending to admire Eden.”
Connor turned serious. “No, there was not a word of truth to the gossip. He fell in love with Eden at first sight.”
Eden’s mother spoke up. “But I saw him flirting with both Miss Wallingford and Miss Applegate just this evening. Who knows how many other girls he set his cap for? The man is an unworthy rake.”
Connor never thought he would be defending his rival, but he had to speak up. “Lady Darrow, he sincerely cared for Eden and was ready to marry her.”
His mother groaned. “Oh, dear. That was not foreseen in my plan.”
“Why would it be?” Eden said. “I was firmly on the shelf.”
“Never, Eden,” his mother insisted. “There is no one more beautiful or charming than you. Now, it is time we discuss betrothal terms and make wedding plans.”
“No negotiation,” Connor said. “Eden gets whatever she wants and keeps full control over the assets she brings into the marriage.”
Eden smiled. “I don’t want anything from you but your love. I have all the material wealth I will ever need. Your assets are for your children.”
“Including any we may have from our marriage,” he said with a satisfied nod.
“Yes, ours.” This caused her to blush, especially as everyone immediately turned speculative eyes on her at the mention of producing children.
Well, it was no one’s concern but his and Eden’s.
“As for the wedding,” Connor said, clearing his throat, “I intend to obtain the license first thing tomorrow morning and marry Eden within an hour after that. Any objections, Eden?”
She grinned. “None whatsoever.”
Connor spared a glance at the elders, waiting for any objections, but none were voiced. “Good. All settled. My cook already has the ovens at full blast preparing for tomorrow’s round of entertainments. We’ll just turn it into a day-long wedding breakfast. My boys will enjoy the chance to stuff their faces until their spleens burst.”
After another round of congratulations, Connor’s mother and Eden’s parents left to rejoin their guests and share in the evening entertainments. Now finally left alone, Connor took Eden’s hand in his, rubbing his thumb softly over the top of her hand. “I know I was highhanded in making these plans.”
