“I tried everything I could think of. I even tried to bribe Lady Castlereigh.” With the last of his funds, no less.
“It didn’t work?”
“It did. She allowed me to set daffodils for your use in the retiring room.”
“But not…?”
“Me? No.”
She shook her head. “I’m going to have stern words with Aunt Isabelle very soon.”
He smiled. “Aunt Isabelle is powerless if you remember who you are.”
“I’m an odd bluestocking with an affinity for your daffodils.”
“You’re a brilliant woman who sees the best in everyone.”
“That’s Lilah.”
“It’s you too.” He chucked her under her chin. Sometime between Lady Jersey’s refusal and this moment, he’d come to a decision. He needed to say it now before Gwen went inside. She needed to know that no matter what happened—even if he had to work at Isabelle’s locks until he near drowned—that she was the one woman he wanted.
“Gwendolyn!” her mother called from halfway up the steps. “We need to go in now.”
“Yes, Mama,” Gwen said. Then she squeezed his arm. “I’ll do my best.”
He couldn’t let her go. Not with anxiety still haunting her eyes, and not with his words unspoken. “Gwen,” he said as he tugged her back to her side. “I don’t care what happens tonight. I don’t care what the future brings. I care that you marry me. I love you. And if you will have me, I want to marry you as soon as possible. No matter what happens tonight.”
Her eyes widened. “I’m getting the rest of my dowry for you. You don’t need—”
“No!” he rasped. “No, Gwen. I want you.” He pressed his mouth to her gloved fingers. “Just you. I can do anything if you are by my side.”
When he straightened, her mouth had parted in a word he couldn’t hear. He didn’t even know if she said anything because her mother chose that moment to descend the steps and physically pull her away.
“This does not help your cause,” her mother hissed.
“But—” Gwen said.
“It’s all right,” he said. “We’ll speak together tomorrow.”
“Tonight,” Gwen countered. “After this ends.”
He nodded. “After this ends.” Then he watched her go inside carrying all of his hopes and dreams with her.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Trust Jackson tocompletely overturn her life right before the most important party of her life.
He loved her?
That’s what he’d said and butterflies of giddiness inside her told her that she loved him, too. Except she knew enough about feelings to know they didn’t last. Even her most exciting scientific moments had faded when the next curiosity grabbed her attention. But this didn’t seem like it was going to fade. It was too intense, too real, and too special.
“Gwendolyn! Mind your step!” Her mother hissed at her. “I don’t understand this flower thing you’re doing, but I can tell you that tripping over your own feet will not help your cause.”
“Yes, Mama,” Gwen murmured, taking the admonishment to heart. She needed to focus on what she was doing here and now because both their futures depended on her making a good showing. So she tried to set her mind to making a good impression. She tried to push her actions to appropriate ladylike behavior. She tried any number of things to make herself behave just as she ought.
It all faded under the rainbow excitement of Jackson’s words.I love you. And if you will have me, I want to marry you as soon as possible.
Lord, the flush of feeling that came over her whenever she thought of those words! Hot then cold, tingly then giggly. All the things she never associated with…well, anything but science and him.