Ivy scowled down at Leo's friend. "He did try to explain but I was so furious … "
"Owen is a good man. He wouldn't have done anything beyond kiss you. His estate is in poor shape and he's turned fortune hunter, I suppose." She didn't miss the note of sadness in his tone.
"Many men have these days," she agreed, looking at him. She knew full well that he had been trying to marry Mildred for her fortune and her reputation. The dowager countess had explained that clearly when they'd reconnected over tea at the WSPU meeting. She'd been shocked to learn Leo was so desperate as to abandon his heart in a quest for stability.
"No man should have to marry simply to keep the estate. Even I made the mistake when I was planning to propose to Mildred. I thought it was the right thing to do, but now I see what a mistake it was. I only hope Owen can find a way to happiness like I have."
"I did like him, compromising intentions aside." Ivy sighed. He'd been a bit of a bounder but he'd been amusing, too. "I do hope you're right that he will be as lucky as we are." It had always been her nature to forgive and while Owen's kiss had frightened her, she was not as angry as she'd been earlier. It was the way of the Romani, to forgive and forget.
When they reached the door to the lodge, they shared a gaze. Leo grinned like a boy and Ivy's own mouth curved upward. She wanted so desperately for him to want her and for this to really be happening, but after losing her mother, she dared not hope.
"Leo, do you really want to marry me?" She couldn't look away even as her cheeks heated. "We're practically strangers. It has been sixteen years since we've last seen each other."
"Have you so little faith in a man's heart?" He studied her. "Or is it that you think we will not suit?" The corner of his mouth kicked up in a rakish expression that promised utter wickedness. He lifted her hands to his mouth, pressing little kisses on her knuckles.
"I used to be wild and free once … when I knew you. Teach me to be that man again, Ivy. When my father died, I lost myself to my worries and fears of becoming just like him. I don't ever want to lose the man I am because my worries grow too big."
He leaned down and kissed her. Her eyes fell shut, and in that moment, she was living the dream she'd always wanted in the most secret part of her heart. She could be a free, independent woman and still have love. His lips urged hers to part and they shared a breath before he deepened the kiss. Lost in him, she found herself, the girl she had been before her mother died. Leaving Leo and his world behind had left her empty in a way she'd been too afraid to admit until now, when true joy was finally within reach. What was there to living a life only in halves? Nothing. With Leo and Hampton, she would be whole.
"I think," Leo murmured against her lips as they broke apart, "that marrying a suffragette is just what I need."
She stood up on tiptoe and kissed him, quick and hard, unable to stop the flood of hunger she had for him in that moment. He truly was the most wonderful man she'd ever known.
"And being with you has always been what I wanted." She nuzzled his cheek before meeting his gaze.
He tucked her under the chin. "Ready to meet our parents?"
"Are you?" she teased.
"Only if you hold my hand," he replied in all seriousness.
"I promise."
* * *
Leo entered the library where Mr. Leighton and his mother were waiting for them. Ivy's hand was in his, and it gave him strength to face her father. He had no idea what sort of storm he was to encounter. He had scandalized the house party guests by being with Ivy in the hunting lodge. It would only be natural to have Leighton in a rage, but Leo didn't know him well enough to guess how he would react. Leo knew how his father would have been in this situation. The old tyrant, as his mother called him, was no exaggeration. How often had he dreaded coming into the library when his father was alive? Far too often. The old earl had mastered the ability to lecture his victims for hours. But his father was gone. It was Ivy's father he had to contend with now.
///
Mr. Leighton stood by the large paned window, a glass of brandy in one hand. No sign of his rifle anywhere. Relief exploded through him, and when his lungs stopped burning, he realized he hadn't been breathing for the last few seconds. Ivy's father turned when Leo's mother coughed. She was perched on the edge of a rose-colored couch, clearly anticipating the coming discussion. She pursed her lips, but hope glimmered in her eyes as Leo led Ivy inside.