“Grandson?”
“Grandson. Our son. That sounds much better, doesn’t it? If we have only daughters…” e said and shrugged a broad shoulder. “I can only hope this silly antiquated law that disallows women from inheriting property will be abolished by that time. The land in all rights should be yours.”
“You do not need to do this, Clarke. If this is because of guilt or commitment you feel over my brother’s death…”
“Do not say it.” He held up a hand to cut her off. “It is not true. I felt horrible guilt over your brother’s death. I still do. But, I would never use that as grounds for marriage.” He looked into her eyes. “A better reason is that I am irrefutably in love with you.”
“You are?” Adeline was glad she was already on the ground, for she could have been pushed over with a feather. “What about your estate?”
He kissed her knuckles. “The wounds Ellis received in that horrid war left him with much self-doubt. He has been the happiest I’ve seen him since our return; helping father run the estate and stables gives him purpose. Ellis needs something to work towards. He needs to believe in his own self-importance. I love him dearly and he is the finest brother one can wish for. I know I cannot turn over my family’s estate, I am the eldest, but, this is what I can do. It will be Ellis’ in every right, but paper. I have an estate to run, the Templeman Estate, alongside you.”
“I don’t know what to say.” She was sure she was still in shock.
Clarke’s face grew dark, he clasped her hands tighter. “There is something I need to be very clear on before you answer my proposal. I am still plagued with nightmares from the war. You saw me. They often haunt my sleep. I know you are a strong woman, but that is what it will take. I am not sure how long I will struggle with this. I wake up many nights in cold sweats … it’s terrible… I can’t stop the memories.”
“Remember the pact we made. We will be there for each other.” Adeline laid a hand on his cheek. “I love you, Clarke. I’ll marry you. Whatever you are going through, I will always be there for you. “
“You can never know how much I need you, Adeline.” He turned her hand and kissed her palm. “You are like a rope that keeps me from drowning in the turbulent sea.” His voice was rough as he grabbed her and pulled her to him. She slipped her hand around the back of his neck and kissed him back.
Chapter Four
“I should take you back to the party. The next part of the evening will entail me introducing you as my fiancée.” Clarke felt his heart beat staccato in his chest. He was so happy, he thought it would burst through.
“I don’t want to go back. Beatrice is there. That old fishmonger’s wife should be damned to hell.”
Clarke smiled at her swearing. He smoothed a dark, loose curl over the top of her ear. “Lady Stokes, and I use the term ‘Lady’ loosely, hadn’t dare say anything about the Earl’s fiancé from this day forward. If she does she will answer to me and me alone. If she wishes to say anything about ‘sleeping beneath her’, I have heard on good authority that Lady Stokes is having a side dalliance with one of my brother’s stable hands.” He grinned. “I’m sure her husband would love to know the details.”
“Oh, that is wicked,” Adeline exclaimed, “but such wonderful information to know. I guess the phrase ‘knocked off her high horse’ could have a whole new meaning…now that we know it is by a stable hand!”
They laughed until his sides ached. God, he loved this woman. She could take a bad situation and somehow find humor in it. When they stopped, he looked at her for a long moment before he drew her close and kissed her again.
Her breasts brushed softly against his chest. He was hard as stone and throbbed to the point of pain in his britches. “I will understand if you say no, but I will want no one but you for the rest of my life. I want to spend the night with you.” Clarke grew somber, knowing if she did not agree to his plan, he would have to honor her wishes. “There is no need to return to the party.” He tipped his head. “The groundskeeper cabin is over there by the trees. I know for a fact they are gone for the weekend.”
He stood and then pulled her to her feet.
She straightened her skirts and then extended her hand. She looked up through long dark lashes and grinned. “Then we best be off…husband.”
After all the darkness and pain in their lives, she was willing to accept him for who he was. This commitment meant more to him than she could ever comprehend. He had found someone who shared some of his same pain and freed his demons.