Always (ALWAYS trilogy Book 1)
Page 36
But—to her great annoyance—here was Lord Selby, looking wonderful and fond and tempting her beyond measure, but she didn’t trust him. She vividly recalled that last day at Selby, where she’d been on pins and needles, certain he’d ask her to stay with him, but he hadn’t.
When the stakes had been very high, he hadn’t been able to force himself to claim her, so why would he be interested now? What had changed except that she was prepared to bind herself to another man?
Nathan Blake felt she was his, and he would never allow any encroachment on what he viewed as his own territory.
Trevor had insisted he wasn’t engaged, and she believed his cousin. Lord Selby wasn’t betrothed, so where did that leave her? He’d offered a tepid marriage proposal, acting as if she ought to jump at the chance, but in the time she’d known him, she’d never heard him declaring himself to be in the market for a wife. So why was he pestering her?
Her knees gave out, and she sank down in a nearby chair. She stared at the floor, her heart breaking all over again.
“Would you go?” she said. “Please?”
“No.”
“I can’t bicker with you like this.”
“Well, I don’t care for it either, and I truly have no idea why we’re quarreling.”
He came over and rested a palm on the top of her head, as if she were a child he was comforting.
“What’s wrong, Nell?” he inquired. “You can tell me.”
“I’m so sad.”
“Why? I thought you’d be glad to see me.”
“I just want to be happy. It’s all I’ve ever wanted, but you make me so miserable!”
He chuckled. “I do not.”
She pushed him away, but he simply smiled at her with such tender affection that she could have wept. She could never resist him, could never erect any barriers and keep them in place. Already, her defensive walls were crumbling.
“You’re having a baby,” he said.
She sighed. “Yes.”
“Let me rephrase that. We are having a baby.”
“Yes,” she repeated.
“You look positively glum about it.”
“So far, it hasn’t been all that grand.”
“It appears to me that you need a husband immediately.”
“I had a good candidate lined up.”
He scoffed. “Mr. Fenwick was too old and stern for you, and I’m sure he’s halfway home by now. He wasn’t the sort to stick around through a little adversity. A fellow like that is worthless.”
“Not to me.”
“Now I, on the other hand, have tenacity that just won’t quit, and, with you in such dire need of a spouse, I feel compelled to state that I’m available.”
“You’re talking as if you’re serious about this.”
“You think I’m not?”
“I know you’re not.”
“Considering your great insight as to my attitude and character, can you ever imagine a scenario where I would do something I didn’t wish to do?”
“No, you wouldn’t.”
“I’m stubborn that way.”
He dropped to one knee. She was still seated on the chair, so they were eye to eye. He grinned and took hold of her hand.
“I’m going to propose, Nell, and you’re going to accept, then we’re getting out of here and traveling home to Selby.”
Her pulse began to race. At times, he could be so incredibly wonderful. He could be generous and kind and exceedingly sweet, but she couldn’t forget that day at Selby—when her entire future had been on the line—and he’d been content to let her depart.
What if they wed, but he decided later on that he shouldn’t have? What if he started to rue and regret?
Everyone understood, through centuries of trial and error, that two such disparate people shouldn’t wind up together. He was an aristocrat who’d journeyed across the globe, having exotic adventures. She was simply Nell Drummond, an orphaned spinster who resided with her mother’s childhood friend. That was the extent of her life experiences.
“Please don’t do this, Nathan. Don’t propose.”
“Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t.”
“You’re not ready to shackle yourself—at least not to me.”
“You’re being completely ridiculous, now hush and listen to me. You’re ruined, and you’re increasing, and I am the scoundrel who put you in this position. There’s no other possible ending.”
“I don’t want you to marry me because you have to marry me. I want to marry for love. I want to marry for affection so my husband and I will live happily ever after.”
He snorted with disgust. “This—from a woman who was about to wed a stranger named Fenwick. I swear, you grow more preposterous by the minute. Now hush.”
“All right, all right. Get on with it.”
“My dearest darling, precious, Nell Drummond, will you marry me?” She formed the word no, but before she could utter it, he clasped a palm over her mouth. “I can read your mind, so I’ve figured out what you were about to say, but you’re not saying it. We’re not walking in that direction.”
She yanked away. “You’re a spoiled bully.”
“Yes, I am. I always have been, and when I see what I crave, I have to make it my own. You, Nell, are what I crave, and I will not stop harassing you until I receive the correct answer.”
“Why would you want me, Nathan?”
“Why?” He scowled fiercely. “You don’t know?”
“No.”
“I love you, you absurd ninny!”
She tamped down a surge of excitement. “No, you don’t.”
“Yes, I do. I love you, Nell Drummond. I love your smile and your beauty and your sunny personality and your quick wit. I love your kindness and your sense of humor and your gentle nature. You have an ability to soothe the beast that rages inside me. If you spurn me, how will I carry on without you?”
“You don’t mean that,” she murmured.
“I mean it. Now I’m not claiming I’m much of a catch.”
“Don’t denigrate yourself to me,” she loyally stated. “I won’t stand for it.”
“Well, I won’t lie to you. I’m bossy and arrogant. I have to have my own way, and I never heed advice from others. I’ve had a peculiar life that’s left me ill-equipped for any sort of normal existence, and my childhood has guaranteed that I will always struggle. Often, my thought processes are so convoluted that I probably belong in an asylum.”
She tsked with offense. “You’re the sanest man I’ve ever met.”
“I can be, but at the moment, I feel totally deranged. If you don’t tell me you’ll have me, if you don’t tell me you’ll be mine, I’m not sure what I’ll do.” He gripped both her hands, and quietly, urgently, he said, “I need you with me forever. I need your friendship and your counsel and your wise guidance. I need your merry temperament and steady demeanor to brighten my days and warm my nights. Won’t you have me?”
It was such a pretty speech. How could she discount it?
She’d assumed he didn’t really want her. Yet here he was, on bended knee, hoping she’d wed him. Here he was, professing his eternal devotion.
She moaned with dismay. “You make it so hard to refuse.”
“Then don’t you dare. Say yes. Say you’ll have me.”
“You’d have to promise me a few things first.”
Gad, was she considering it? Apparently, yes.
“Whatever is in my power to bestow,” he said, “you shall have it.”
“You have to be done with your exploring. I won’t have you gone for years at a time, where I don’t know if you’re alive or dead or if you’ll ever return.”
“It’s an easy vow to tender. I’d already decided that I’m finished.”
“You can’t ever lament giving it up. If you start to feel as if you’re suffocating and trapped, you can’t blame me or accuse me of preventing you from continuing.”
“I would never blame you. It’s
my choice and mine alone.”
“You must never gaze at the horizon and chafe over the fetter that is keeping you attached to me and Selby.”
“I won’t ever chafe or complain.”
“And most of all, you can’t ever regret picking me to be your bride. It’s my biggest fear and my biggest worry. We’re from such different worlds. You could wed anyone, but you’ve set your sights on me. You have to always be glad about it.”
He chuckled. “That’s it? That’s all the promises you require?”
“For now. I’m certain I’ll eventually think of a thousand others.”
“I swear, Nell Drummond, that I will never regret this—not ever!—so stop being such an impertinent tease and tell me your answer. Will you marry me?”
She smiled at him, liking how he was prostrate before her and begging her to have him. Had there ever been a genuine question as to her reply?
She’d persuaded herself that they didn’t belong together, that he’d never be happy, not when he could have selected any girl in the kingdom. But what if she was wrong? What if they were happy forever?
She was determined to gamble on forever.
“Yes, Nathan Blake,” she said, “I will marry you.”
“Are you sure? With me, there’s no going back.”
“There’s no going back with me either.”
“I will always love you,” he said.
“And I will always love you,” she could only concur.
He leaned in and delivered the sweetest, dearest kiss, then he pulled away and stood. He drew her to her feet too, and he was grinning, preening, pleased with himself and what he’d accomplished.
“I knew I could convince you.” He was annoyingly cocky. “I never had a doubt.”
“If you could have rattled around in my head to read my mind—as you claim you can—you might not be quite so smug.”
“Admit it,” he said. “You never could resist me.”
“No, I never could.”
“May I escort you out of this madhouse?”
“Yes.”
He hugged her so tightly that she could barely breathe. He was snuggled at her nape, and he held himself just there as he murmured, “It will be all right.”
“We’ll make it all right.”
He led her out to Trevor and Susan who were waiting impatiently, a pair of angry sentinels, keeping Susan’s parents and any curious intruders away.
“What is the verdict?” Susan asked.
Nathan smirked. “I wore her down, and she said yes.”
“It’s a good thing too, Nell,” Susan responded. “If you’d been stupid about this, we were prepared to kidnap you and carry you away against your will.”
“Hm…” Nathan mused. “Carry her away. I believe I will. Let’s get out of here before Mrs. Middleton locks us in and we can’t escape.”
He scooped Nell into his arms and started off down the hall.
“Put me down!” she protested.
“No, I like having you close. I won’t give you the opportunity to flit off. From this moment on, you’re mine—and don’t you forget it.”
Susan’s parents were in the foyer, huddled nervously, as were most of the guests. The event had been too shocking, too interesting, and no one had departed—except for poor Mr. Fenwick. He was nowhere to be found, and fleetingly, Nell wondered how she’d ever sufficiently apologize to him.
Then again, Albert had bribed him to wed her, so if he was upset, it was probably over the loss of the money he’d hoped to receive. Perhaps he didn’t deserve much sympathy.
Nathan blustered through the crowd, and a sharp footman whipped the front door open as they approached.
“What’s happening?” Albert raged, huffing and puffing, but not attempting to prevent what was occurring. “Where are you taking my ward?”
“She belongs to me now, Mr. Middleton,” Nathan said without glancing back, “and I am taking her home.”
“I like the sound of that,” Nell agreed. She waved at Florence. “Thank you for all your help over the years, and please send my regrets to Mr. Fenwick.”
“I won’t send them!” Florence furiously snapped. “How could you do this to him? To us?”
“What can I tell you?” Nell asked. “I’m in love with Nathan Blake.”
Nathan added, “And Fenwick never had a chance.”
“Love, bah!” Florence spat, suddenly looking older and smaller. Susan passed by her, and she demanded, “Have you anything to say to me?”
“Not really,” Susan replied.
Nell sighed, wishing they could pause to mend fences, but the timing was all wrong. Maybe later.
“I’ll write you, Florence,” she said, “and try to forgive us—if you can.”
But that was all she could manage.
Nathan swept her out the door, Susan and Trevor following more slowly, promenading like royalty. Then together, the four of them raced to their carriage and jumped inside.
THE END
* * * *
Don’t Miss Book #2 of
CHERYL HOLT’S ALWAYS Trilogy
ALWAYS YOURS
The Story of
Miss Sarah (Blake) Robertson
and Mr. Sebastian Sinclair
Available now!
* * * *
CHERYL HOLT is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon “Top 100” bestselling author who has published over fifty novels.
She’s also a lawyer and mom, and at age forty, with two babies at home, she started a new career as a commercial fiction writer. She’d hoped to be a suspense novelist, but couldn’t sell any of her manuscripts, so she ended up taking a detour into romance where she was stunned to discover that she has a knack for writing some of the world’s greatest love stories.
Her books have been released to wide acclaim, and she has won or been nominated for many national awards. She is considered to be one of the masters of the romance genre. For many years, she was hailed as “The Queen of Erotic Romance”, and she’s also revered as “The International Queen of Villains.” She is particularly proud to have been named “Best Storyteller of the Year” by the trade magazine Romantic Times BOOK Reviews.
She lives and writes in Hollywood, California, and she loves to hear from fans. Visit her website at www.cherylholt.com.
* * * *
Praise for New York Times Bestselling Author
CHERYL HOLT
“Best storyteller of the year…”
Romantic Times Magazine
“A master writer…”
Fallen Angel Reviews
“The Queen of Erotic Romance…”
Book Cover Reviews
“Cheryl Holt is magnificent…”
Reader to Reader Reviews
“From cover to cover, I was spellbound. Truly outstanding…”
Romance Junkies
“A classic love story with hot, fiery passion dripping from every page. There’s nothing better than curling up with a great book and this one totally qualifies.”
Fresh Fiction
“This is a masterpiece of storytelling. A sensual delight scattered with rose petals that are divinely arousing. Oh my, yes indeedy!"
Reader to Reader Reviews
Praise for Cheryl Holt’s “Lord Trent” trilogy
“A true guilty pleasure!”
Novels Alive TV
“LOVE'S PROMISE can't take the number one spot as my favorite by Ms. Holt—that belongs to her book NICHOLAS—but it's currently running a close second."
Manic Readers
“The book was brilliant…can't wait for Book #2.”
Harlie’s Book Reviews
“I guarantee you won't want to put this one down. Holt's fast-paced dialogue, paired with the emotional turmoil, will keep you turning the pages all the way to the end.”
Susana’s Parlour
“…A great love story populated with many flawed characters. Highly recommend it.”
Bookworm 2 Bookworm Reviews
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BOOKS BY CHERYL HOLT
ALWAYS MINE
ALWAYS YOURS
ALWAYS
JILTED BY A ROGUE
JILTED BY A SCOUNDREL
JILTED BY A CAD
FOREVER
FOREVER AFTER
FOREVER MINE
FOREVER YOURS
ONLY MINE
ONLY YOU
HEART’S DEBT
SCOUNDREL
HEART’S DEMAND
HEART’S DESIRE
HEART’S DELIGHT
WONDERFUL
WANTON
WICKED
SEDUCING THE GROOM
LOVE’S PERIL
LOVE’S PRICE
LOVE’S PROMISE
SWEET SURRENDER
THE WEDDING
MUD CREEK
MARRY ME
LOVE ME
KISS ME
SEDUCE ME
KNIGHT OF SEDUCTION
NICHOLAS
DREAMS OF DESIRE
TASTE OF TEMPTATION
PROMISE OF PLEASURE
SLEEPING WITH THE DEVIL
DOUBLE FANTASY
FORBIDDEN FANTASY
SECRET FANTASY
TOO WICKED TO WED
TOO TEMPTING TO TOUCH
TOO HOT TO HANDLE
FURTHER THAN PASSION
DEEPER THAN DESIRE
MORE THAN SEDUCTION
COMPLETE ABANDON
ABSOLUTE PLEASURE
TOTAL SURRENDER
LOVE LESSONS
MOUNTAIN DREAMS
MY TRUE LOVE
MY ONLY LOVE
MEG’S SECRET ADMIRER
THE WAY OF THE HEART
* * * *
ISBN: 9781543976274 (E-version)
Copyright 2019 by Cheryl Holt
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