Augusta was silent for moment. "Does this mean we can still be friends? That is, can we still correspond like before?
"I am afraid not...."
She tried to hide the disappointment that pinched at her face.
"You see, my man of affairs has said I am spending far too much on ink and paper." He gave a crooked grin. "So I really must insist that we continue our relationship in the flesh rather than in letters, my dear. If you remember, I had suggested that we meet to discuss our ideas over a glass of port—would you care to make that every night?" His grin widened, though there was a touch of vulnerability beneath the humor. "Although I'm afraid it would have to be our own library, for White's is out of the question."
The light that came to Augusta's eyes put his fears to rest. "For now, perhaps," she answered, a mischievous smile of her own stealing across her features. "However our next crusade could be—"
He interrupted with a mock groan. "And my friends already think I am a candidate for Bedlam. Imagine what they will say when I propose that females be admitted to the clubs! But that is a discussion for some other time. At the moment, we have something far more important to resolve."
She held her breath.
"I needn't waste my breath telling you all my faults and weaknesses, for you have them all down in writing. You also know all my fears in life, and doubts, as well. But there is one thing of which I have no doubt—I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you become my wife as well as my best friend, Gus?"
"Oh Alex, I should like it above all things. I think I have been in love with you since that first curse popped out of your mouth." She hugged him very tightly, then looked up and bit her lip. "But I must warn you. I doubt I shall be able to change. You already know I am headstrong, opinionated and sharp-tongued. And not very obedient."
He couldn't repress a laugh. "I hadn't noticed."
When her own soft laughter had died away, she ventured to speak again. "There is also the matter of Firebrand. Perhaps you would not wish a wife who would insist on writing such incendiary things? For I would, you know. Not even for you could I give up expressing what I believe in."
He became very serious. "You cannot imagine that I would try to prevent you from doing that which is so very much a part of you. Besides, I have quite a fondness for our fiery friend. After all, it was he who introduced us."
"You are not afraid of the sparks that sometimes fly between us?
"On the contrary. They will keep our marriage from ever burning down into bed of cold coals. In truth, my love, I cannot conceive of a better match." His mouth took hers in a long, lingering kiss. "Have you an answer for me?"
Augusta reached down and picked up her pen. Grabbing a fresh sheet of paper, she dipped the nib in the ink and scribbled a single word across it.
Yes.
Table of Contents
Words of Passion
About the Author
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
A Lady of Letters Page 22
