Sudden understanding washed over her. To extend a proposal.
Good heavens, he could not possibly intend to ask her to marry him. Here, of all places. After walking away from her a second time.
No, this could not be.
“During my latest sojourn to Egypt, I had occasion to conclude that in this life, there are many forms of treasure. Some, like the Amulet of Bastet, may be held in the palm of your hand, or may fill a monarch’s vault. But others are intangible, impossible to quantify in value—but perhaps, these are the most valuable treasures of all.”
Tears pricked the back of her eyes, but she blinked them back. The unspent emotion seared the back of her throat.
“Quite so,” she managed, little more than a whisper.
Sudden panic filled her. Her breaths came in little pants. He caught her hands in his.
“Alexandra, are you unwell?”
She nodded. “I am so very sorry, Benedict. I cannot do this.”
Pressing her hand to her mouth, she darted from the stage. Brushing past Sir Archibald, she offered her apologies for stepping on his toes, then rushed away to the cramped office that had been her haven before the lecture.
Jennie stood by the door. “Sophie showed me a faster route,” she explained with a wan little smile. “Alex, what has come over you?”
“What do you think has come over me?” Alex said, still attempting to fully understand what had just happened. “Did you know what he was planning to do?”
Jennie’s moment of hesitation provided her answer. “Yes—and no,” she said finally. “Sophie mentioned that Benedict wished to surprise you, but I did not know he intended to do so here tonight. I do not believe that Sophie and Gavin were aware he intended to be so…public about his demonstration of affection.”
“He wished to surprise me, did he? Well, he certainly accomplished that.” Alex sighed. “I suppose I am expected to thank the heavens he’s returned to me. What assurance do I have that he will not leave…again?”
Standing in the doorway, Benedict answered her question.
“I love you, Alexandra. I was a fool.” He made no move to enter the small chamber. “I don’t know how to prove to you that I will never again leave you. I don’t know how to prove I will never hurt you. I don’t know how to reassure you. But I do love you. More than I’ve ever loved anything in my life.”
Gaslight fell on his features, emphasizing the hollows in his cheeks, the leanness of his face. His eyes darkened with emotion, and it was all she could do not to run into his arms.
She could not give in.
She would not leave her heart vulnerable. Not this time.
Jennie’s mouth pulled taut. “It’s high time I excuse myself. I believe the two of you could benefit from a spot of privacy.”
Benedict nodded his acknowledgment. “Thank you.”
“You’re a good man, Marlsbrook. I feel it in my bones,” Jennie said. “But I am not the one you need to convince.”
“Understood,” he said.
He entered the room and closed the door behind him. Alex wondered dully if she should be concerned about the propriety of the situation, but she shrugged away the thought. Propriety be damned. This was far more important than the impression some stuffed shirts might have of her.
“I am sorry, Alexandra,” he said, coming to her. “I never wanted to hurt you. I thought…I thought I was protecting you, in my own way.”
“Benedict, why are you here?” She swiped a renegade tear from her cheek. “Just when I thought I’d put us behind me.”
“I was a fool. And a coward. I know that now. I want you with me. Forever.”
For so long, she’d yearned to look into his eyes and hear him speak words of love. But now, they brought fear as well as the faint hope of joy. She wanted a life with Benedict. More than anything, she wanted to believe their love would endure.
But how could she be certain?
Was she opening her heart to more pain?
“Tell me why…why now?” she murmured.
He drew her to him. Cupping his hand around the back of her head, he kissed her lightly. The taste of his lips was a delicacy, and she savored it.
He took a step back, clasping her hands. “You, my dear Alexandra, are a treasure worth more than any artifact, more than any jewel in a king’s crown.”
“Oh dear.” Her knees wobbled.
“I know I’ve hurt you. There is no way to change the past. But from this moment forward, I will do everything in my power to justify your faith in me.”
“Benedict, I don’t know—this is so sudden. So very unexpected.”
He slipped a hand in the pocket of his waistcoat. “Alexandra Mary Quinn, I propose a collaboration—one that will last a lifetime.”
“A collaboration?” Goodness, she sounded like a daft parrot.
Slowly, he nodded. And then, he went down on one knee.
“Alexandra, I must ask you a question. I pray you will consider my love for you before you give me your answer.”
“Yes, Benedict—what is your question?” she murmured, seeing the adoration in his eyes. Her heart soared. The most talented thespian could not mimic the tender feeling in his gaze as he looked at her.
He took her left hand in his and slid a golden band adorned with a princess-cut diamond onto the third finger—her ring finger.
“Alexandra Mary Quinn, will you take me as your husband? For better or for worse? Even though I am a fool for having waited so long.”
Joy swelled in her heart. She loved him so very much. With all her heart.
She stared down at the ring on her finger. For so long, she’d dreamed of this moment.
He threaded his fingers through her hair, freeing the strands she’d so carefully pinned in place. Her curls tumbled down around her shoulders, and she smiled as she looked at him. She wanted to memorize everything about this night. Every word. Every nuance of expression. Every emotion in her heart.
“Say you love me, too, Alexandra. Say that you’ll be mine. Until I take my last breath. And beyond.”
“Oh, yes, I do love you. So very much.” She smiled as hot, messy, happy tears streamed down her face. “I will marry you, Benedict. I will be yours forever.”
Epilogue
London, April 1894
“I must say, Benedict, your lecture on the Giza expedition was a rousing success.”
Alex leaned a head against her husband’s shoulder, closing her eyes as their carriage clattered over the road to their home in Mayfair. He smelled of Pears soap and his own healthy essence, the most enticing scent of them all. She smiled to herself, drinking him in and giving thanks that he was hers and she was his.
“As was yours,” he said. “All in all, I’d say the presentation of our research was quite well-received.”
“Indeed. The audience was most receptive. It isn’t every day that a husband and wife present at the Royal Symposium.” She opened her eyes, taking in Benedict’s relaxed countenance. He was always a handsome man, but in these rare instances when he allowed himself to smile and enjoy the moment, he was utterly irresistible.
“They were very taken with you,” he observed. “Your analysis of the significance of the Amulet of Bastet was quite riveting. And I’ll have you know I am not saying that because you are my wife.”
“Darling, I have another theory as to the members’ keen interest tonight,” she said.
“And what might that be?”
She grinned. “Imagine their suspense, having to wait more than a year to learn how the scenario on stage at my last lecture turned out. Why, I’ll imagine they were quite relieved to know the outcome had been…shall we say…positive.”
“It’s not as though our marriage was conducted in secret.”
“Still, I’m sure they wanted to see for themselves.” She touched her middle, feeling the slight roundness beneath her fingertips. It wouldn’t be long now before the bump was obvious to more than Benedict and herself. “Would you be
terribly disappointed if our first child is a daughter rather than a son?”
He frowned. “Of course not. Our daughter or son will be a treasure like no other.” An easy smile formed on his lips. “Though it might be pleasant to have a little girl. Especially if she’s as clever and quick-witted as her mum.”
“Oh, Benedict, whoever would’ve imagined we’d make it work? After everything we experienced, all the trials we endured…we succeeded.”
He pulled her close, and she snuggled against him. He was warm and strong and gentle.
And he was hers.
“I do wish the driver would go faster,” he said in a low voice.
“Why?” She frowned at him. “I think you’ve gotten used to that maniac, Bertram. Mr. Phelps is doing a fine job.”
“That he is. But I want to get you home.” He leaned over her, caging her against the upholstery. “You see, my dear, I’ve developed a hunger only you can sate. I wish to have a bit of wicked delight with my wife.”
“What a wonderful idea. I do believe I know how to tempt you.” She whispered the words against his ear. “All those years ago, I never realized I’d end up the bride of a deliciously wicked lord.”
“A wicked lord.” He made a show of pondering the term. “I believe I like that. Perhaps that shall be my new title…the Wicked Lord of Marlsbrook.”
“Quite fitting. Of course, it goes without saying that you will only be wicked with me.”
He gathered her in his arms, kissing her with all the passion in his heart. “My sweet Alexandra, I do love you so. More than I’ve ever loved anything in my life.” Gently, he rested a hand on her middle. “You and our babe are my life. My heart and my dreams. Don’t ever forget that.”
“And you are my heart. My dreams.” She caressed his cheek. Beneath her fingertips, the first stubbly bristles of new beard tickled her skin, and she brushed her lips over his. Desire swelled within her, and she smiled to herself. It would be all they could do to wait until they were behind the closed door of their bedchamber before they succumbed to temptation. Much more of his sensuous touch, and she might well encourage him to be thoroughly wicked right there in the carriage. Wouldn’t that be scandalous?
As if he’d read her thoughts, his eyes gleamed with the promise of new delights. Framing her face in his large, warm hands, he kissed her with a passion that thrilled her to the marrow.
He murmured words of adoration against her lips in that husky rasp she so cherished.
“You are my treasure, Alexandra. Always, you will be mine. I will love you…for eternity.”
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Acknowledgments
Much love and thanks to my husband for encouraging me to follow my heart and my dreams.
Many sincere thanks to Kathleen Bittner Roth, my terrific critique partner. Your friendship and honesty mean so much to me.
Much gratitude to my wonderful editor, Erin Molta. You always help me to find the pulse of the story. I value your skill and encouragement.
A sincere thank you to my copy editor, Darya Crockett, for your keen eye and skill.
To Liz Pelletier, the Entangled staff, and fellow Entangled authors—thank you so much for your wholehearted dedication to the romance genre and the sense of community at Entangled.
A big hug to authors Barbara Bettis, Tracey Devlyn, Eliza Knight, Lane McFarland, Renee Ann Miller, Averil Reisman, and Tess St. John. I truly appreciate your friendship and encouragement.
Last, but not least, a very sincere thank you to my readers. Please stay in touch on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or through my website at www.tarakingston.com.
About the Author
Award-winning author Tara Kingston writes historical romance laced with intrigue and adventures of the heart. A Southern-belle-out-of-water in a quaint Pennsylvania town, she lives her own happily-ever-after with her real-life hero and a pair of deceptively innocent-looking cats. The mother of two sons, Tara’s a former librarian who first fell in love with the romance genre when she discovered her mother’s old-school romance paperbacks. When she’s not writing, reading, or burning dinner, Tara enjoys movie nights, traveling, cycling, hiking, DIY projects, quality time with her family, and cheering on her favorite football team.
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