It was on the tip of her tongue to ask again if he was sure, to question whether he’d thought this through and if it was what he really wanted.
Before she could, he grinned, delight sparkling in his golden eyes. That was all the answer she needed. Relief weakened her knees.
“You’ve made me happy, Beatrice,” he said softly as he raised her hand to kiss the back of it. “Very happy indeed.”
Then Caroline and Aberland joined them, Caroline with tears in her eyes as she hugged Beatrice. “Congratulations.”
“Well done,” the earl said as he clapped his brother on the shoulder. Then his gaze shifted to Beatrice.
She couldn’t help but search his expression for disapproval or at the very least hesitation. But she saw nothing of the sort. To think they had both Caroline and Aberland’s approval meant so much. Mayhap she was doing the right thing by accepting Daniel’s proposal.
“I wish you both every happiness,” he said with sincerity.
“We should celebrate,” Caroline declared. “This evening, we’ll have a special dinner before we attend the musicale.” She glanced at Beatrice, her gaze searching as if to see how Beatrice was feeling.
Then Caroline raised a brow at Daniel. “I assume you’ll be joining us at the Mastersons?”
“Isn’t the daughter the one who’s tone-deaf?” he asked with a grimace though his eyes held that familiar teasing glint Beatrice adored.
“Tone deaf is a harsh term.” Caroline chuckled. “I prefer to think she’s still learning to sing.”
Beatrice realized Caroline was giving her a moment to adjust. Did that mean she looked as stunned as she felt?
“She’s been learning for years now, and it hasn’t improved her skills or caught her a husband.” Aberland shook his head. “I think her mother should find a better way to catch a potential husband than showcasing her daughter’s lack of musical talent.”
The conversation swirled around Beatrice while she attempted to collect herself and adjust to the sudden change in her circumstances.
“Now, Richard.” Caroline wrapped her arm through her husband’s. “The company there will be fine as will the food. It will be made even better by being the first outing for Daniel and Beatrice as a betrothed couple.” She turned to study them both. “Unless you’d prefer to wait to announce it.”
Daniel sent a questioning look at Beatrice as he reached for her hand.
Somehow that connection further reassured her this was indeed happening. That she hadn’t dreamed this unexpected turn of events. She was going to marry this man. A flush crept up her entire body at the thought.
“What would you prefer, Beatrice?” Daniel asked.
To shout the news to any who will listen, she wanted to say. Suddenly, a wave of emotion took her under, and her eyes flooded with tears.
“What is it?” Daniel’s tender regard made her eyes fill faster.
“I can hardly believe it.” She wiped her cheek, only to have Daniel turn her to face him.
“Nor can I,” he whispered.
“Why don’t we give the two of you a few minutes together?” Aberland asked.
“We interrupted you before you had the chance to fully discuss the details,” Caroline added. “We’re so happy for you both. We’ll talk more at dinner.”
“Thank you,” Beatrice managed.
Then the couple left, leaving her and Daniel alone again.
“Are those happy tears?” he asked as he wiped one away with the pad of his thumb, his brow creased with concern.
“Yes. Yes, they are. You must know how much I...admire you.” Good heavens, she’d nearly admitted her true feelings. She hated to think about how Daniel would react to that.
“Admiration is nice.” The corner of his mouth tipped upward, causing her heart to do the same. “But I’m hoping for a bit more.” He wrapped his arms around her waist, the feel of him against her serving to provide the very anchor she’d been longing for.
To think she would have a place to belong as well as someone who cared for her was more than she could’ve hoped for. While Daniel didn’t feel the same way about her that she did about him, his feelings might grow. Small steps would still allow her to reach her destination, she told herself. Especially now that she’d made it this far. They’d only known each other just over a fortnight. There was plenty of time.
“I never dreamed this was possible.” She placed her hand on his cheek, loving the masculine feel of it. Loving that she now had the right to touch him.
“The world is full of possibilities if we only look for them. Sometimes they’re hiding in plain sight.”
She had many questions about what he intended their betrothal and their marriage to be. About what she wanted as well. It was difficult to believe she had a say in her future when she’d been steeling herself to prepare for a life of survival rather than one of happiness.
For the moment, knowing she held his affection was more than enough. Surely they could build on that. For a few days at least, she would put away her worry that he’d only asked her to marry him out of pity or that he’d change his mind, and instead focus on her feelings, even if she had to hide them for now.
Yet she couldn’t deny the hope blooming inside her that one day, they might have a marriage full of love.
“Why don’t we wait a week or two before announcing our betrothal?” he asked. “That will give us both time to adjust and decide how and when to announce it.”
A sliver of unease pierced the bubble of happiness buoying her. Did that mean he wasn’t certain how he felt about marrying her? Did he feel sorry for her after all and that was the reason behind his proposal?
She nodded and forced a smile. “Perfect.” Then why did she feel it was anything but?
DANIEL SETTLED AT HIS desk the next morning, eager to take a look at his investments with a new eye. Now that he
