“As long as it needs to,” Emma said, chiming in, and giving Thomas and Rebecca a nod of approval.
“Emma, you cannot possibly agree—”
“If Rebecca and Thomas require a moment—or more—alone, then so be it,” Emma said.
“But we do not have time to waste, Emma. A wedding requires much planning, especially one that must be memorable. He is the last Melton son to marry.”
“Julia, I myself planned and meticulously executed a perfect wedding in only three days. I think we shall be perfectly capable of doing the same. We are three this time.”
Julia pursed her lips and nodded.
Thomas mouthed a grateful “thank you, sister,” at Emma, who reciprocated by blowing a kiss towards them, granting them leave from the drawing room.
Thomas rushed Rebecca to the front door and as soon as they stepped outside, the fresh air immediately allowed them to feel better.
“I feel I must apologise,” he said as he turned to her.
Her hand was pressed under her bust, drawing in slow and deep breaths. “Why would you apologise?”
“My brothers’ wives... they have the tendency to be rather spirited at times.”
“Is that how you would refer to it?”
Thomas grinned and cocked his head. “And how would you refer to it?”
“Overzealous, perhaps. Spirited is hardly sufficient, in my opinion,” she said.
“Indeed. I was merely attempting to be kind and not set them in a derogatory light.”
“I do not think that would be possible.”
“You are certainly a part of the family. In my eyes, you always have been.”
Rebecca narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. “Thomas, you truly ought to give me the opportunity to finish my words. Your interruptions are not gentlemanly.”
“My sincerest apologies, my lovely Rebecca,” Thomas said with a smile and held out his hand. “Would you perhaps consider forgiving me for my brutish ways by joining me in my carriage?”
“And how would a carriage ride sway me into forgiving you?” she asked.
“Ah, but I do not recall ever saying we will be riding in the carriage.”
Rebecca cocked her head and briefly glanced at his outstretched hand. A giddy feeling exploded inside him as Rebeca’s eyes twinkled, and he grew excited about the prospect of being alone in a secluded carriage with his beautiful woman.
“Very well,” Rebecca said and placed her hand in his.
As they made their way to the carriage, Thomas glanced at her. “What was it that you wished to say before I so rudely interrupted you, my dearest?”
“Ah, yes. The ladies treat me as though I am already a Melton, a part of a family with high nobility. Never in my life did I ever imagine a duchess and two ladies would willingly spend their time with me.”
“I may not know what it is like to be a woman, but do not for a moment think that you have ever been insignificant. What you do need to remember is that you are important to all the people who matter. And the rest do not,” Thomas said, from the bottom of his heart.
“You truly are the most wonderful man in the world, Thomas. And although this may sound ludicrous and insensitive, I certainly am glad that you stepped into my father’s rooms bloodied and injured.”
Thomas grinned and nodded. “Despite the circumstances, so am I.”
He pulled Rebecca into his embrace and wrapped his arms tenderly round her waist. He leaned in and their lips touched in a gentle kiss. Sensations of love and intense happiness bubbled inside him.
He was certain that he would never feel this way about anyone else, and Rebecca Morton was the only woman he wished to have beside him for the rest of his days.
Their lips parted slowly, and Thomas said in a whisper, “Allow me to take you home first. I believe there is something I wish to discuss with your father. And I am certain he would care to see you, verifying you are safe.”
Rebecca nodded quietly, her eyes sparkling in the moonlight as they walked arm-in-arm to the carriage that awaited them.
“And I promise to call upon you tomorrow for a picnic and perhaps a boat ride on the lake. If it pleases you, of course.”
“Indeed, it does,” she said. “It pleases me very much.”
WHEN CARRIAGE CAME to a stop in front of the Morton townhouse, Rebecca and Thomas quietly made their way to the front door. It had been a silent journey in the carriage, but words were not needed.
Now, they simply had to tell her father what they had decided. Rebecca hoped that in discussing the matter with her father and with Thomas present as well, they would clear the air, and any misunderstanding between them would be resolved.
Rebecca was also aware of her father’s stubborn nature but hoped he would not be unreasonable in listening to what they had to say.
Rebecca entered her home, her head held high, followed closely by Thomas. Rebecca peered into the parlour, where she had last seen her father, but he was no longer there.
“Miss Rebecca.”
Rebecca turned and a smile formed on her lips as she saw Connie approach her with open arms. The maidservant embraced Rebecca lovingly, as a mother would embrace a child. In a manner of speaking, Connie had been a motherly figure to her after her mother passed away, and she was truly grateful to have her by her side. Connie had defended her many times, supported her when times were tougher than usual, and she’d provided Rebecca with a shoulder to cry on when the longing for her mother became overwhelming.
“My dearest, Rebecca, thank goodness you are safe.”
“Indeed. I am grateful for your concern,” Rebecca said with a smile. “I must apologise for causing you to worry.”
“I understand, but your father may need a tad bit more convincing,” Connie said. “He is in his study.”
“Thank you, Connie.”
Rebecca carefully made her way along the hallway, towards the study, and although her heart pounded in her chest, she felt steadier with Thomas behind her.
Her father was inside, holding a glass half-filled with whiskey. He
