The Truth about the Earl (Whispers of the Ton #1)

Epilogue

Epilogue

T he moment Lord Yardley stepped into the room, Norah was on her feet, her hands outstretched, ready to greet him. She had barely slept the previous night, having been both overwhelmed with relief and lingering sorrow for Miss Patterson’s situation, whilst the anticipation and excitement of Lord Yardley’s arrival had grown steadily with every passing hour.

“My dear Norah.”

Her heart lifted as he took both of her hands in hers, only to then step even closer and lower his head. She had no time to think, no time to speak even a word before his lips caught hers in a kiss.

Her hands released from his, finding their way up over his shoulders so she might clasp them about his neck. His hands went about her waist, pulling her close to him as he angled his head, so their kiss might deepen all the more. Fire began to lick its way up Norah’s core, her breathing quickened, and her heart filled with more affection and love than ever before.

When he finally pulled back, Norah could not open her eyes for some moments, hearing only their ragged breathing. Her heart still pounding furiously, she opened her eyes and looked up into his face.

Lord Yardley was smiling at her.

“I could not hold myself back even for another moment.” His hand went cup her cheek, his thumb brushing the curve of her neck. “It feels as though we have stepped into a new day, where my only thought is of you.”

“I feel the very same.” Her hands remained about his neck, her fingers pushing themselves gently into his hair. “I am free. I have nothing to pull me back, nothing to tug me away from what I feel. I am able to see it, to recognize it, and to give it the awareness it deserves.”

Lord Yardley leaned down and kissed her cheek, his words whispered against her ear. “And can you tell me what it is you feel, my dear?”

Norah’s eyes fluttered closed, her toes curling deliciously. “I feel nothing but love, Yardley.”

“Love for me?”

Opening her eyes, she laughed at the teasing smile on his face. “Yes, indeed. I have never felt such emotion before. My first husband was not of my choosing and we did not spend a good deal of time in each other’s company. I was not eager to be with him, as I am with you. I was contented to avoid his conversations, but I can barely wait to hear what it is you are to say. In short, I find my heart is filled with a deep and growing love for you, my dearest Yardley.”

“Then I am sure it will come as no surprise to hear my heart shares such a sentiment, my dear.” His voice was low and soft, wrapping itself around her heart. “We have endured a great deal but the truth has never departed from me. I love you most ardently. I want you to marry me, so we might live as husband and wife together, for that, I am sure, will bring us both a happiness that we have never before shared.”

There was not even a momentary hesitation on her part. “I should like nothing more than to be your bride, Lord Yardley. Of course, I shall marry you.”

He began to lower his head to kiss her again, only to pull back suddenly. “What of Mrs. Fullerton?”

Norah laughed, her hands reaching around so she might cup his face. “I think she has written her last piece, Lord Yardley.”

Smiling, he tugged her a little more closely. “I am very glad to hear it,” he whispered, before dropping his head to kiss her once more.

I am glad Lady Essington found a loving husband! She found out writing a gossip column is not easy…I can imagine it would be a good way to get into trouble!