Capturing the Governess’s Heart by Sally Forbes
Chapter Thirty Two
“How long have they been in there?” Emma asked for the fifth time as she paced up and down the parlor floor.
“An hour and a half, I think,” Elizabeth replied. She was seated on the sofa by the fire, working on embroidering a new pair of slippers for their father.
“Shall I make more tea?”
“Emma, please, sit down. You’re making me nervous too. We’ve had three pots of tea already! I think I shall drown if I drink anymore.”
“But what are they talking about in there? And why is it taking so long?” She continued to pace, twisting her fingers in agitation.
Just then, the door to their father’s study opened and the Duke of Dalwater stepped out. Mr. Fletcher appeared in the doorway behind him. Both men looked supremely relaxed.
“Elizabeth,” Mr. Fletcher called to his youngest daughter. “Would you mind coming in here for a moment, please?” Elizabeth looked surprised, but she put her work aside and rose to her feet.
“Of course, Father,” she said, exchanging a look with her sister before disappearing into the study and closing the door firmly behind her. Emma and the duke were alone.
Emma felt a crowd of butterflies rise inside her, echoing the fluttering of her heart. She ceased her pacing, but her look of nervous agitation remained on her face as she stared into the eyes of the Duke of Dalwater. He took a step across the room and was before her in an instant. Emma trembled at his closeness, feeling his warmth, and scenting the fresh tang of the cologne which was so familiar to her.
“Emma,” he said, taking her hands in his and stilling their fidgeting immediately.
“Your Grace,” she replied, her voice shaking. “Robert.” He smiled at that and looked deeply into her eyes, pinning her to the spot.
“Emma, I must first tell you that I no longer believe it was a mistake when I ran into you and knocked you over in the street that day in Covent Garden. In fact, I now know it was meant to be, and it was the best day of my life. Since that very first time I laid eyes on you, I knew there was something special about you. I think Fate threw us in each other’s paths that day because we were meant to be together. And the proof of that is that you appeared a day later as the governess of my wards.” Emma’s trembling had ceased, and she was gazing up at him with rapt attention, her eyes wide with wonder.
“And now, I must tell you how very much I love you and want you to come back with me to Dalwater.”
“You want me to come back…?”
“Yes, but…” She gasped as he got down on one knee and gazed up into her eyes. “I don’t want you to come back as a governess, but as my future wife, and a mother to Abigail and Henry.” For the first time, she saw nervousness in his eyes, and her heart went out to him, with all the love it had held for him for so long.
“Oh, Robert! I never dreamed … it is a miracle! Of course, I want to come back. And I want nothing more than to be your wife, and a mother to the children,” she breathed, her eyes wide, her face alight with joy. Robert sprang to his feet and took her in his arms.
“That is wonderful, my darling Emma. Thank you for saying yes! It means so much to me and the children. They will be so happy! But now, let us have that kiss we have been waiting for for so long.” And kiss they did, passionately and for a very long time.
