A Visit From Sir Nicholas by Victoria Alexander Read Free Book Online Page B

knew now. Nicholas Collingsworth might have been the biggest mistake of her life, and she should be—no—she was grateful to him for letting his true nature show. She could go on with her life now without doubt or regrets. She squared her shoulders and headed back to the ballroom.
    And if there was a certain amount of pain involved, so be it. It was a small enough price to pay for peace of mind.
    She slipped into the ballroom, the festive gathering a balm to her wounded feelings. Her wounded pride more than likely and absolutely nothing more than that. She would not allow it to be more than that from this moment forward.
    "Lizzie." Without warning, Charles appeared at her side. "Wherever have you been? I have been looking for you everywhere."
    "I was simply…" She looked into his clear blue eyes and shook her head. "It was hot, and I—"
    "It scarcely matters." He grinned and grabbed her hand. "I must speak with you."
    "Charles, I—"
    "Privately," he said firmly and started off, pulling her along behind him.
    "Where are we going?" She laughed in spite of herself. Of course, Charles could always make her laugh. Her heart lightened.
    "Where we shan't be disturbed. And if there is mistletoe," he cast her a wicked smile, "so much the better."
    "Charles!" She laughed again and realized that the simple fact that she could laugh at all was obviously an indication of where her true affection lay.
    He pulled her into an alcove off the side of the ballroom, a fairly secluded spot for an intimate conversation, and drew her into his arms so quickly that she had no time to protest. His lips met hers in a kiss warm and tender. A kiss that spoke of an ease between them and long acquaintence and… love. Not the kind of passion that melted her knees and seared her senses but rather a gentler affection that warmed her heart and comforted her soul and promised to be true forever.
    He pulled away, and she stared up at him with mock suspicion. "I see no mistletoe here, Charles. I fear you have taken inappropriate liberties."
    "Not at all." He released her, reached into his waistcoat pocket, then drew forth a bedraggled twig of limp leaves and drooping berries, which he presented with a theatrical flourish. "I brought my own."
    "I see." She raised a brow. "And do you carry it with you in the event an opportunity to use it presents itself? In which case I fear I shall have to warn every unsuspecting female in the house as to your wicked intentions."
    "My intentions are indeed wicked." He laughed and tossed the withered twig onto a nearby bench. "But only in regards to you."
    A teasing note sounded in her voice. "I'm not entirely sure if I should be shocked or flattered."
    "You should be…" He paused, and his expression sobered. "Lizzie, your father wishes to make an announcement, and I…"
    Her heart stilled. "An announcement?"
    "You see, I… that is to say… I did speak to him but I haven't been able to… well the words, you see…
    with you I can't seem…" He blew a long breath and took her hands in his. "Dash it all, Lizzie, I love you. I have always loved you and I wish to marry you."
    She sucked in a sharp breath. She'd known this was inevitable. Still, she hadn't really thought his proposal would come tonight. Here. Now.
    "Surely you know how I feel about you." His worried gaze searched hers. "I know we have never spoken of our feelings, not really, but I always thought you had some affection for me."
    "Oh, Charles, I—"
    "I shall get down on one knee if you like, or both if you prefer. I'd be happy to grovel at your feet if you wish."
    "You needn't—"
    "I know this is what everyone has always expected, but I'm not asking out of any sense of obligation or because this will make both our families happy but," his grip on her hands tightened, "I want this, or rather you, more than I have ever wanted anything. I cannot live without you, Lizzie. I vow I shall make you happy from this very day forward and I promise we shall have a