Impulsively Julia threw her arms about Melanie and kissed her cheek soundly. “We will become the best of friends, I promise.”
Melanie fought free of her embrace and stared at her. “Do you want to know what I really want? I’ve always suspected you and Valentine possessed similar natures. Prove it to me.”
“We will.” Valentine pushed to his feet. “I’ll inform Father that you will remain a part of my household indefinitely and make arrangements with the hotel for your luggage to be delivered here tonight. Since you are of age now, he cannot prevent it either. You don’t have to see them again today unless you really want to.”
“Thank you. I’d rather not see them. I’ve listened to more than my fair share of complaints lately.”
Valentine pointed at them both. “You two better start making plans for the wedding now before the shop gets in the way. And I’d better go speak to Father again. Wish me luck that we don’t come to blows.” He grimaced and met Julia’s gaze. “Come and see me off.”
“I’ll give you a moment,” Melanie offered graciously before turning toward the pianoforte that had remained silent while she’d been away. Her fingers trailed over the keys lightly.
Valentine smiled and caught her hand as soon as they were in the hall. “I was so worried about you. My father went beyond the pale.”
“He did. Melanie believes he may have done it before, too.” She leaned in to him for comfort. “It’s a relief to talk about it. I never wanted to cause trouble between you and your father and I was taken by such surprise by what he insinuated. He doesn’t like me.”
“He doesn’t like anyone much, least of all his children. He doesn’t matter now anyway. He might threaten to cut me off but the next in line to inherit his estate is a distant relative he considers a blithering idiot. He won’t rush to disown me I should think.” He kissed her brow and her legs trembled. “The banns will be read tomorrow.”
She snuggled against him, wishing they could be truly alone and not just for a moment. “And in a few weeks I’ll be your wife.”
He stroked down her back and her breath caught as his grip firmed on her hip. “I wish it could be tomorrow.”
“Why is that?”
He teased her cheek with his lips. “Because I’m in love with you and can’t bear to leave you even now.”
Her pulse raced at his words. He’d said he loved her last night but she hadn’t liked to think too much about his declaration in case he didn’t mean it the way she’d hoped. “I never expected that.”
“Neither did I, and I must say, I don’t mind saying it first.” He kissed her lips softly, just a tease to remind her of their attraction.
Three weeks was such a long time to wait to be in his arms again. “What is it like to be in love?”
“Wonderful.” He sighed as he tortured her with a lighter almost-kiss. “I think of you all the time. Wonder what you’re doing, what you think of things and people. Soon I will be able to ask you anytime I like. It’s an ache. I’m eager to be near you, and not just because of what we shared last night. I want you to be happy above everything and I think you will be with me.”
She stilled in his arms and then raised her head. “That’s how I feel about you. I can’t wait to see what you will do or say next.”
A pleased grin spread over his face. “Well then, I guess that means we were meant to be and perhaps I don’t even need to dare you to love me.”
He looked so hopeful she laughed.
“No. I really do love you without an incentive.” She threw her arms about his neck.
Valentine hugged her tightly and then set her on her feet. “I’d best be going. Linus is getting suspicious about you being in my home so often.”
“Gracious, does he know about last night too?”
“No. Who else knows?” He groaned. “Surely you didn’t tell Imogen about meeting with me again?”
“I didn’t have to tell them. They just knew.”
“Who is ‘they’?”
“Imogen and your sister, unfortunately.” She winced. “Melanie was upset at first. Very angry with you, but I believe I convinced her I was a willing participant.”
Although he did not look pleased, he squeezed her bottom. “A very willing participant. I loved that you were fully engaged in our romp.”
She blushed and pushed at his chest to put distance between them.
“Tease,” he whispered before grinning wickedly. “Keep challenging me.”