Read At Last for Free Online Page B

not
wishing to incur the viscount’s wrath, cut not only the viscountess
but her children as well, including her son, whose political
aspirations suffered as a result. Edward has political aspirations
as well. I cannot, will not subject him to any such possible disgrace or
shame.”
    “ I’m not a footman,
Sophia, and I’m asking you to be my wife--not my mistress. We are
of the same social class. No scandal would touch you or your son if
we married.”
    “ The age difference
between us is enough to set tongues wagging. I’ll be labeled a
cradle snatcher, or worse. My God, Ian, you’re not only twelve
years younger than me, you’re only ten years older than my
son!”
    “ You make it sound as if
I’m a child rather than a man of five and twenty. What precisely is
it you think I’m too young for?”
    “ A woman of seven and
thirty.”
    He muttered a Gaelic
curse. “There is naught I can do about my unfortunate lack of age,
except to reiterate that it doesn’t matter to me and to remind you
that I will get
older.”
    “ As will I. I know how
difficult an age gap can be in a marriage--“
    He cut her off with a dismissive wave.
“Twelve years is hardly the same as the thirty year difference you
had with your husband.”
    “ You’ll change your mind
when you’re still a young man and I’m an old hag.”
    “ That’s bloody ridiculous.
You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”
    “ Beauty fades with
age.”
    “ Not inner beauty. But
using your theory, any good looks you believe I posses will also
fade. You’ll look at me and see a crabbitt old coot.”
    She shook her head. “Ian,
it was one thing for us to be together in Scotland, where I was
unknown and had no one but myself to consider. It was a wonderful,
special time and I’ll always be grateful to you for showing me how
to live again. For making me want to live again. But it wasn’t real.”
    “ The hell it wasn’t. It
was the most real thing I’ve ever known.”
    “ While it lasted. But it
had to end.”
    “ Not if we care for each
other.”
    Her eyes begged for understanding. “I must
set a good example for Edward, and that good example does not
include being with a man twelve years my junior.”
    “ I don’t give a damn about
the twelve years!”
    “ You should. What of an
heir? It’s very unlikely I can bear another child.”
    “ I’ve male cousins who can
inherit the title.”
    “ Every man wants a son of
his own.”
    “ I canna speak for every
man, only myself. And what I want is a woman to love. A woman who
makes me laugh. Who makes me happy. Having a child would be a great
blessing, but ‘tis not vital to my happiness. Whereas you , Sophia, are
absolutely vital.” He smoothed his hands down her arms and entwined
their fingers. “I also want a woman who loves me, as much as I love
her. As far as I’m concerned, that’s the only reason us marrying would be
impossible--if you don’t love me.” He searched her gaze, wishing he
could read her thoughts, but her expression was impossible to
decipher. “So the only question left is: Do you love
me?”
    “ I...I care for you very
much--“
    “ That is no’ what I asked.
Do you love me?
‘Tis a simple question--and requires only a simple yes or no
answer.”
    Tenderness shimmered in her eyes, filling
him with relief and hope. “Yes, Ian. I love you. But--“
    He cut her off with a
hungry kiss filled with all the pent up love and frustration and
passion he’d held in check for what felt like an eternity. She
loved him. Nothing else mattered. He deepened the kiss and the
words at last thundered through his brain. At
last she was back in his arms, where she
belonged. At last they would be together. At
last .
    A shudder shook her and he lifted his head.
And stilled at the tears in her eyes...golden brown pools that
reflected sadness and regret rather than happiness. And suddenly he
felt as if he’d turned to ice.
    She stepped back and his arms fell to his
sides.