Mariah's Quest by Dianna Crawford

Author:Dianna Crawford [LAITY, SALLY]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-62029-006-4
Publisher: Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2012-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 19

You know, the more I think about it, the more I have to admit you’re right, sweetheart.” Colin forked the last bit of his remaining dumpling into his mouth and washed it down with a gulp of tea as he and Mariah sat at the table.

Mariah tried unsuccessfully to read his expression as she set down her own cup. “About what?”

“We will need to be very discreet, not only after my parents return from Baltimore, but during this week, as well. Perhaps especially during this week. Our people here are loyal to a fault, but they also love to gossip. Word of our relationship could easily get back to my father and mother. I’ll speak to Eloise and Geoffrey and ask them not to mention any of my lustful intentions toward you they happened to witness.”

“Lustful intentions?” Mariah didn’t like the sound of that at all. No wedding band graced her finger as yet, and she was not about to allow Colin liberties to which he was only entitled by marriage.

Colin chuckled and angled his head at her. “My lustful intention is to marry you, my dear Mariah … if you’ll still have me, of course.”

A huge smile curved her lips. “Yes! Oh, yes.” Supremely grateful to hear him say those all-important words she’d longed so to hear, she reached over to give his arm a squeeze, but he warded her off with a raised hand.

“In that case—” He reached into his breast pocket and withdrew something in his closed hand. With a tentative smile, he opened his fingers to display an exquisite ring. “Your father assured me this would fit. Shall we try it?”

Mariah’s heart tripped over itself at the sight of a beautiful amethyst surrounded by tiny diamonds. “You bought it from Papa?” Her eyes roved Colin’s wondrous face as she nibbled her lower lip and held out her left hand.

“I did.” Light from the wall sconces sparkled over the cut gems as he slipped it on her finger. “He wanted to give it to me without cost, since it was for you, but I insisted on paying. And look. He knows you well. It fits perfectly.” He raised her hand to admire it more closely. “I chose this one because it reminded me of those incredible violet eyes of yours.”

Mariah blinked back happy tears. “Oh, Colin, ‘tis ever so lovely. I couldn’t have asked for anything more beautiful.”

“I’m so glad you like it.” His lips spread into a satisfied smile. Then he grew serious. “Of course, you know that once the family returns, we’ll need to keep the ring out of sight until I secure the land I’ve been promised. Only a few days more, my darling. I’ll request it as soon as they get home from the wedding. The anniversary of my birth came and went while I was aboard ship. So I am now of age to take ownership.”

Still admiring her ring of promise, Mariah raised her gaze to his and offered a melancholy smile.

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