CHAPTER 8

"ELOPE? ELOPE WHERE ?" Artemis' heartbeat resonated loud in her ears. This was happening too fast. Besides... "Irregular marriages have been forbidden in Scotland for years," she informed him with a frown.

Her incorrigible beloved smiled. "I know. I've been studying marriage laws for some time now. But a Gretna Green marriage is not what I had in mind."

"What then?"

"I'll apply for a special license and write to a friend who is a rector. If we arrive at his parish with a special license, he will marry us."

"But Drew, are you sure this is necessary? It will cause a scandal. And us marrying in this hurried fashion will not endear me to your brother."

Drew's eyes brimmed with sincerity as he spoke. "I know I'm asking a great deal, and it's not my intention to pressure you. But I believe it's the best way forward. My brother will eventually come around. But his feelings against marriage are deep-seated. I'd rather not give him the opportunity to be unpleasant."

She hesitated, teetering on the brink of indecision. She had so long admired this man from afar! And now he was here, wanting to marry her as soon as possible. The past month had been a dream. He had properly wooed her with morning visits, rides in the park, flowers, and deep conversations. And improperly seduced her with stolen kisses and forbidden touches. It had been a whirlwind dream. A fantasy come true.

But did she know him well enough to marry him in only a month of courtship? She thought she would have more time...

At her continued hesitation, he smiled with resignation. "It's alright, love. Forget I said anything." His hands cradled her face, and he deposited a tender kiss on her lips. "I'll face my brother. I would face anything for you. Just, please, don't let him or anyone tear us apart."

"Why would anyone do that?"

"I don't know. You are the best thing that's ever happened to me. I'm afraid to lose you."

Such a vulnerable confession from a confident man like Andrew touched something deep in her. Compelled to be just as candid. To bare her heart just as much.

"You won't lose me. I love you." The declaration escaped from her lips unbidden, and her face flamed, but there was no hiding from the truth.

His eyes darkened, and he went still. "Do you mean that?"

"Of course." It came out as a breathless whisper, but it was enough for him.

"Oh my goddess, I love you too." And he took her mouth in a possessive kiss, one hand cradling her nape, the other at her waist, holding her to him. Her own hands slid up his chest to twine about his neck...

A loud harrumph made her jump, yanking her from the emotion of that kiss and setting her heart to race with startlement.

"I don't want to see that sort of improper behavior ever again." Her mother had found them and was gazing at them, her lips tight with disapproval.

"But we are engaged," Artemis protested.

"That is no reason to engage in vulgarity. Please endeavor to restrain your impulses for a while longer."

With that, her mother took her arm and led her away. She was allowed to dance with Andrew only once again in the entire evening. Always watched over. Never alone with him. There was so much that needed to be said between them after that declaration!

At the end of the night, as Artemis said her goodbyes to him and his grandmother, he whispered in her ear. "I'll pay you a call tomorrow."

She would count the hours until his visit. Maybe he had the right idea and they should elope. Why endure weeks or months of this torture, not being able to kiss, touch, see each other whenever they wished? They loved each other. They belonged together. In that instant, she made up her mind.