He did love her. He wouldn’t be in her bed right now if he didn’t. Surprisingly, he realized that just lying with a woman sounded hollow. Likely why he hadn’t bothered to do it. But this connection with Eliza, it was something he’d never expected and he couldn’t imagine being without it.
He watched her sleep. He was tempted to wake her, but he she’d been working round the clock and she needed her rest.
Trailing his hand down her spine, he gave her a soft kiss on the temple. Better to let her sleep. They’d have all the time in the world for talking and planning.
Rising back out of bed, he slipped on his clothes and out the door. He had a great deal to do but he’d find her later.
He returned to his room and dressed for the day then went down to the kitchen to eat. He had food and a bath sent to Eliza.
As he sat with his family, he lounged back in his chair, his body relaxed. They were going to be all right. He’d care for them with Eliza’s help. His brother’s would marry and they’d fill this house with children. It wouldn’t replace his parents, but it would be a different family that was equally loving.
Blair gave his arm a push. “What’s gotten into ye this morning?”
Stone grunted in response. Blair, as his next youngest brother, was always stirring the pot.
Blair gave him a glare as he narrowed his eyes. “Yer awfully quiet, even fer ye.”
Stone didn’t have the vitriol to punch his brother’s arm or that’s exactly what he would have done. “I’m the same as always.”
Blair shook his head and tapped William. “He’s quiet this morning.”
William gave Stone a long look. “Not quiet. Peaceful.”
All eyes turned to him then. Even little Delia’s.
Matthew gave him a long look. “Ye smiled this morning too. When does he ever smile?”
“Is that what ye think of me? I just walk around full of hate and ill will?” He gave his brothers a fierce look.
“Do ye think the rest of the world understands how sensitive he is?” Reginald gave a chuckle. “Ye just seem happy, brother. And it’s nice.”
Stone sat back. Was he sensitive? He supposed giving up on women after one bad experience might qualify him as a touch extreme but he was how he was. And they were right. At this moment, he was happy. “I’ve asked Eliza to marry me and she’s accepted.”
There was silence for a second and then the room erupted into cheers and hoots as his family jumped up from their chairs and slapped him on the back.
Stone shook his head. He hoped Eliza knew what she was getting into with the lot. His brothers were a nosy bunch.
But thoughts of her made him smile again. He wanted to crawl back into her bed and into her arms. They needed to marry soon. But for now, he’d go upstairs and ask her to join the family down in the kitchen. For the first time in a long time, he was happy. He drew in a deep breath. It happened so infrequently, he had this vague worry that at any moment, it would all end.
Eliza woke feeling as though she’d begun a new life. And this one was full of hope and love. Her body ached a little, but her heart had never been lighter.
Stretching slowly, she found a hot bath waiting for her. Washing up, she dressed and left her room. Rather than going straight to breakfast, she made her way to the widow’s room to see how the baby fared.
After knocking softly, Eliza entered the room to find Becky rocking Rose in a chair by the window. “Everything all right?”
Becky gave Eliza a warm smile. “It’s good. Little Rose slept and ate all night. The cough is even diminishing.”
Eliza crossed the room and gave Becky’s shoulder a pat. “I’m so glad to hear it.”
Becky looked back out the window. “Rose and I can leave today. Thank ye fer—”
“You’ll stay.” Eliza gave her shoulder a squeeze. “We’ll figure out when you leave later but for now, you and Rose can stay.”
Becky gave her an uncertain look. “His lord has been very kind, but I wouldn’t want to overstay my welcome.”
Eliza shook her head. “You’re not overstaying. I’m sure Stone will agree with me.”
For the first time, Becky’s eyes drifted to the ring on Eliza’s finger. “Yer a very lucky woman.”