Ash recognized the horse’s stance as well. “Easy there, fellow,” he said swiftly. “I will take good care of your mistress, I swear to you.”
“He isn’t dangerous,” Maura assured Ash.
“Not to you, certainly. I, on the other hand … Perhaps we should take this embrace elsewhere, away from his territory. He clearly is jealous of your affections.”
Slipping a possessive arm around her shoulders, Ash escorted her safely outside the gate.
“I am sorry,” Maura murmured. “Emp has never behaved so possessively before.”
Surprisingly, Ash chuckled. “Oh, I fully understand his feelings for you. And I might be angry at his interruption, except that I owe him a monumental debt of gratitude. He is the reason I found you.”
Guiding her a short distance away, behind a concealing hedge, Ash resumed his tender hold of Maura. “I suppose it’s just as well that he prevented us from going any further. I might have ravished you right there on the grass.”
Maura’s mouth curved as she gazed up at him. “I think ravishment implies lack of consent. I would have been entirely willing.”
“I am flattered, love. But now that we are officially betrothed, I should wait to have my wicked way with you until our wedding night, so as to avoid any further risk of scandal.”
Maura eyed Ash with real amusement. “What? I can scarcely believe what I am hearing. A scandalous Wilde determined to avoid scandal? Will wonders never cease?”
“You have a tart tongue, did you know that?”
“I may have heard that sort of spurious accusation once or twice before.”
When Ash chuckled again, Maura recalled what he’d said earlier, before their passionate kiss that had kindled Emperor’s protective streak. “Do you truly think I am your perfect match?”
“Yes, indeed. You are every bit a rebel in your own way, just as fiery and passionate as all the other females in my clan. You are unquestionably worthy of becoming a Wilde.”
His teasing tone made her smile, and yet it meant a great deal to Maura, knowing she would be marrying into his enchanting, delightfully dear family.
“In fact,” Ash pointed out, “I tried to show you how I felt that last night before the duel. When I made love to you, I was laying claim to you.”
Her eyebrows lifted. “Were you now?”
“Yes. I didn’t tell you, because I know how excessively proud you are.”
“I was willing to swallow my pride, Ash. In truth, not ten minutes ago I was contemplating how soon I could return to London. I even considered begging you to take me back.”
“I should have welcomed that remarkable event.”
“It is too late now,” Maura replied firmly. “I have already accepted your proposal. You will have to be content with my professions of love.”
“I imagine I could settle for professions, as long as they are ardent enough. Let me hear them again, Maura.”
“I love you dearly, Ash. Do you really love me?” she repeated, wanting the reassurance.
“Fiercely, vixen. My actions should have given me away from the very beginning of our adventure together. I was willing to become a notorious fugitive for your sake. But I would much rather stay here in England and marry you and sire your children.”
“I infinitely prefer that, Ash.” Maura’s heart warmed at the mention of children. “You saved me from a lonely life as a criminal. I realize that it entailed great sacrifice on your part, having to endure those dreadfully primitive conditions.”
“Well, if I were forced to, I would do it again. Pray let me know if you have any other crimes you want my help perpetrating, or any other stallions that need stealing. We could schedule our larceny for Tuesday or Wednesday next, between calling the banns for our wedding.”
Her eyes brightened. “Our wedding? When will that be?”
“Within the month, unless you prefer sooner. We could be wed by special license if you wish.”
“I would absolutely prefer sooner.” Her laughter faded a measure, since she wanted to accord this special moment the seriousness it deserved. “I want to marry you as soon as possible, Ash. To be your wife and your lover, to face life at your side.”
“I have wanted to be your lover since the moment I first kissed you,” Ash responded lightly, but then he, too, sobered as his arms tightened around her. “I love you, dearest Maura. I want you, I need you. I can think of no greater pleasure than holding you in my arms and loving you for the rest of our lives.”