KIND
EYES AND A LION’S HEART
CHAPTER
SEVEN
PART FIVE
“I can’t believe
you’re so pleased,” Lady Sylvia said to Viola later than same day as they
strolled in the rose garden. “I know you like him, but still! He’s not rich or handsome or…or anything!”
Viola
slipped her arm through the younger woman’s and led her to a more secluded
corner of the garden.
“He is
most definitely something,” she said
significantly. She looked around to make
certain no one else was nearby. “There
is nothing lacking about him when it
comes to other qualities one would wish in a husband.”
“What
do you mean? Generosity?”
Viola
laughed softly. “I suppose one could
call it that. Let me just say, he
doesn’t lack for passion. I have never
felt so wonderful as I did in his arms.”
Lady
Sylvia’s eyes grew as round as a millwheel.
“You don’t mean to say you’ve...?”
Viola
didn’t want to shock Sylvia too much. On
the other hand, it wouldn’t be long before Emil would let the secret out, even
if he’d been paid to keep it. The man
was a born tattle-tale. “Yes.”
Sylvia
gasped, then frowned and bit her lip before she intently whispered, “What was
it like? Really like?”
“When
you’re with a man who cares as much for your pleasure as his own, absolutely
wonderful,” Viola answered without hesitation. “Find a good, kind man who loves
you, Sylvia, and you’ll know exactly what I mean.”
The
gate opened and Melvin stuck his head inside, then grinned and entered. “There you are. Mind if I interrupt?”
“I
was, um, just leaving,” Sylvia said, blushing as she hurried away.
“I
hope I wasn’t interrupting anything important.
I didn’t mean to make her run off,” Melvin said as he gathered Viola in
his arms. “Much as I want to be with
you, I could have waited a little while.”
“It’s
all right,” Viola said, resting her head on Melvin’s broad shoulder. “I think I gave her something to think about
when it comes to men and marriage.”
“Speaking
of men, Barengar’s gone. Rode off a
little while ago. Says he’ll come back
for the wedding. I doubt it. His nose might still be swollen and he won’t
want a lot of people to see him that way.”
Viola
sighed so heavily, Melvin frowned.
“What’s the matter?”
“I
fear Sylvia won’t be happy if he doesn’t return.”
Melvin’s
frown deepened. “I’m not sure he’s the
right fellow for her. I’m not sure he’s
the right fellow for any lady. Maybe he
will be in a few years when he’s had time to realize what’s really
important. At least, I hope he waits a
few years and doesn’t go rushing into marriage with some pretty girl who’s got
a large fortune.”
“Although
I’m not pretty, you’re rushing into
marriage with a girl who’s got a large fortune,” Viola said softly. “My dowry is twenty-five thousand marks.”
“You
are the most beautiful woman in the – wait!” Melvin stopped smiling. “What did you say?”
Melvin
looked so startled, Viola had to smile. “I said, you’re marrying a girl with a
dowry of twenty-five thousand marks.”
“I had
no notion,” Melvin incredulously replied.
“No wonder your uncle was so angry this morning. I suppose he thought I was after your
money. Maybe I should refuse it. After all, it wouldn’t make a bit of
difference to me if you were a pauper.”
Viola
knew he was speaking the absolute truth and embraced him tightly. “Melvin de Courcellet, I do love you! You
truly are the most wonderful man I’ve ever met.”
“As
you are the most wonderful woman, Viola.
I love you with all my heart,” he said before he kissed her with all the
passion and love in his kind, courageous heart.
The story isn't over! Come back on Monday for the Epilogue!
Note: This novella is
PG13. With the exception of GWYNETH ANDTHE THIEF and THE WASTREL, my books are usually steamier.
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