Holding her tight, John nuzzled her hair. “Thank you for taking me back.”

She pressed her body against him and felt something hard digging into her. “What do you have in your waistcoat pocket?”

“I have something for you. If you don’t like it, we’ll find another one.” Still holding her close, he took out a gold ring set with a square ruby. Two diamonds flanked each side. “With everything going on, we forgot the ring.”

She held out her right hand and he slipped it on. “It is beautiful.”

“But not as beautiful as you are, both in your manner and your face.” He wrapped his arms around her again. “I love you.”

“I love you too.” She leaned into him, feeling his warmth and love. Her sister was right. John had been afraid.

The door opened and Matt, accompanied by Grace, strolled into the room.

“Do I need to remind you we are attending the opera this evening?” Grace said.

Eleanor had completely forgotten. She glanced around the room before remembering there was no clock in there. “What time is it?”

“Almost time for dinner,” Matt said. He looked at John. “I have sent for your valet. There is no point in you going home to change.”

“Thank you.” John smiled down at her.

“How is Alice feeling?” Eleanor asked. “Will she be able to come?”

“No.” Grace shook her head. “But we will attend again. I know how much Montagu wanted to see his first opera and I could not put it off any longer if we were to go before your wedding.”

That was now only two days away. Eleanor held John’s hand. She knew he would find he loved the opera as much as she did.

“We will make a family showing,” Grace said. “I had a visit from Aunt Herndon. Apparently, several people saw you two arguing and Eleanor walking away.”

That was just what they did not need. Gossip. It would not last long, but it was still aggravating. She shrugged one shoulder. “Once they see us happily together the talk will die.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN