Page 75 of The Secret Suitor

She hoped she filled that role for him as well.

After the song ended, Wesley was leading her from the dance floor toward her sister and brother-in-law when they were stopped by Lady Dalmeer.

The woman planted herself in front of them, her feather bobbing as if it danced to the music as well. She pursed her lips together expectantly, looking between them. “A word of gratitude would not go amiss.”

Millie had no notion what she could be referring to. Judging by Wesley’s silence, he was similarly uncertain.

“For inviting the both of you to my house party,” the countess explained, pointing between them and smiling. “I should think some thanks are due to me for the success you have found.”

“We are very grateful for the invitation,” Millie said.

Wesley patted her hand where it rested on his arm. “You were most generous to include both of us, my lady.”

Neither of them reminded Lady Dalmeer she had designed other matches for them in her scheming.

“I have a reputation for being a successful matchmaker for a reason, you know.” Lady Dalmeer tapped the side of her nose and left them in stunned silence.

“What reputation is that?” Wesley asked, leading Millie around the group forming for the next dance.

“Creating the best matches, of course,” Millie said, laughing. She glanced at Wesley’s face as he scanned the gathered crowd. “Looking for Nell?” she asked.

“I cannot see her.” A pucker formed between his eyebrows as he let a soft sigh escape his lips.

“Have you considered that she is capable of knowing what is best for herself?”

His eyes cut to Millie. “Of course. Nell can be trusted to know her own mind.”

“Besides, one could say I have not had a chaperone for the majority of the house party, and I have not found myself in any trouble.”

Wesley lifted an eyebrow. “Actually, considering a few of the moments I recall sharing with you in the last week, that does not provide the comfort you likely think it should.”

Millie’s grin spread wider.

“But,” Wesley continued, leading her along the room, “we are in agreement. My sister is wise. I am certain she will find me should she need me.”

Millie did not realize he had led her toward the end of the long gallery, where an entrance to the conservatory stood. She followed him inside, where the glass walls reflected the few lights which had been lit within.

“If there is anyone to thank for bringing the two of us together, I think it might be Miss Stroud,” Wesley said, taking Millie’s hand and pulling her to the center of the conservatory, where they were surrounded by tall green plants. Water bubbled in the fountain beside them, drowning out the sound from the ball. “But I do not think she would appreciate the distinction.”

“I am grateful to her anyway, even if she will never know.”

Wesley held her hand, his gloved thumb running over the back of her knuckles. He looked into her eyes, his expression growing solemn. “I will prove myself to you, Millie. This is not a passing fancy—it has merely been a case of my eyes being properly opened.”

Millie leaned up on her toes and pressed her lips to his. She closed her eyes, sinking into the feeling of being enveloped by him.

“I have no intention of losing you,” he whispered against her lips.

“Good. Then we are of one mind.” She kissed him again.

“You will not be opposed to me approaching your father when we return home, then? I should like his permission to court you.”

“He adores you, Wesley. He will be thrilled.”

Wesley smiled, his hands resting comfortably on her back. They fit together seamlessly—as though they had been designed for one another. “That will make things easier when I steal you away to be my wife.”

Millie’s smile could not be dimmed. “I cannot wait.”

Epilogue