This week we are back to my WIP The DeFord Chronicles, Part II. I have used the random scrolling method and it has brought us to a couple I have not yet introduced to you all. With all the lovey-doves flying around court, I have to say these two are refreshing in that their courtship is rather unconventional, far less flowery and poetic than many of the other couples in the story.
Ian Devereaux came to court only because he couldn't get out of it, but he found a purpose for being there the moment he set eyes on Sarah Milton. He took a unique approach to wooing: he simply decided he would marry her and told her so. She, being rather level-headed and not prone to the whims of others, has pretty much ignored his declaration. Yet Ian persists in believing that they are to be wed.
Sarah finally gets angry enough to lose her temper while they are out riding, and the following occurs. (creative punctuation warning)
“By God you are beautiful!” It was not like Ian to say such things aloud but her eyes blazing, her cheeks flushed, and the look of angry determination on her face was an ironically perfect complement to her normally placid nature.
She raised the hand holding her riding crop to strike him, but he was quicker than she. He edged his mount beside hers, caught her hand and kissed her full on the mouth in broad daylight where anyone might see.
Chest heaving, eyes still snapping, she stared at him and then did the unthinkable--she kissed him back.
“Be my wife,” he blurted out without thinking.
She pulled her arm free of his grasp and dug her heels into the gelding. “You shall have to catch me first.”
That's my eight for the week, though I had to squeeze it some. I hope you enjoyed it. I'll see you around the web.
Kate