Putting on Airs (20 page)

     
"Since our earliest acquaintance, I have loved you for your kindness and vitality.  Our first dance was not out of obligation, but out of my desire to be near you.  It was not Clarice's design to bring you to Penzance, but my suggestion to her, thinking of no better happiness than having the two ladies I care about most in my life with me.  I did not deal with Mr. Ashcroft solely out of indebtedness—for an act of bravery unparallel to any other I have witnessed—but out of my desire to protect the woman I love."

     
Imogene felt a tear trickle down her cheek, and wiped it away with her hand.

     
Mr. Archer knelt down before her and took her hand.  "With both you and Clarice engaged, I could not imagine my life fitting here.  When the discovery was made of Mr. Campbell's relation to Clarice, I was ashamed to feel joy hearing that he would withdraw his engagement to you, as it renewed a hope for happiness I had thought was gone forever.  Forgive me for proposing so soon after your prior engagement was broken, but..."  He smiled.  "Seeing you smile so in the sun as you were, I could no longer keep my feelings repressed."

     
Imogene beamed a bright smile in return.  "Sir, my prior engagement was to a friend.  I did not expect more to come my way.  But I have loved you since first meeting you, though silly as I am, I did not realize it until I sat at home remembering all the marvelous days we spent at Penzance."  She burst a laugh.  "That cake was the best I have ever eaten."

     
He joined her laughter and asked, "Then you consent?"

     
"I do.  I would be the happiest woman in the world the day I bear the name Mrs. Archer."

     
They embraced each other tightly, and more than comfort, Imogene felt thrilled to her core.  And as, with only slight shy trepidation, their lips met, Imogene felt for once and forever that her utmost happiness was assured.

     
Mr. Archer's formality in public seemed to melt away the more that news of their engagement spread.  Everywhere he and Imogene went together, whether public or not, carried the carefree air of Penzance.  Phillip and Jane, among others, noticed their aura of happiness, and following the tradition, planned for Mr. Archer as well as Imogene to participate in a play reading after their wedding.  Despite his being happier and freer, Mr. Archer could not be persuaded.  However, the tradition became something much more cherished.  After their marriage, every evening that they shared as man and wife was spent in warm closeness in the evening room before the fire, reading Shakespeare only to each other until their eyes tired and directed them to sleep.