" With a quick glance into the room, noting the inquiring faces, Lydia reached out for Robert's waistcoat and slowly pulled him into the shadows. "There is one matter that counts above all else. Do you love me?"

This time, there was no hesitation. "With all my heart, until the day I die, and beyond, if there is an afterlife."

A flood of relief washed over Lydia, leaving her speechless... for all of a moment. "Then, I will marry you, if you will ask."

Before he had a chance to say anything, Lydia leaned forward. She wrapped her arms around his neck and lifted her mouth to his. She could feel his heart pounding out a quick-time rhythm as he slipped his arms around her waist and pulled her closer.

When their lips met, she thought her insides would melt into a puddle of ecstasy. Filled with a delicious, undefined longing, Lydia leaned in closer, wishing that she could stay locked in his arms forever. But all too soon, Robert lifted his head, taking a ragged breath.

"Lydia, my dove?"
"Yes, Robert?"
"I have just thoroughly compromised you."
"Thoroughly...what ever shall we do?"
"We will have to announce our intention this very evening -- before there is any hint of a scandal."
"Excellent idea. What are our intentions?"

Robert chuckled and leaner over to kiss her forehead, but Lydia lifted herself up on her toes, initiating another session of excellent compromising.

"Lydia, my dove?" Robert said again eventually.
"Yes, Robert."
"Will you grant me the great privilege of your hand in marriage?"

Lydia closed her eyes and savored his proposal---the offer of a union for life. Exquisite joy, overwhelming and eternal, filled her to the brim; the sensation was so marvelous that she forgot to breathe for a time.

The air around them stilled, as did Robert. He was waiting. How could he not know her answer? She had encouraged the proposal. And still he waited.

Lydia opened her eyes and grinned. "I would be honored."

The relief on his face nearly brought tears to her eyes. She lifted her hand and cupped his chin. "I would be honored," she repeated. "I love you so very much."

As her future husband lowered his head once again, Lydia sighed dreamily. "We should go in," she whispered, tightening her hold, preventing him from going anywhere.

"Absolutely," he said, nibbling at her lower lip.
All thoughts of ballrooms and inquisitive glances were instantly drowned by the flow of marvelous sensations coursing through her body and a sudden desire to drag Robert deeper into the shadows.

They would go back into the ballroom soon...but not yet. "

― Cindy Anstey , Duels & Deception