Emma looked at him, alarmed. "What is it?"
"He dares," Thomas snarled. "He dares to attack you now!"
"Me?"
"He means to claim you have been inattentive to your vows," Thomas said stiffly, her face draining of color.
"But that is not true," she whispered.
"I know," his voice was like steel. "And I will not allow him to shame you." He stepped closer, passion and fury blazing through his restraint. "Emma," he said fiercely, "this marriage will not be annulled."
She stared, breathless. "What? What do you mean?"
Thomas reached for her hands as though compelled. "I mean," he said, his voice low and trembling with feeling, "that I cannot let you go."
Emotion surged in her eyes. "Thomas..."
He lifted her hands to his lips. "I need you," he whispered. "Not for propriety, not for protection, but because I cannot imagine this house, this life, without you in it."
Her heart thundered. "Are you saying—"
"Yes," he answered, a fervent vow. "Emma, I love you."
She gasped, tears sparkling.
"I have been a fool," he continued. "Blind, cautious, and afraid. But no longer. If you will have me, if you can forgive me, let this marriage be real."