“Close your eyes?—”
“What?” She took a step back, her hazel eyes wide in question.
“Kitten, close your eyes,” he commanded.
Her lips formed an adorable pout. He wanted to kiss her, to beg for her forgiveness. So much had happened since they’d arrived back in London. He was drained both physically and mentally, but he needed his wife to know he would always put her first.
When leaving weeks ago, he knew she would need somewhere to work whether she lived with him or not. Chauncey had never planned to allow her to leave Bennett house. She was the duchess and should have had access to everything that was his. He’d hoped to have her with him always, but if she had wanted him gone, he would’ve gladly surrendered the townhouse that had been in his family for years.
With one of his hands over her eyes, Chauncey led his wife through the small greenhouse that was made entirely of wood. The open glass roof would allow sunlight to shine through easily. He had instructed his butler to sell a few more household antiques in order to pay for the work needed. The wood had been updated and the door fortified for privacy.
Guiding her into the space that her old, dilapidated laboratory could fit in, Chauncey stood behind his wife, wrapping his arms around her waist.
His stomach was in knots; he wanted her to take joy in her new workspace, to make it her own. He had instructed Turner not to unpack anything, knowing that she would want to put everything in its proper place. Pulling her to him, he pressed his body against hers, taking in her scent and wanting to carry her away to their bed where he would prove to her just how much he loved her.
“Open your eyes, Kitten,” he whispered, feeling her shiver as his breath caressed her skin.
A sharp exhale of breath left her, her hand covering her mouth. “W-what is this?” She turned to him with watery eyes.
“It’s your new laboratory. I arranged for Turner to have it updated while we were away.”
Spinning around, his wife faced him, tears now falling down her face. “You did this for me?” Her voice was breathless. “It’s your birthday tomorrow, not mine.”
“I don’t care about my birthday; all I care about is you.” Taking her by the hand, he needed her to know the truth. “There is nothing I won’t do for you. I love you more than breathing. You are my life, Kitten, and if you will allow me, I promise to never fail you again.”
He swallowed, feeling his own tears against his cheek, his heart slamming into his chest.
“Chauncey… you never failed me.” A soft hand cupped his cheeks. She had long since abandoned her gloves and Newt in the townhouse. “We failed each other when we allowed lies and the past to dictate us, but no more.” She took a deep breath, her hazel eyes so full of love that his heart stopped, as he waited for the words he wanted to hear more than anything. “I love you,Chauncey. I’ve always loved you … I’ve always wanted you to be mine.”
He couldn’t believe it. Joy and jubilation filled him as he dragged her closer, needing to touch her, to let her know what had always been true. “I am yours, now and forever.”
He bent down, his mouth grazing hers as she stretched to be nearer. “Forever,” she whispered, eyes blazing full of love, and finally he was whole for the first time in years.
Warmth spread through his blood, his heart overflowing with love and adoration for this woman that meant everything to him. He squeezed her to him, feeling like the tiniest bit of space between them was too much for him to bear. He bent down and pressed his lips to hers, capturing them in a passionate kiss. She was his…
His wife.
His love.
His everything.
EPILOGUE
Dear Chauncey,
Happy birthday and thank you for the happiest two years of my life. Our children and I adore you. You are everything to us.
Love,
Kitten
P.S. When everyone is in bed, you belong to me.
Archer Castle, August 1826
Pippa sat backon the blanket, letting the rays from the sun warm her skin on the brisk August day. It had been a busy London Season, but instead of being an on-the-shelf spinster, she was a happily married duchess and therefore could ignore anyone she did not wish to speak with.
She was happy to be back home at Archer Castle where they had made a life for themselves. After that first visit, they had returned at the end of both Seasons, spending the winter months cocooned as a family with frequent visitors. Peter andPippa’s aunt practically lived with them both in town and in Staffordshire. Emily, Amelia’s daughter, visited frequently. Chauncey had labored to build a relationship with her and her guardians, the Duke and Duchess of Karrington.
