He wrapped his arm about her. The horses and driver led them away from the cottage and down a narrow trail leading to the forest.
“Should we sing carols?” he asked. “Just you and me?”
“Perhaps another day. I like doing one new thing at a time.” She nestled into his shoulder. “Right now, I am enjoying being with you.”
Theo’s heart thumped. He’d been enjoying every moment with her since the day they met. She gave him a reason to greet each day beyond London and war. She gave him peace.
He gazed at the slowly passing fields of snow-topped evergreens. The world was silent except for the soft sound of horse hooves upon the snow. The only scent in the crisp winter air was that of pine. Comforting warmth came from the woman cuddled next to him. He hoped she loved this moment half as much as he did.
The corner of his mouth twisted. She’d trusted him enough to share the most vulnerable parts of her past with him. It was time for him to come clean about his own identity. Even if it changed everything.
“I asked you to call me Theodore instead of Mr. T,” he began slowly.
She nodded. “I remember.”
“Obviously that is not my full name.” He hesitated. “I am Lord Ormondton. A major and a viscount.”
She nodded. “I know.”
“You know?” He stared down at her. “Since when?”
“Since you had me post a letter to your father.”
“I didn’t say it was my father,” he spluttered. “He is known as Lord Ramsbury.”
“All my friends said that Ramsbury’s son is a strong, clever, selfless, courageous hero.” She peered up at him through her lashes. “No one fits that description better than you.”
His heart gave a little flip and he held her closer. “It describes you just as well.”
Her lips curved. “I am not Lord Ramsbury’s son.”
“Care to trade?”
“There are two kinds of family.” Her voice lowered, and her gaze turned wistful. “The kind you are born with, and the one you make yourself.”
Theo hoped he was someone she would choose to keep.
“Tell me about the marquessate,” she said. “Is it large and complicated?”
“Large,” he admitted. “But I’ve been memorizing every detail since I was old enough to toddle.”
“Every detail?” She lifted her brows. “What kind of trees does it have?”
“Oak, elm, pine, juniper, plane trees, and several varieties of buckthorn.” He gave her a placid smile. “Would you like to know the percentages per hectare?”
Her eyes sparkled. “Tell me about the fauna.”
“Deer, squirrels, hares, hedgehogs, foxes, and grouse, to name a few.” His chest warmed. “One of my favorite spots is the folly overlooking the pond. No one goes there but me. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunrise or to see ducklings swim in a row after their mother.”
“It does sound perfect,” she murmured.
He wished he could take her with him.
“The marquessate belongs to my father, not me.” He gave a rueful smile. “The best I have to offer is an elegant Mayfair town house.”
“Does it have a pond in the center?”
He shook his head. “Fancy carpet.”
