She shook her head as he predicted she would. “I am only a bit tired.”
Colin did not say anything more until their meal was over. He stood and offered his hand to her. When she took it, he drew her to her feet and placed her hand in the crook of his elbow, then led them to the smaller library. There, he made her sit on a divan and lowered himself beside her.
He placed a soft kiss on the back of her hand. “Anna, whatever is weighing your mind down, know that you can share it with me. I want to bear the burden with you.”
Several seconds passed before she looked at him gravely. “Will you allow me to do the same for you, Colin?”
He had no answer to that question, but he could still comfort her, and he stood before drawing her into his arms. “I am here, Anna,” he murmured in her hair. “I will always be here.” Colin knew he should tell her the truth, but he would prefer to carry the weight of it alone.
She was already melancholy because they were yet to have a child. Telling her would set her upon a dark path, and his worst nightmare would be realized. He could never be like Joseph. Ever.
He pulled away and feathered kisses across her face. “I have something to show you.” He led her to the telescope and made her sit on the chair before it. He had instructed earlier to have the dome opened because the night was clear. Placing a hand on the small of her back, he encouraged her to look through.
She had no enthusiasm at first, but the instant she saw the first star, she gasped and leaned closer. “Colin, it is beautiful!” He smiled, his spirits lightening.
He repositioned the telescope to show her more stars and constellations, and by the time they finished, she was beaming. He was glad he could do that for her, and before she stood, he lowered himself onto his knees and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her close.
“I want you to promise me something, Anna.”
“What is it?”
“I want you to be free of worry.” When she opened her mouth, likely to argue, he pressed a finger against her soft lips, chuckling, “Hear what I have to say first, my dear. It matters notwhenwe have children. I want you to know that I enjoy every minute I spend with you, and when you are away from me, I count the minutes until I can see you again.”
Her dark eyes glittered in the candlelight. “Truly?”
She tenderly stroked his cheek, her smile the most beautiful he had ever seen it.
“You have bewitched me into submission, and I ache to grant all of your wishes.” Every word in that sentence was coming from his heart, and although he had tried not to examine his feelings, he had to admit that Anna was quickly becoming dearer to him than anything.
She bent and kissed him, her tender lips awakening his need. He began to draw her skirts up, reaching underneath to caress her silky flesh. She moaned against his mouth, a sound he heard nearly every day and still could not have enough of.
Pulling back, he raised one of her legs and draped it over his shoulder, then he lowered his head to kiss her velvety center. Soon, he was lost in her heat, but despite that, his guilt still whispered ominously in his mind.
Chapter 26
I sometimes feel as if my head is not quite on my shoulders, especially when I wake in the mornings. I cannot understand what is happening to my body, but I will be overjoyed if I know that this change is the one I have been dreaming of.
“You look lovely, darling.” Colin kissed Anna’s cheek when she walked into his study so they could leave for Nathaniel’s residence. He was hosting them for dinner tonight.
“And you look very handsome,” she returned, feeling a little breathless. It was not because of him, however, even though he still stole the air from her lungs with one look. No, this was different. She had been feeling poorly since she woke, and had not told anyone about it.
“You are too kind to me,” he chuckled, taking her hand and placing it on his arm.
“Come now, do you mean to tell me you are unaware of how handsome you are?” she teased. She had been endeavoring to smile more in his presence, even though she was feeling crushed by the weight of her failure.
“I only know because you tell me.” He opened the door and guided them out, then they made their way to the waiting carriage. He helped her in and settled beside her.
“We received a house party invitation this morning,” she said as the carriage began to move.
“From whom?” he asked distractedly, examining his watch. Anna knew why he kept the watch now. He had told her that it was a reminder but did not finish before Sir Nips obtained his name. Now she understood that he wanted to be reminded of his father’s crimes. For what reason, however, she was yet to learn.
“Lord and Lady Winchester in Brighton.”
Colin tucked the watch away and turned to look at her. “Do you want to attend?”
“No,” she replied honestly.
“Why not?”
