Julian chuckled. “She’s not real, of course.”
“I actually find that disappointing.” A slight frown appeared. “But even if she was, I wouldn’t actually be obliged to tell her anything, would I?”
“No, but dodging the question, no matter how graciously, would be guaranteed to set her nose twitching and to send her off in search of whatever it is you’re not willing to share. And, mark my words, she will not stop till she finds it. And when she does, she will take immense pleasure in sharing it with anyone who’ll listen.” He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I just want you to think about it.”
“Given what you’ve just described, I don’t believe I need to think about it.”
“Don’t misunderstand me,” Julian said. “There’s no shortage of wonderful people either.”
“I know, I’ve met some of them already.” She fiddled with a ringlet. “Um, may I ask how Jan—um, that is, my mother and aunt were when you visited? Are they well?”
He’d been wondering when she’d ask, hoping she would. “Yes, they’re both well. They were concerned about you, of course, though that went away once I told them I intended to marry you. They understand that all this has been a tremendous shock, and that you need time to sort things out. They love you very much, Annie.”
“I know they do.” Annie heaved a sigh. “Did my mother tell youshe was in the church that day? That she saw everything?”
“Yes, she did. We had quite the chitchat over tea and some rather excellent biscuits.”
“Oh, I’m so glad.” Annie glanced away for a moment. “Would it be acceptable, do you think, to invite her to our wedding? I mean, given what we’ve just discussed, would it even be wise? And my aunt too, of course.”
“They’ll be there, of course,” he replied. “Bear in mind, they’ve been playing a game of charades for years, They’re experts at it! Nothing needs to change, and not just to protect you, but also to protect your mother.”
Annie gasped. “Oh, my goodness. Yes, of course. How selfish of me not to think of her.”
“I’m sure they don’t see it that way. As far as they’re concerned, the most important thing is that you know the truth. That’s all they ever wanted. Well, that and your happiness. So the answer isyes, of course they’ll be invited to our wedding. I’ve no doubt they’d have found a way to be there anyway. Which begs the question, where would you like the ceremony to take place? Here, in London? Or would you prefer we go to Highfield and have the banns read in the local church?”
“Highfield, definitely.” Her face brightened. “I cannot wait to see it.”
“I cannot wait for you to see it.”
“Oh, and I forgot to ask. How is Georgie? Is she a well-behaved pup?”
“Georgie is doing very well.” Julian cleared his throat. “And so is Mr. Darcy.”
Annie gasped. “You didn’t!”
Julian winced. “I did.”
She laughed. “Well, I cannot wait to see them. And the twins, of course.”
“I’m looking forward to introducing you to Louisa. I have a feeling you’ll become the best of friends.” Julian glanced at the clock as it struck the half-hour. “For now, though, we should perhaps think about leaving. I’d like to take you out to celebrate our engagement. We still have a couple of minutes, however, and I was wondering if I might spend it kissing my future bride.”
Annie’s answer was to lift her chin in readiness. Julian smiled and lowered his mouth to hers. Eyes closed, she leaned into him, her mouth parting slightly as he gently caressed her lips with his. Sliding his hands down her back, he drew her closer, breathing in her sweet scent, molding her body to his as much as her petticoats would allow. Lord, how he wanted her,cravedher. A new limit to his self-control, thus far untested, loomed ever closer.
Too close, in fact.
He lifted his head. “Annie,” he said, huskily, “we should leave.”
Biting her bottom lip, rosy from his kiss, she peered up at him. “Do we have to? This isn’t Freya’s Farewell. We could just stay here.”
Julian parted with a groan. “Believe me, my sweet, the idea is extremely tempting, but—”
A loud growl from Annie’s stomach interrupted him. She grimaced. “Excuse me. I missed breakfast this morning.”
Julian frowned. “How come?”
“I wasn’t hungry.”
“So, when did you last eat? And I mean, a proper meal.”
