Her lower lip quivered as the first tear slipped from her eye to glide over her silken cheek. “You had me at I love you.” She beamed. “Yes, I will marry you.”
Alex leapt to his feet, a broad grin stretching across his face as he reached for her and pulled her into a tight embrace. "You let me go on and on," he said with a chuckle.
"A girl does appreciate being showered with declarations of forever and always," she retorted playfully, gazing up at him with adoration shining in her eyes.
"You are a little minx," he teased, pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Never change, my love."
"Never," she whispered then brought her lips to his.
Epilogue
London, spring, 1817
Daphne carefully stepped out of the carriage, her arms laden with bags from her shopping trip down Bond Street. She looked up at the towering Jacobean facade of Brunsford House in Mayfair, feeling a surge of pride as she took in the brickwork and ornate carvings. She could not believe this grand mansion was now her home, and that she was its mistress. As she walked toward the front entrance, her eye caught the elegant balcony overlooking the street, and she could not help but smile. This house was a symbol of her newfound happiness and love, something she never thought she would find again.
Every morning, Daphne woke up with a smile on her face, thinking of how lucky she was to have Alex by her side. His touch still sent shivers down her spine, and their passionate kisses made her heart skip a beat. She knew in the depths of her soul that nothing could ever diminish the love they shared.
She entered the grand foyer, her heels clicking against marble as she hummed a merry tune. "Good afternoon, Jenkins," she greeted the butler with a bright smile as he took her cloak and bonnet.
"Countess." He bowed deeply, his grey eyes twinkling with amusement.
Daphne could not help but grin at him. "Can you tell me where I might find my husband?"
"The earl is currently in his office, Madam," Jenkins replied with a knowing smirk.
"Thank you, Jenkins," Daphne said, then strode away in search of her husband. She'd had a brilliant idea while shopping with Rebecca and Phoebe. A spark of genius she was quite certain would help Phoebe in her search for love and she wanted to share it with Alex.
With each step, her excitement grew. The soft, cream-colored rug muted her footsteps as she eagerly made her way down the lavish corridor adorned with expensive artwork and opulent decor toward Alex's office.
When she reached the door, she found it slightly ajar and paused for a moment to smooth her skirts and pat her hair, making sure she looked her best. With a confident stride, she nudged the door open and beamed a bright smile at her husband. "Alex, my love, I missed you."
Alex stood in front of his desk, stacks of papers and account ledgers scattered across the polished surface. He turned to her with a warm smile and outstretched arms. "Come here, my love," he said invitingly.
Her heart beat a familiar tattoo as she rushed toward him and into his open arms. She pressed herself into his embrace, feeling the familiar comfort of his strong arms around her.
Alex's fingers traced delicate circles on her back as they stood in the sunlit room. "You were only gone for a few hours," Alex said, holding her closer.
"Even the smallest amount of time seems like an eternity without you by my side." She tilted her head back to meet his gaze, losing herself in the intensity of his green eyes.
"It is the same for me." His lips brushed against hers, sending a wave of warmth through her body. As he pulled away, he released his gentle hold on her. "Did you enjoy your venture?"
"We had a wonderful time. I bought some new gowns. And I may have picked up a few things for Henry as well." She leaned forward on his desk, her nervousness evident in the way she nibbled on her bottom lip. "I do hope you will not be too upset when the bills arrive."
Alex leaned against the desk, clasping a crystal glass of scotch in one hand. His deep chuckle filled the spacious office as he watched his wife impishly staring at him. "My little spendthrift," he teased, raising an eyebrow at her. "I have told you a million times to buy whatever pleases you. We can afford it."
"Still, I feel guilty when I indulge." Daphne had never spent money in excess before. Not that she had ever been destitute, but unlimited funds were new to her and she tried not to take advantage. Surely they did not have so much as Alex let on. Even if they did, overindulging could lead them to the poorhouse. "I have no wish to drain your coffers."
He traced the curve of her cheek with his fingertips, smiling wider as he spoke. "You worry too much, my dear. I assure you, our finances are in good shape. But if ever there comes a day where I feel even the slightest worry, I will tell you straight away."
Daphne's shoulders relaxed, her tense expression softening as she nodded. Her conscience felt temporarily appeased and excitement bubbled within her. "I would like to spend a wee bit more." She flashed a sheepish grin.
Alex let out a deep, throaty chuckle that made his green eyes twinkle. "Whatever makes you happy, my dear Countess," he said with a charming smile, "pleases me as well."
"I want to host a party to help Phoebe." Daphne strolled across the office toward the settee. She squealed in delight as Alex's arms came around her waist, pulling her back against his muscular chest.
"Are you attempting to run away, love?" He asked in a playful tone as he lifted her off the ground with ease.
Her laughter filled the office. "Not at all."
