She took a slow step as he guided her body until she faced away from him.
“Open them,” he said, his mouth close to her ear. The warmth of his breath brushed against her earlobe and sent a thrill through her as she popped her eyes open.
They stood in a clearing surrounded by trees. Juliet moved her gaze from the bare hawthorns and poplar trees to the snow-covered evergreens, before taking in the ice-covered pond in the center of the clearing.
A rabbit ran along the pond’s edge, and she could not help but exclaim, “It’s stunning!”
Giles put his arm around her waist and pulled her close. “I had hoped you would like it. This is my favorite place on the estate.” He nodded toward the far side of the clearing. “Mistletoe grows in abundance on those trees. I thought you might want some to decorate for Christmastide.”
“How thoughtful.” Juliet smoothed her hand over his scarf, where it covered his chest.
Giles turned his attention to the nearby footmen and said, “Gather as much mistletoe and evergreen as your bags will hold. I want opportunities to kiss my wife hung from every door in the house.”
Juliet giggled. “Do you truly?”
“I thoroughly enjoy kissing you.”
She notched her chin, angling her head toward him, “Then kiss me now.”
Giles cupped the back of her neck and brought his lips to hers. A slow sensuous kiss followed as he brushed his lips over hers, then suckled at her lower lip. He pulled back, then moved to stand behind her, his arms around her waist and her back pressed to his chest. “The pond is good for ice skating this time of year. Do you skate?”
“I adore ice skating,” Juliet replied.
“Then we shall have to come back with our skates.” He pressed his lips to her cheek. “In the fall, when the leaves change color, this is the best spot on the estate to relax and view the wildlife. Spring is much the same as breeding starts, and one can often see mothers with their babes.”
Juliet wanted to ask questions but held her tongue as she did not dare do anything to stop him from speaking. She feared if she did, he would stop, and she would lose the opportunity to gain a glimpse into his private life.
“But summer is my favorite time to visit the clearing,” he continued. “There is a boat for rowing in the pond, and the fishing is abundant. Best of all, when one grows to warm, the pond makes for great swimming.” He nuzzled her neck. “I am going to make love to you out here this summer.”
Her heart skipped a beat, her imagination coming alive. What would it feel like to be laid bare in nature, with the sun’s rays kissing her naked skin? It was too much for her to conjure an image, though she desperately wanted to know. She turned in his arms and smiled up at him. “Truly? We can do that here?”
“We are lord and lady of the estate. We can do as we please, where we please, Duchess.”
“Very well, then I intend for you to do as you said. I want you to lay me bare beside the pond and ravish me the first warm day of summer.”
He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You can count the days, love.”
Juliet graced him with a hopeful smile as she snuggled against him. Perhaps the magic of the holiday would shine down on them. Maybe—just maybe, they would fall in love.
Chapter 12
Dover, England
Clear River Run, three days later
December 23, 1811
Giles relaxed near the fire with a brandy in hand as Juliet sat opposite him, her focus on the cross-stitching she was working on. It had become their habit to retire to the upstairs private parlor each evening and spend time together before bed. Sometimes he told her wild tales, while other nights, she read to him. Last night she had recited poetry before he swept her off to their bedchamber.
After their first night together, he had moved her into his rooms. He had no desire to sleep alone, and she quite agreed. He swirled the brandy in his glass as he turned his head to watch her. His wife had turned out to be a pleasant surprise.
He could not help being taken aback by the effect she had on him. Each day brought them closer together, and he wanted to know her better with each interaction they shared.
More striking, he wanted her to know him. He had never wished to share his past with anyone. Never desired to share his future either, but with her—he wanted to share everything. Even his heart. Not that he had a choice in that matter. The minx had absconded with it from the start. He just been slow to realize what had happened.
His duchess set his blood on fire and his pulse to racing. She made him want to be a better man, and she filled the void in his soul. The way she matched his wit, teased him in return and countered his playful harassment of her kept him entertained.
She endeared herself to him all the more every time she spoke, each caress bringing him closer, every kiss making him crave her more. And their lovemaking—Lord, it was all-encompassing. Her passion met his, and her sense of adventure kept him enthralled.
