Ann smiled at her. “Thank you, Grandmother.”
“Yes, Countess, thank you,” Evan’s mother said. She turned to Evan and Ann and cast her gaze to the floor. “I owe you both an apology.” She met his gaze. “Had I known you had set your heart on Lady Annabelle, I never would have interfered.” She smiled at Ann. “She will make a fine duchess.”
Evan spared her a moment of his attention. “Thank you, Mother.” Then returned his focused to Ann. “I quite agree. My wife will make an excellent duchess.”
Lilli stepped forward and hooked her arm around Ann’s. “If she is to become your wife in an hour, we must start getting her dressed straight away.”
Evan tightened his grip on Ann’s waist and whispered in her ear, “I cannot let you go.”
“Do not be afraid.” She smiled up at him. “I will always find my way back to you.”
Eleven
One day later…
Annie unfasten the rose quartz from around her neck, then handed it to Henrietta. “May it bring you true love as well.”
Henriette gave her a skeptical look, then reached for the necklace.
“I do hope the stone works as fast for you as it did Annie,” Lilli said.
“I am uncertain that I agree,” Henrietta said as she clasped it around her neck. “I do not believe the quartz had anything to do with Annie and the duke falling in love.”
Annie gasped. She was appalled, for she knew the true power of the rose quartz. Staring at Henrietta, she said, “The stone had everything to do with my match, and I pray it works the same magic for each of you.” She bestowed a bright smile on her cousins. “You all deserve to find the same happiness that I have.”
“But w-what of the heartbreak?” Eva asked.
Annie waved her hand, dismissing the idea. “Trust the power of the rose quartz, and any difficulty you encounter will work itself out. True love will always find a way.”
“Well said, dear.” Gran strode into the drawing room. “Your husband is waiting in the foyer, Duchess. Give me a hug before you go.” She held out her arms.
Annie stepped into her embrace and hugged her back. “Thank you, Grandmother.”
“I have no need of gratitude.” She stepped back. “It makes my heart glad to see you happy in love. Now go, be with that dashing husband of yours.”
Annie hugged her again, then hurried to hug each of her cousins. She paused for a moment when she reached Henrietta. “I am quite certain I will receive a wedding invitation from you soon.”
“Do hush.” Henrietta shook her head, then hugged Annie. “Enjoy your wedded bliss, and do not fret over me.”
Annie lifted the stone from Henrietta’s neck, then said, “I will not lose a moment’s sleep, for I know you are in excellent hands.” She released the stone and made her way to the foyer.
The sight of Evan standing there waiting for her filled her heart with love. Her gaze met his and he stepped forward.
“Are you ready to start our life together, duchess?” He winked, his expression full of wicked promises.
“There is nothing I want more.” She gave a sultry smile, then started for their carriage. “A pity we are so far from a bed.”
He caught her in his arms and lifted her against his chest. “Allow me to change your mind, duchess.” He bundled her into the carriage, bringing her to rest on his lap. “There are more ways than one to ravish a wife.”
“Is that so?” she asked, her mind attempting to workout how one might make love in a carriage.
“Allow me to show you.” Evan said, then brought his lips to hers. She moaned when their tongues met. Her enthusiasm grew, and she urged him to deepen the kiss.
He hiked her skirts up and slipped his hand between her thighs. His fingers brushed the curls between her legs, teasing her to a state of madness.
Annie writhed against his touch, panting and moaning as he stroked his finger along her damp folds. “Please, Evan,” she pleaded as he teased. “I need more.”
Answering her demands, he slid one finger into her, his kiss drowning out her cries of pleasure as he thrust it in and out. Her passage tightened around his finger as pressure built between her legs.
