* * *
The next few weeks went by in a blur of happiness. Sidney and Angeline spent as much time together as they could, truly getting to know each other for who they were now, and not continuing to assume anything based on how they had known one another previously. Now October, autumn had settled in, and the rainy season had started. Whenever a break in the drizzle appeared, they would sneak out and walk around the grounds of both estates, enjoying time with one another and the beautiful landscape. And kisses. They shared many, many kisses as they became more comfortable in the new way they related to one another.
Both families had given their enthusiastic support at the news of their courtship, though it felt like too formal a word for as slowly as they were moving. But Sidney knew marriage was his eventual goal. He wanted nothing more than to spend his life with Angeline.
Upon hearing the news, Fitz had given Sidney a hug and a slap on the back, accompanied by a warning.
“I love you like a brother, but she’s my actual sister,” he said. “She’s still fragile after Phillip. If you hurt her, I’ll come for you.”
“I know,” Sidney said, trying to reassure Fitz. “I would never do anything to intentionally harm her.”
“And I know that. Just make sure you don’t,” was Fitz’s response.
Things were also changing with Sidney’s own brother. Nick’s lawyer made a visit to Ravenswood along with a representative for Lady Effie, and a marriage contract was drawn up and signed. The wedding was being planned for just before the holidays and would take place in London during the Christmas season. Hazel wasn’t thrilled, but Nick was holding out hope that she would warm to his new wife in time. For the past week, since the agreement had been in place, Lady Effie had been staying at Ravenswood so everyone could grow accustomed to her presence in the home. The day she left, a worried-looking Nick asked Sidney if he thought he was doing the right thing.
“I can’t answer that for you, Nick. I guess I’m wondering why she has agreed to the marriage knowing your main purpose is for the benefit of Hazel when she seems to have no affection for her,” Sidney said honestly.
“That’s why I’m questioning it,” Nick said. “I thought she was a good option, but this past week was difficult. When I met her at Davenport’s she was all that was elegant and had nothing but smiles for me. She expressed an interest, and I thought I could make it work. But none of that matters if she’s not going to be the figure I wanted for my daughter and possible future children.”
“I think her interest might have more to do with being a viscountess,” Sidney offered gently. “Have you actually asked Hazel what she thinks of her?”
“No,” Nick said, scrubbing his hands over his face. “I’ve been too scared to hear what she might say now that there’s little that can change. I’ve made the commitment—the contracts have been drawn up. There’s not much I can do about it now.”
“We’ll find a way to get you out of it if necessary. Contract law exists for a reason, we can find a way to break it if that would truly be best.”
CHAPTER16
The next morning dawned a crisp, clear fall day. Delighted that Angeline had agreed to come over for a picnic luncheon while the weather held, Sidney swung by the kitchen to grab the basket Mrs. Thompson had prepared for them.
“You look like you’re up to trouble,” the cook said, handing over the preparations.
“Only the kind of trouble you can get involved in when in love,” Sidney replied, unable to repress his bright smile.
“That’s trouble enough. You be careful with that lady—we all think a great deal of her around here. We’d much rather have her around than yourself, and don’t you forget it.” The twinkle in her eye belied the sentiment, but Sidney didn’t mind her good-natured teasing. She sent him off with a squeeze to his arm, and he made his way to meet Angeline.
He still felt as if he were living in some kind of dream. Sidney was well aware he needed to take things slowly, as Angeline was still tender. She sometimes took a moment to parse through what she was feeling as she began to share things with him that she had only shared with her husband before. He knew it was a bit disconcerting and was willing to be as patient as necessary to make sure she was as equally invested in the relationship as he was.
Just as he laid out a blanket near the pond, Sidney saw Angeline break through the tree line and make her way toward him. The sight of her never failed to stop him in his tracks. Now, knowing she returned his long-held affections, the sight of her was that much sweeter. She moved with a grace that he had always envied, but her petite form was light and easy to move about, while he lumbered with his taller stature. And he had always been mesmerized by her deep-red hair. It was a fountain of different colors depending on the light and possessed traces of burgundy, flame, copper, and sometimes even gold. Today, in the muted autumn daylight, it was a true red with a richer undertone that mimicked the fall leaves around her.
Smile growing as she approached him, when Angeline reached him, she didn’t hesitate to immediately stand on her toes and reach up, kissing him in greeting. Sidney wasn’t sure if he’d ever been happier in his life. They conversed effortlessly, with the ease of two people who had known each other for almost their whole lives. But as the meal progressed, Angeline became quieter, and he could tell something was on her mind.
“What’s bothering you?” he asked. “I know you well enough to see you’re thinking deeply about something.”
Looking down, she picked absentmindedly at the edge of the blanket, her fidgeting giving away her nerves. “It’s nothing, I’m fine,” she deflected.
Taking her hand, Sidney sought to reassure her. “Angie, I know entering into a new relationship is difficult, and I won’t push you to move any faster than you are comfortable with, but we won’t grow if you aren’t willing to share with me what you’re thinking and feeling as we work this out between us.”
“I know. I promise I’m not trying to exclude you, I’m just not entirely sure what it is that I’m feeling. I can’t put words to it yet—does that make any kind of sense?” She searched his eyes, looking for understanding. “I’ll talk with you when I know what to say, but please don’t worry in the meantime. I just want to enjoy this time with you.”
“Darling, I always enjoy any time spent in your presence. And we certainly don’t need words to be able to enjoy one another.”
Angeline wasn’t usually easy to fluster, but she blushed at his words. That didn’t stop him from leaning in and kissing her passionately. Still clasping the back of her head, he kept her pulled tight to him as he moved his lips over her own. She didn’t hold back, deepening the kiss after asking him for entrance. She slid her hand around his side beneath his coat as their tongues danced together. Still sitting on the blanket after the picnic, their bodies drifted down until both were lying on it. Sidney rolled on top of her gently, careful not to crush her.
The feel of her beneath him was indescribable. Sidney wanted to gather her into his own body and never let her go. Angeline’s hands continued their exploration around his sides and up his back, and his hand began to travel the same path on her. Finally breaking away to catch her breath, she burrowed her head into his neck and tightly wrapped her arms around his neck, keeping him pressed close to her.
“Angie, you’re killing me. You have no idea how much I want you,” he said, breathing still labored.
Groaning, she replied, “Yes, I think I do.”
