'I was coming to find you, sweetheart, were you on a similar errand?'
'I was indeed, James. I must apologise for the lack of flowers, but I promise to do better in future.'
He looked at her for a second as if she was speaking in tongues then he grinned. 'I'd forgotten that nonsense. I do like flowers in the house, darling girl, so please feel free to get the gardeners to pick some. You don't have to arrange them if you don't want to, I'm sure there's someone can do that for you.'
'Why are we talking about flowers? I know it's not my concern, that I've no right to ask you, but where have you been these past two hours? I'll tell you what I've accomplished in your absence.' She began to count off these things on her fingers.
'I've interviewed all the candidates for the positions we advertised and appointed them and at this very moment they're settling into their new positions. The new tutor, Mr Lane, has gone in search of the boys and Eloise is somewhere outside with Miss Thomas who will be taking care of her in future. Finally, you'll be pleased to know that your niece will in future be residing in the nursery with two loving attendants to take care of her.'
'But sadly, the flowers I asked for are still not here.'
Without thinking she punched him quite hard on his arm and his reaction was so swift he trapped her hand before she could remove it. She now recognised that darkness in his eyes and thrilled at the thought of what it meant.
'I really can't go for another swim, I'm far too busy, would you care to come to my salon? I think yours is not suitable for what I have in mind.'
'I certainly won't, my lord, what a disgraceful suggestion.' She pursed her lips and tried to look disapproving and failed miserably.
His fingers were stroking her knuckles and her resistance was weakening. 'What if I told you the first calling of our banns will be this Sunday, that we will be wed in less than three weeks? Does that make you reconsider your refusal?'
