She gave him the sweet, bright smile that had enchanted him when she was a young bride-to-be looking forward to her future. “There is still some fear, but more anticipation. What will our life together look like?”
“What would you like it to be? We have many choices.”
She looked thoughtful. “I envision us with friends who are interesting and open-minded, like the people we met tonight. Even more important, I see you and me sharing a library after dinner. We’ll sit by a fire and read or write letters with a cat or dog or both to keep us company. Domestic peace with good French cooking.”
He contemplated the picture she created and found it good. “That’s very appealing. We’ve both had too much adventuring. You like cats?”
“Yes, in the harem there were several long-haired Turkish cats. They were charming. There was a beautiful silver-haired fellow who graciously allowed me to brush through his long silky hair. I felt very honored.”
“Cats do have the ability to make us believe we’re privileged to be their slaves,” he agreed.
“Omar was certainly of that sort. Captain Hawkins has a very different sort of cat. The Spook was a rangy, odd-looking ship’s cat who hunted for vermin and presented his trophies to favored humans.” She chuckled. “Most often the ship’s cook, who was his special friend, but I was the fortunate recipient of several of his gifts. Hawkins and Rory planned to move him ashore, so he’s probably patrolling their kitchen now.”
Simon laughed. “A working cat, very different from the decorative sort. I’d like either kind of feline. Both! And I want to get a dog or two now that I’m finally going to be in one place long enough to provide a proper home.”
“Dogs are good companions and less expensive and less work than wives,” she pointed out. “You wouldn’t really need me at all!”
“Dogs have many fine qualities, but they’re poor conversationalists. So I need a doganda wife.” He loved that she was relaxed enough to tease him. “When shall we marry? It won’t take my lawyer long to draw up the legal settlements for you.”
She drew a deep breath. “I see no reason to wait. A special license means we could marry soon, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, right away and in a time and place of our choosing.” Remembering an important question, he asked, “Do you want a Catholic ceremony?”
She shook her head. “I haven’t been a true Catholic for many years. Since reaching England, I’ve sometimes attended services at the local parish church. You may choose as you like.”
“I was christened both Catholic and Anglican and never felt there was a great deal of difference,” he admitted.
“Nor do I.” She hesitated, then asked diffidently, “Could you advance me some money from the income you’re settling on me? I’d like to give gifts to the other women in the boardinghouse as well as to the Potters. They have been kind to me.”
He knew how much difference even a few pounds could make to people living on the bare edge of poverty. “Of course, and as your friends, they must be invited to the ceremony and the wedding breakfast.”
“We must also invite those people we’ve met tonight,” she said warmly.
“Certainly,” he agreed. “They are well on their way to becoming our friends.”
Suzanne laughed. “The women will probably want to swoop in and organize the wedding. If so, they are welcome to do so!”
More seriously, Simon said, “There is the matter of spying for Kirkland, but as he pointed out, that is separate from our marriage. Like an old warhorse, I must answer the call of duty, but you don’t have to join me.”
She smiled ruefully. “If we meet the émigrés as a couple, it will be more effective, won’t it? I am gaining so much by this marriage that it is only fair I keep you company while you see what you may learn.”
He gave an inward sigh of relief. “Thank you, your presence will be valuable. It’s also another reason to marry soon since anything might happen with Bonaparte.” He rose and offered his arm. “Shall we join the others and announce our news?”
“I’m sure all those romantic couples will be pleased.” Suzanne rose gracefully and took his arm, but her fingers felt cold even through the fabric of his coat. She still had her fears, he realized, but he guessed that now she had chosen her course, she would not turn back.
As they made their way to the drawing room, Simon felt a warm sense of—no, not possessiveness. Suzanne had made it clear that she would be no man’s possession. More a sense of belonging. Yes, that was it. They belonged together. He’d do his best to see that she came to feel the same way.
When they entered the drawing room, where tea and coffee were being served, there was a hush as all eyes turned toward them. Simon announced, “Suzanne has done me the honor of accepting my proposal. We haven’t worked out the details, but the wedding will be in about a week, and you’re all invited.”
A babble of congratulations filled the room. Callie with the sunset hair exclaimed, “There is scarcely time to make up your bride clothes, Suzanne! We’ll need to get busy.”
“I don’t need anything new. Our wedding will be a small affair.” Her voice lowered. “I’m a widow, you know. This is not my first marriage.”
“God willing, it will be your last,” Callie said seriously. “This will be a special day and you deserve to feel special. I have a length of green silk that will look ravishing on you.”
“Perhaps the gown could be trimmed with silver ribbon and lace for a touch of extra richness,” Rory said thoughtfully. “Since you’re new to London, Suzanne, do you need help organizing the wedding? I’m at your service.”
Suzanne realized that she’d need a witness, and Rory was the woman she knew best. “Rory, will you stand up with me?”
