“Since it will soon become my home, tell me about your estate. Why does it have such a frightening sounding name?”
“It’s named after my ancestor who first bore the title Marquess of Stratford. Legend has it he was known as the Black Knight and was awarded the title for service to the Crown. The crest on his shield—the Stratford crest—was a leafless tree entwined in thorns.”
She gave a little shudder. “Sounds dreadful. The crest, that is. I’m sure your estate is lovely.” At least she hoped so.
He gave her hand a squeeze. “Our estate. It’s one of the larger holdings of the entire Stratford estate. When I married, father gave it to me as a wedding gift. And one day, when our son marries, hewill live there.”
Son?They weren’t even married yet. “You sound sure of yourself that we shall have a son.”
He tilted his head as if considering her statement. “Perhaps hopeful rather than certain.”
“But what is Blackthorne like? Does it have hidden passageways and dark towers?”
He laughed, and for a moment, Anne envisioned him as a menacing villain, cackling as he locked her in one of the decrepit tower rooms. “You have a vivid imagination. There are no towers. However, there are hidden passageways.”
I knew it.
Halting, he turned toward her. “You knew it? Then why did you ask? And how did you know?”
Oh, dear. She had said that aloud. “I only meant that the name conjures such images.”
“Hmm,” he said leading them forward. “As I said, vivid imagination. However, if Blackthorne doesn’t meet with your approval, you will have a generous allowance and free rein to redecorate. But I draw the line at my study. That shall remain untouched.”
As they turned the corner, the observation tower loomed before them as if it had materialized from thin air. Anne craned her neck. “Is it safe?”
“Perfectly.” He led the way up a narrow flight of steps to the covered deck on top.
Unencumbered by the hedges or the tree line, Burwood’s estate stretched before them. Lush, newly scythed lawns, the gardens they’d recently explored, miles of dense trees, the winding road leading to the grand home presented an idyllic scene.
A gentle breeze brushed against her face as she leaned against the railing. She gasped when she chanced a glance below. Dizzy from the height, she stumbled.
Strong arms wrapped around her waist, and for a moment, she feared he would pick her up and throw her over. Instead, he tugged her back against his body and nestled his face into the crook of her neck.
A shiver of pleasure raced down her spine as she allowed her weight to sink into the cradle of his arms.
“Cold?” he whispered, his breath soft against the delicate skin of her face.
She shook her head. In fact, the warmth she experienced when they kissed returned in full force. How did the man manage to generate such heat in her?
His lips found the curve of her neck, lingered a moment, then coasted upward until his tongue found the soft lobe of her ear. For a woman who had never been kissed at the venerable age of twenty-six, thanks to Colin, Anne had more than compensated for it in the past two days.
From her ear, he traced another path of kisses across her jaw and back down her neck, settling on an exposed part of her shoulder. With a gentle tug, he pulled the neckline of her gown down and continued his kisses.
Worry about haunted manors vanished as she closed her eyes and delighted in the sensations flooding her.
So delighted in fact, she failed to hear the footsteps ascending the steps.
“I beg your pardon,” the masculine voice said.
Again! Was nowhere safe from prying eyes?
Colin bolted away from her, and she turned to find Victor Pratt at the top of the stairway.
Arms laden with a canvas, a box of supplies, and an easel tucked under his arm, Victor stepped forward. “I had no idea anyone was up here. Juliana and I have enjoyed this exact spot, and I hoped to paint it for her.” A hint of a smile flitted across his lips. "But I can return later.”
“Not necessary,” Colin said. “We should leave as we have a wedding to plan. I believe Mrs. Merrick wanted your measurements for a gown, Anne.”
Did she? Anne’s head was so muddled she wasn’t sure if that was true or an excuse Colin provided to Victor. Although Mrs. Merrick did say something about a gown at supper the night before.
