“Yes. I know you think I always do whatever a woman is supposed to, and for the most part I do, but when Marcus said he wanted to marry me before he left for the continent, I convinced him to wait until he returned.”
Joanna’s mouth opened then closed, then opened again and closed. Finally, she seemed to gather her thoughts. “Why would you do that?”
Only Marcus knew the truth, but it seemed unimportant now to hide the truth. “I didn’t wish to live alone with servants in a new home. At the time, he was simply Mr. Stratton. He would have to purchase a house in the country and rent a town home in the city. While I didn’t mind the tasks necessary to make that happen, I didn’t wish to be in a new home without him. I preferred to stay with my family until he came home.”
“And you never expected that he wouldn’t.”
She shook her head. Marcus was always so full of life and an abundance of energy, much like a young stallion. It had been what drew her to him. But now she preferred the more mature version of the man she loved. Maybe she’d be even more in love as they grew older together.
“Curse it, I owe the man an apology.”
“You do?” She couldn’t imagine why.
Joanna rose and stopped in front of her. “I need to write a letter immediately. I judged your betrothed without the facts and found him lacking. I’m sorry.” Joanna took her hand. “I want you and the viscount to be as happy as James and I.”
She squeezed her sister’s hand. “I promise you. We will.”
“I believe that now.” Joanna released her hand and walked to the door. Opening it, she paused. “Amelia says you make a good aesthetic couple. That’s high praise from her. I should have taken that as a sign. I’m sorry.” With that, she closed the door.
Mariel contemplated her past decision. If she had married Marcus and he died, she would have been back at Craymore Hall anyway. Looking back, the only piece of her life that would have changed was she would have been alone that year he’d been dead. But once he had returned to England, he would have come to her. They missed two years of being together because of her decision. But her family would not have been financially comfortable either.
Shaking her head, she rose. As Belinda always said, the past made the present possible, but it wasn’t worth dwelling on too long because it can never change, but the present could. For a younger sister, she’d been wise well beyond her years.
Now it was time to start her new future and if she didn’t hurry, Marcus would be cooling his heels for well over half an hour. She didn’t want to miss one moment together. Descending the stairs, she grinned as Channing opened the door and Marcus entered.
Pleased she hadn’t kept him waiting, she quickly descended. “I believe I’m ready.”
He looked up and his face broke into a smile. “Indeed you are, and especially lovely in blue.”
She blushed, which was silly. She was far beyond having her head turned by a compliment, but still it pleased her. “And you are looking dashing, as usual.”
Marcus wore a dark gray tailcoat, lighter gray waistcoat and black boots and hat. His broad shoulders appeared broader in the coat and with his hat, he seemed very tall. She would never tire of seeing him dressed so fittingly.
“Shall we? I brought the coach to allow my coachman to fight the crush so we can enjoy chatting.”
As Channing held the door open, she walked past and Marcus followed, then descended the three steps ahead to help her inside. Once she settled in and the coach moved forward, Marcus switched his seat to sit next to her.
She liked that he did so. It made her feel that he wanted to be with her. “Did you have anything in particular you wished to discuss?”
“Yes, I do.” He grinned like a boy who had just absconded with freshly made flummery and the cook was unaware. “I want to talk about your lips.”
She frowned, touching her lips. “Whyever for?”
He leaned closer. “Because they taste so sweet, I find I’m dreaming about them.”
A tingle ran from her chest to her toes as his gaze focused on her mouth. “Oh.”
His hand moved to her neck and he pulled her closer. “May I?”
She licked her lips even as she nodded. As his mouth met hers, she closed her eyes, grasping his arm with her free hand.
The next half hour was over far too soon. As they moved up the short drive to Blackmore House, she made Marcus return to his seat and brushed out her skirts. Despite how much she’d enjoyed kissing him, she was inordinately pleased that he had not been able to loosen her riding habit. At least she had one piece of clothing she could wear and remain in it.
The coach rolled past the front door and stopped at the small stables. Blackmore House was situated on the outskirts of London and provided roads and lanes where she could ride far more appropriately than in London proper.
As Marcus led her into the stable, she felt a familiar excitement at learning a new horse. What unique trait would Hector have? Hector was a courageous name, like the hero of Ancient Troy who defended his family and people.
She stopped before the stall, her horse standing as far back as possible, watching. Unfortunately, her Hector had been treated poorly and she needed to gain his trust.
