With her nipples before him, he grinned before looking up at her. “I know you will.” Then he latched on to a nipple and gently nibbled.
She grabbed his shoulders and started to rock.
As the friction built and their pleasure grew, a contented feeling settled deep in his soul. Though he would take her to the stars, he would always come back into orbit about her. She was the center of his universe, now and forever.
Epilogue
January 5, 1818
Twelfth Night
Ellie couldn’t stopsmiling. The ballroom was filled with everyone she’d invited, and they were having a wonderful evening. But the best part was that her husband stood at her side. As she’d predicted, his black mood had not arrived yet. Though she hadn’t told him of her theory, she was quite sure that the full moon was a significant determinant of when it occurred. She’d also done some research that might mitigate his symptoms a little when the time came.
But for now, he was with her and happy to be so, and he made an excellent black hole with his black clothing and cape when next to her universe costume. He’d opted for no mask and allowed her to place a ring of sliver stars about his head, which made him appear the king of the dark. She’d also forgone a mask, since as hostess, everyone would need to know her, even if her red hair made it clear anyway. Her own blue gown with silver stars sewn all around it—along with a comet, two nebulae, and seven planets—sparkled in the lamplight. Darius had called her a “heavenly body” when he first saw her in it. The memory of the other time he called her that had her blushing.
Darius squeezed her hand before leaning in. “Is that not your friend Lady Georgina dancing with Lord Ashfield?”
She looked to the dance floor. Since she and Darius knew all her friends’ costumes, it was easy to figure out who was who for her, despite the masquerade. Georgie wore an emerald-green gown with colorful feathers sewn into it. Even her mask sported red and orange feathers on the sides, and her hairpiece had an array of brightly colored feathers. The man dancing with her wore a king costume, though he didn’t appear to be any particular king. “If the man dressed as a king is Lord Ashfield, then yes, it is.”
“She is quite energetic, is she not?”
“Yes, she enjoys dancing. It’s always amazed me that she is so quick in her movements, yet when she’s bird-watching, she’s absolutely still.”
“An interesting observation. Perhaps her frequent inactivity is why she is so active at other times.”
Ellie turned to Darius. “What an astute observation.”
He lifted her hand from his arm and kissed it. “Your praise is welcome.”
Though his actions appeared simple, his finger stroking her palm was anything but. “Darius, we have a house full of guests. We must wait.”
He grinned. “I know, but teasing you is so enjoyable.”
His gaze dipped to her bosom, and she pulled out her fan to cool herself. Since Christmas, she’d kept discovering other sides to the man she had married. All of them were intriguing.
“Ellie, I’m so proud of you.” The Duchess of Northwick approached with her husband. “Your first hosted ball is a true success.”
“It is because of you, Joanna, that it is so. Your acceptance of my invitation made ittheball to attend.”
The duchess waved off her comment. “Not at all. James and I were excited to see one of our students so well established and successful. I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you won’tbe hiring a governess and tutor. Your education far exceeds anything they could offer.”
Ellie felt her cheeks heating at such lavish praise. “Like you, I have a husband who understands what it is to have an educated wife.” She looked to Darius.
“And very glad I am at that.” Darius gave an arrogant nod to punctuate his statement.
The duke nodded as well. “It’s good to meet another enlightened man. Hopefully, more will come to appreciate our students.”
The musicians cued up a waltz and the duchess turned to her husband. Without a word between them, the Duke of Northwick gave Ellie and Darius a short nod. “If you will excuse us?”
Ellie grinned as the couple took their place on the dance floor. She turned to her own husband. “They love to waltz, and do so beautifully. Just watch them.”
“I’d rather watch you.”
That Darius felt so strongly for her had her feeling sorry for her classmates who had yet to find their own love. Scanning the room for her friends, she searched for Sophie, who wore a white shepherdess costume. Unfortunately, there were at least nine women dressed similarly. But as Ellie’s gaze fell on a short monk, she sucked in her breath. What was Rose thinking to be speaking to the three gentlemen by the punch table? “I must go save Rose. She’ll ruin her reputation.”
Darius did not release her arm. “That is no longer your concern. Does she not have a chaperone tonight?”
He was right, of course. Quickly, she spotted Lord Sommerset and Lord Harewood by the terrace doors, but Lady Sommerset and Dory seemed to have vanished. “Lord Harewood is her brother and chaperone, and he’s standing by the terrace doors. He’s the one in a musketeer costume speaking to the other monk we have tonight.”
