“Lyndsey?”
Her sister’s voice jerked Lyndsey away from Adrian. She looked up at him, and his eyes were wide with surprise. She gasped and rushed into the room.
Priscilla’s eyes were open and she struggled to smile when she saw her.
“You’re awake!” Lyndsey dropped on the edge of the bed and touched her sister’s hand. It didn’t feel as hot. She checked her forehead, and that too felt slightly cooler. She looked over her shoulder. Adrian stood at the doorway. “Adrian, go wake up Mrs. Sinclair. I believe my sister is starting to recover.”
His smile widened before he turned and ran down the corridor. When Lyndsey looked back at her sister, Prissy’s eyebrow was arched.
“Is there something I need to know about you and Lord William,” Prissy rasped, “and especially, why you call him Adrian?”
Lyndsey laughed. “Yes, but let’s wait until Mrs. Sinclair checks on you. Then I’ll be ready to tell you all of the juicy details of my love life.”
Prissy gave her a lazy smile. “And in the meantime... I’m hungry.”
FIFTEEN
Lyndsey hooked herarm around Adrian’s arm as they strolled outside through the gardens. There was a light wind in the air which brought with it a slight chill, but the early evening’s backdrop set the romantic mood, and she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to be alone with Adrian. Knowing that Prissy was on her way to a full recovery, helped relieve Lyndsey’s mind. It had been three days since Prissy’s fever had broken, and Adrian had invited her family over for supper since his own father had unexpectedly arrived to visit. Before the meal was ready, Lyndsey and Adrian took her father aside so that Adrian could ask permission to marry her. It had been many years since she’d seen her father that ecstatic.
During the meal, they announced their engagement, and everyone rejoiced. Lyndsey was happy to see Adrian’s father looking so proud... and shocked.
But then there was another surprise – both sad and happy. Adrian’s father announced that Collin had inherited the title of marquess. His distant cousin, Lloyd Talbot – Marquess of Kentwood – had passed away. Lyndsey could tell Collin wasn’t sure how to handle this news. But what was even more startling, was Adrian seemed just as perplexed.
“Are you cold, my love?” Adrian asked.
“No. I have my cape to keep me warm.”
He rubbed her arm. “Let me know if you become chilled. I know an excellent way to keep us both warm.”
Grinning, she pressed the side of her head against Adrian’s arm. Since she had confessed her love to him, she’d felt as though she walked on clouds. Not even her dreams were this good.
“I believe, my sweet man, that you brought me out here knowing a storm is brewing, so you could offer me your body’s warmth.”
He chuckled. “You know me well.”
They walked slowly. She was so very happy to be with him, and not have to worry about causing a scandal because they were alone.
