His mouth captured hers once again, stealing her breath until she felt dizzy. She was almost in his lap he’d pulled her so close, the joy she found in his ardor making her giggle even as she did her best to keep up with his kisses.
“I love you, Juliette.” Pulling back, he met her gaze with unwavering sincerity. “And I promise you that I will always strive to make you happy and that you will never regret your decision to be my wife.”
“I have never looked forward to anything as much as I do my wedding day.” She gave him her best smile, the one that conveyed how much she longed to be his. “Do you think a special license might be possible?”
“I hope so.” Unwinding his arms from around her waist, he took her hands in his and lowered his gaze to that intimate point of contact. “My intention is to call on the archbishop immediately after visiting Armswell.”
“You do not sound pleased about having to speak with him, Florian.” She could hear it in the dry crispness of his voice. “Have the two of you had a falling-out?”
He winced. “No. It has merely come to my attention that he is to blame for all that has happened. And since that is the case, I mean to ask him to right the wrong he has done my mother and me, even you by association.”
Unsure of what exactly Armswell was guilty of, Juliette shook her head. “How will you accomplish that?”
“By insisting he tell the newspapers they were wrong and by publicly renouncing the idea of me being Bartholomew’s son.” Florian withdrew his hands and raked his fingers through his hair, scattering copper and gold in every direction. “I do not care how many lies the viscount has to tell to convince everyone that I am his blood, but he will do it or so help me I shall—”
“Florian.” She did not like seeing him like this, so consumed by anger it seemed to turn his face to stone while pushing all light from his eyes. “Threatening Armswell is not the answer.” She stood and walked to the window, looking out on the street for a moment before turning to face him. “What does it matter what people think of us as long as we have each other?”
He expelled a defeated sigh and came toward her. “It may be of great importance one day to our children.”
This was not something she had considered. She bit her lip and did so now. “You are right. It might. Unless we manage to defeat the stigma we have both fallen prey to by then. There is time, Florian. Years, in fact, for us to regain our positions. And let’s not forget your impressive title. It means something, no matter whose son you are.”
“Very well.” His hand reached out and drew her into his arms. Holding her close, he pressed his mouth to hers in a slow and reverent kiss. “I must confront Armswell, though, for my own peace of mind, but I will make no demands. You and I will do what we can to improve Society’s opinion of us. And if we fail—”
“We still have each other, our dignity and the love and support of two other dukes and duchesses.”
Thoughtfulness puckered his brow. “Our connections are quite impressive.”
“They are certainly better than what most people can hope for.” Rising up onto her toes, she kissed him with adoration before leaning back and meeting his gaze. “Perhaps we can go on an extended wedding trip right away. I might not care what people think of me, but I would like to look respectable when I make my first public appearance as your wife.”
“Of course. Now that I am out of work there is nothing keeping me in London. We may go wherever we please, Juliette. To Paris or Rome, if you like.”
“Or we could simply enjoy a peaceful visit to a countryside cottage in the Lake District.”
“Quiet walks and picnics sound like the perfect remedy for what we have been through.”
She grinned up at him, and in that moment her heart overflowed with warmth and tenderness. “I could not agree with you more, Florian. Now be on your way, so you can return here as quickly as possible. I find that I am increasingly impatient to become your wife.”
With one final kiss he stepped back and gave a quick bow. “When I see you again, I will have a vicar with me.” Upon which he strode from the room leaving Juliette behind with a fluttering heart.
Chapter 28
When Florian arrived at Armswell House, he took a moment to study the façade that held so many turbulent memories, of a father who’d always seemed reluctant to offer affection, even though he had no such qualms when it came to Lowell. Growing up, Florian had always thought it related to Lowell being the firstborn heir. It wasn’t until his sixteenth year that he’d learned the truth.
Florian climbed the steps and steeled himself for the conflict waiting on the opposite side of the front door. The butler granted him entry, as expected, and directed him through to Armswell’s study.
The viscount looked up from the ledgers spread out on the desk before him and set his spectacles aside. “Florian!” He stood and gestured for Florian to have a seat across from him. “I was not expecting to see you so soon. With everything that has been going on, I thought you would be too busy for family visits.”
Florian crossed to the proffered chair and lowered himself down onto the plush velvet cushion. “This is not a social call,” he said while doing his best to sound cordial. “My coming here has everything to do with what has transpired.”
Armswell gave a swift nod. “Yes.” He nodded again, then turned and went to the sideboard. “Brandy?”
“No, thank you. I prefer to keep a level head for this conversation.”
Armswell grabbed the nearest decanter and poured a quick drink, spilling some of it on his way back to his chair. He sat and took a long sip. “We were very sorry to hear about Lady Juliette’s illness, but it is our understanding that she is much improved now?”
Word really did spread like a virus. “Yes. She has recovered from her bout with typhus.”
Armswell expelled a breath. “What a relief.” He set his glass aside and seemed to relax his posture. “The papers were most unkind about her lengthy quarantine in your home without chaperone, but your mother and I believe you did what was best.”
