“A little,” he conceded, “but now that I realize it’s because of how gorgeous I am, I really can’t blame you.”
She slapped his arm and laughed, the delightful sound lifting his heart and causing his spirit to soar. Because now he was certain he and Abby would be wonderfully happy together. And nothing was going to change that.
#
THE NEXT WEEK AND Ahalf before the wedding passed in a blur. Abigail kept busy with the fitting of her wedding gown, the preparation of her trousseau, or some other wedding-related chore. In between it all, she spent as much time with James as possible, going for walks, having ices at Gunther’s, visiting museums, and simply getting to know him better. Unfortunately, they’d been alone only two times since that magical day in the garden, which meant they’d had only two chances of sharing additional kisses. Much to Abigail’s disappointment.
“How are the preparations at Arlington House coming along?” she asked James a couple of days before the wedding while walking with him in Hyde Park. It was a muggy day and she’d woken to it with a blistering headache that dampened her mood. When James had come to call and she’d told him she wouldn’t be very good company, he’d insisted she get some exercise and a bit of fresh air.
“Better now that I’m looking forward to my wedding night.” The wicked gleam in James’s eyes as he spoke caused her cheeks to grow hot. Grinning with rakish abandon, he tucked her hand more securely against the crook of his arm. “I do so love how easy it is for me to affect you.”
A stabbing pain pierced Abigail’s skull at that exact moment. She winced, which caused James to frown. “Are you all right?”
“No. No I’m not,” she grumbled.
“Hmm.” They walked a few more paces before he said, “In answer to your question, I’ve asked Mrs. Anderson, the housekeeper, to replace some of the carpets and a few faded curtains. The entire building felt stuffy when I went to visit a few days ago so it’s also being aired out. As for the rest of the things that need doing...” He shrugged. “I thought it might be nice to do them together so you’re included in the decisions.”
Abigail wanted to smile. Indeed, she tried to do so but ended up squeezing her eyes shut instead. “That’s very thoughtful,” she said and took a deep breath. “I really—”
“Abby!”
Her name, spoken so loudly it jarred her brain, forced a groan from between her clenched teeth. Recognizing the voice, she turned to find Tobias striding toward her. He’d called on her repeatedly this past week, but she’d either been out with James or otherwise occupied by wedding preparations and unable to see him.
Frowning, he drew to a halt before her. “Good afternoon.” Eyes trained on her, he barely acknowledging James with, “Townsbridge.”
James gave a curt nod in return.
Abigail sighed, causing Tobias’s frown to deepen. “You don’t look well, Abby.”
At her side, she felt James stiffen in response to Tobias’s familiar form of address. “Her head is paining her today.”
Tobias glared at James. “Are you certain that’s all that’s the matter?”
“I don’t really care for your tone,” James told him. “Or what you are implying.”
Muttering something beneath his breath, Tobias returned his attention to Abigail. Concern was evident in his eyes. “I’m worried about you.”
“You needn’t be,” Abigail said. Her voice sounded weaker than she would have liked. “Everything is fine. In fact, I couldn’t be happier.”
Tobias gave her an odd look. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, she’s sure,” James said, his patience apparently wearing thin. “Now, if you’ll please excuse us, Mr. Chesterfield, we really must get going if we’re to return to Foxborough House in time for tea.” He gave Abigail’s arm a gentle tug.
“Perhaps I should walk with you,” Tobias suggested.
Fearing what James might say in response to that suggestion, Abigail hastened to say, “Thank you for the offer, Toby—” James’s arm went rigid “—but Mr. Townsbridge and I have a few things we need to discuss before the wedding.”
Tobias did not look pleased, but he relented nonetheless. “Very well then. I shall call on you tomorrow.”
“The devil you will,” James muttered so low that Abigail knew only she could have heard him. He tipped his hat politely and steered her away from Tobias. When they’d gone a few paces he told her plainly, “I cannot abide that man.”
Abigail sighed. “He’s just being protective of me.”
“Because he’s in love with you,” James growled.
She couldn’t help but smile in response to his possessive tone, no matter how much her head hurt. “You needn’t be jealous.”
“Jealous? Ha! Of all the preposterous things to suggest.”
