Jillian now sat up straight, listening with rapt attention to her husband’s every word. “Are we to live in Ermenbrough?”
“We shall certainly visit. But I do not like to be observed by Mr. Trenton and have more of his wicked letters reach my father, only to disturb his already ill-managed peace. No, I have something much better in mind.”
Now Jillian leaned forward as if to draw the answer from Lewis with the force of her curiosity. “Where, then?”
“Do you remember a house on the outskirts of Munro? A shaded lawn? A private garden? We talked of chickens…”
“I thought you said…”
“Forget what I said. I acted in haste. Philip’s passing threw me off-balance and, in trying to right myself, I made a mess of things. We had promised to find our own way, and I should have stayed the course. For a while, I lost my bearing and thought our plans beyond our reach. But they were always ours for the taking. I want them back. I wantyouback.”
Jillian was silent at these words. Her lack of response ate away at Lewis’s confidence. Did she not believe him? Was it too late? Had he done too much harm?
“I am still unsuited for the role of baron’s wife,” she said softly.
“No, my love, you are only unsuited for the role of thecurrentBaron Bradford’s wife. Mercifully, that position is already taken. But you…ah, you…” Lewis gazed upon his wife, who inspired him to dream beyond his limitations once again. “You will breathe life into that gray, old building and the musty norms by which it has been governed.”
“Perhaps…” Jillian looked shyly at the hand that held hers, “I might add a little dignity to my step. And not confuse the servants with too much friendship.”
“They will love you, anyway,” Lewis promised her. “For you cannot help but be kind and generous and selfless. And if our children’s mama likes to gambol with them on the lawn, so much the better. They shall learn to laugh as well as run an estate.”
“Will your parents not be angry?”
“If that is how they wish to fill their time, they may do as they like. We shall not allow their chagrin in our home. They will soon choose whether to keep company with us or not. As for Penelope, I hope we can have her stay with us if she wishes. She would make an excellent aunt, and a valuable companion for you.”
“I should like that very much. Especially when we are in London.”
“Ah, but you will be very busy in London.” Lewis closed an eye in an exaggerated wink.
“I will?”
“Oh, yes, my dear. Our children, if they take after you, will run you ragged. And if you have energy to spare, you will be occupied with your personal project.”
“My what?”
“I have arranged for you to serve on the board of trustees for St. Giles Asylum for Orphans. All it took was a small donation and their knowledge of your sincere devotion to their cause. You shall throw your natural passion into helping them change the children’s lives for the better. You have told me over and over that your life lacks purpose. I am sorry it took me so long to hear you.”
Jillian threw her arms about her husband’s neck as she smothered him in kisses. He laughed and fended her off playfully. “Stop! Stop! What will people think?”
Jilly stopped abruptly. “So, that still matters so much?”
Lewis grinned. “Only if they think I really want you to stop.”
Jilly relaxed a little, but her expression remained serious. “I thought I had lost you.”
“I had lost myself,” Lewis whispered. He leaned in and kissed her left cheek. “But I have been reminded why I loved you in the first place.” He placed a kiss on her right cheek. “And I will never forget again.” Now his lips found hers. Her mouth grew slack and wet as Lewis pressed against it with his own. Pulling back gently, he caught his breath and tilted forward again, their lips colliding, separating and bearing down on each other with feverish, heady relish.
Jilly ran her fingers through the back of his hair and drew him even closer, her own locks falling from her shoulders as she tilted her head back and offered him the soft nape of her neck. With nimble fingers, Lewis loosed the ribbon of her bonnet and freed her golden mane, the bonnet dropping to the end of the bench behind her. His teeth nipped the lobe of her ear. The tip of his tongue ran…
“Whoa, don’t let Mr. Trenton see you at it in his garden,” came Sam’s voice across the sweet briar behind them. “He won’t have the stomach for it. Probably chase you out as soon as look at you. Besides, I’ve got to prune this shrub and you’ll get thorny cuttings all over you.”
“Or you could be our lookout.” Jillian grinned at the lanky twelve-year-old.
“No, thanks. Da won’t like me shirking my duties. Anyway, aren’t you too old for such antics? You’re not a blushing bride anymore, Sis.”
Sam ducked as Jillian jumped up and aimed a playful tap in his direction.
“Get her away from me!” he cried, laughing and bobbing to evade another swipe from his sister.
