twenty-seven
Two weeks had passed since Anthony’s wedding, and he hadn’t touched his wife.
Isabella was beautiful, but just slipping into her bedroom and taking her when they were getting to know each other better seemed wrong, although he enjoyed holding her when they slept together. Her reaction to his decision to help Lady Mary had left him incapable of focusing on his work for more than a few minutes. He wanted to make her as happy as she’d been again. He’d racked his brain to find something that would surprise her. Moonflowers obviously didn’t mean much to her.
That was why he’d organised a surprise for her.
He entered her parlour, interrupting a hushed conversation between her and Lawson. He didn’t grasp what they talked about, but whatever the subject was, they were passionate about it. They both straightened when he cleared his throat.
Isabella put a hand on her belly, cheeks reddening. “Anthony. I didn’t hear you.”
“I knocked twice.”
“Your Grace.” Lawson stood up and dropped a curtsy, her gaze on the floor.
“Are you busy?” he asked.
“Nothing of importance.” Isabella set aside her peppermint tea. She drank gallons of it.
“I have another surprise for you.” He stretched out his arm and smiled when she didn’t hesitate to take it.
“What is it?” She glowed.
“I need you to close your eyes and follow me.”
She did as told.
“I’ll guide you. I won’t let you trip.”
“I know.”
Her trust made him feel capable of lifting the house with a finger. She giggled when she tripped on a fold in the carpet along the corridor. He caught her to steady her and laughed too. Laughing with her was the most natural thing for him.
“The stairs,” he said.
She clung to him, still laughing. When she was about to trip again, he had to admit defeat.
“Too dangerous.” He gathered her in his arms, and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
“That’s better,” he said, checking her eyes were still closed.
“I agree.” She snuggled closer to him.
“No peeking.”
She rested her head on the crook of his neck, her soft breathing fanning on his skin. Her lips were half an inch from his jaw, so close he felt their warmth.
And he didn’t laugh anymore. As she was in his arms with her eyes closed, the powerful need to protect her overwhelmed him. Their marriage might not have come from deep love—at least not on her part—but he would do his best to keep her safe and happy. The more he knew her, the more her presence filled his heart with happiness and hope.
He didn’t put her down even though he arrived at their destination, wanting to enjoy holding her for a moment longer.
“I’m going to put you down, but don’t open your eyes yet.”
“All right.”
He gently put her on her feet. She didn’t let go of his hand while he opened the door to the glasshouse. He’d spared no expense, ordering the most unique and precious flowers from growers all around the world.
He knew nothing of gardening, but the colourful bunch of large flowers and the sweet scents were impressive.
