Page 48 of The Marquess’s Forbidden Bride

Charles shook Hart’s hand and gave Claire a hug.

‘Couldn’t wait, could you?’ she murmured.

He didn’t reply to that teasing inquiry, for a footman was assisting Emma out of the carriage, a duty he strode forward to take over.

Was it sunlight highlighting the gold in the honey-gold curls peeping out from her bonnet, the delicate flush of her cheeks or the brightness of her hazel eyes that made her look so pretty? Or the suppressed longing to see her bubbling up, now that he was free to acknowledge it?

He only knew he was hard-pressed not to kiss her on the spot. Belatedly realising he was standing there mutely, gazing at her like a simpleton, he pulled his wits together.

‘How lovely you look! The green of that pelisse brings out the colour of your eyes.’

Those eyes danced at his compliment. ‘Practicing your flirting technique ahead of Lady Telford’s ball? You must desist, my lord—honesty only between us, remember?’

He put his hand to his heart. ‘Simple honesty! If I wished to be extravagant, I would have said the sparkle in your eyes rivals the dance of sunlight on that distant lake—’

‘—and my smile is the loveliest you’ve seen in London?’ she interposed, laughing.

‘That, too,’ he said, laughing as well. How he was going to enjoy the next few days!

‘Did you have a pleasant drive out from London?’

‘Very pleasant! Hart said one of the few things he enjoyed inheriting was that great box of a coach, large enough to hold him and his brood. Claire offered to have me driven in another coach, that I might have privacy and quiet, but I wanted to become better acquainted with mischievous Bella and so-serious Alex. He’s only seven, but already talking of learning to manage Highgrave Manor, one of Fenniston’s smaller properties.’

She shook her head. ‘Your friend Hart truly is a remarkable gentleman! Claire told me after she refused to marry him—’

‘She refused him?’ Charles interrupted, astounded. ‘He never told me!’

‘Well, gentlemen generally avoid discussing matters of the heart. She initially refused him, feeling he must wed someone with a handsome dowry—her soldier husband left her virtually penniless—and of suitably high degree. With Hart assuming the duties of the dukedom and her sister about to remarry, she was going to hire on as a companion. Feeling it horridly unfair that she had all her life managed other people’s property—her father’s manor, then her sister’s—and was still left dependent on the charity of others, he gifted her Highgrave Manor, so she might have a home from which no one could evict her and an income so she would never again have to depend on anyone’s support—not even his. Naturally, as she already loved him, when he offered for her again, she allowed herself to be persuaded. Now, that is a Romeo and Juliet story with a much happier ending!’

‘No poison, no deathbed confusion—much better! How very like Hart. Unimpressed by wealth and title, always driven to do the fair and honourable thing.’

‘Claire told me more about her sister, Lady Telford, and her husband, so I can be at ease when I meet them. Which will not be until dinner, as Lady Telford retires in the afternoon to conserve her strength.’

‘I encountered Lady Telford when I arrived, retreating to her chamber after resting all morning in the dayroom overlooking the garden. She was said to be the most dazzling Diamond of her debut Season and still possesses an ethereal beauty, Lord Telford quite evidently worships her.’

Emma shrugged. ‘I’m glad she has her husband’s love, but sorry for her fragile health. If I wed, I’d rather it be a partnership.’ She chuckled. ‘With me more often than not having earth under my fingernails and dirt smudges on my nose, I can’t imagine any man putting me on a pedestal. Nor can I imagine spending mornings lying down, merely overlooking a garden.’

He’d not envision her on a pedestal, but as a beloved companion and helpmate. ‘Your fingers would be itching for scissors to snip blooms or a trowel to plant out cuttings?’

‘Exactly. I must visit this garden as soon as we are settled in.’

‘If you can wait, might we walk there together before dinner?’

She nodded. ‘For the pleasure of your company, I can delay. But now we should go in. I’d prefer to stroll down the avenue for a bit after that long coach ride, but the housekeeper will be waiting to show us to our rooms.’

Overhearing the comment, Claire turned to them. ‘Don’t rush in on that account. If I didn’t want to settle the children and check on my sister, I would join you in a walk. A maid can take you up after you’ve had your stroll.’

Delighted to steal a bit more time with her, Charles offered his arm. ‘Given permission from higher authority, shall we?’

Smiling, she took his arm and they set off. ‘You must tell me what’s been happening with you. Englemere says you had your presentation in Parliament. How was it?’

‘As ostentatious as you could imagine! My sponsor and I in full Parliamentary regalia, me carrying my writ of summons, following the Black Rod into the chamber where my patent was read aloud and I took the oath. Lots of pronouncements and bowing. Of greatest interest to me was chatting with Lord Camden, my father’s friend and my sponsor.’

‘It must have been fascinating to learn more about him.’

‘Odd, though—like chatting about a ghost. My closest blood kin, yet a man I never met. At any event, I’m “official” now and have been introduced at all the gentlemen’s clubs. No more avoiding being the marquess, alas.’ He laughed. ‘Thank heavens Hart is in London, as his ducal rank gives me some protection from the advantage-seekers! He’s also pledged to accompany me to view the various Stratton properties once Parliament adjourns. I’ll feel much more confident about taking over as manager, knowing a man of his expertise can advise me, so I’m not relying just on what the estate agents or tenants tell me.’

And the faster he settled into his role, the sooner he would be ready to pursue Emma.