Page 38 of Lord of the Darkness

“Yes – in the carriage mind – he was careful.”

“Oh. Well, I suppose that I should dress and join him then.”

“I’ve a small bath and your gown laid out in your dressing room, when you’re ready.”

Ariana rose from the bed, and followed the maid out of the room, her mind still considering her words – why had Benedict been to the village? That question stayed with her, until she entered the breakfast room.

Benedict looked up with a smile, and she dropped into a chair beside him, accepting the plate of food which the footman offered her, and sipping from the cup of coffee which he also provided.

“Why did you go to the village?”

“To speak to the Vicar.”

“Oh. And…”

“And he said yes, in fact he was rather delighted by the idea. I have arranged for us to go to the church in the early morning of Saint Valentine’s Day to say our vows again. It seemed rather appropriate timing, after all.”

“Benedict… are you being… romantic…?”

“I do believe that I am.”

He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm.