“There will be more. You’ll see.”
He tipped his head, arched a dark brow.Thishad been a point of disagreement in the last few days. He’d sat her down one day and wished to discuss how they would utilize her dowry. She’d suggested putting a good deal of it into rebuilding his business, but he’d balked. He’d even resisted using some of the funds to refurbish his town home and only relented when she’d insisted it was something she wanted, to make the house feel more like her own.
“I’m afraid you’re going to have to get used to something you may not like.”
“What’s that?”
“Help.”
“Mmm.”
“When people love each other,” she said slowly and teasingly, “they wish to help each other. You know, like building them an entire conservatoryand purchasing art supplies because they have a modicum of artistic talent.”
“A great deal of artistic talent.”
“Whatever, you see my point.”
“Possibly.”
“You’re a hypocrite, James Wesley Pembroke, if you think it’s quite all right for you to indulge me but refuse to allow me to do the same.”
“But your father—”
“Or my father. To him, you’re family now. If there’s something he’d do for me, he’ll be willing to do it for you.” She clutched his sleeve, desperate to make him understand. “You know how fiercely I crave independence—”
“You’re sure you want to marry, then?”
“Don’t make me prove my skill at fisticuffs to you again.”
He lifted his hands as if defending himself. “All right, all right. The wedding is still on. Someday.”
“My point is—”
“I understand.” He turned and pulled her toward him, nearly into his lap. “I must learn to live with happiness and familial love and people who wish to meddle helpfully.”
“Exactly.”
He nuzzled her cheek and murmured a longhmmm.
“Are you still considering it, or is that an acquiescence?”
“I get you in this bargain, is that right?” he whispered, his breath hot against her ear.
“Yes, you’re stuck with me.” Lucy pressed a palm to his cheek, traced her fingertips along his jawline. “Are you all right with that bargain? Forever?”
“I acquiesce.” He gave her that smile. The one that made heat pool in her belly and travel lower, to all the places she wanted his touch. “I’m yours, Lucy. Forever.”
Epilogue
October 1898
Scotland
“At least we’re arriving in the same carriage this time.” James held his wife’s hand as she leaned across to get a better of view as they approached Invermere.
“You’re nervous?” Lucy glanced down at their joined hands.
She must have felt the odd tremor that rushed through him as their hired coach rolled toward her aunt’s home. It was their first return to the property, and to Scotland, since they’d met the previous year.
