‘Oh,’ she blinked rapidly as tears welled in her eyes. ‘Oh, Darius, how can say that, when I have been so, so odious to you! I accused you of breaking a confidence, when it was Fixby who gave me away, and you n-never let me thank you for s-saving me from Sir Henry’s unwanted attentions!’
‘All that is irrelevant now. The only thing that matters is, do you love me enough to marry me?’
She blinked again to clear her eyes that she might look at his dear face as he gazed so anxiously at her.
‘Oh yes, yes I do,’ she whispered. ‘And I will marry you, if you think I might make you happy.’
With a laugh he jumped to his feet.
‘Happy!’ He dragged her up into his arms. ‘My dearest, darling Lucy, the truth is I do not think I can live without you!’
With a sigh she melted against him.
‘But I am not at all easy to live with,’ she murmured, clutching happily at his coat. ‘I have quite a temper, you know, and I am not at all biddable.’
His arms tightened. ‘I am sure you will infuriate me with your plans and schemes, and I have no doubt that we shall quarrel quite royally at times, but just think how wonderful it will be when we are reconciled with a kiss.’ He put his fingers under her chin and tilted her face up towards him ‘In fact, let us put it to the test, right now.’
On such a lovely summer’s day, it was only to be expected that at least some of Portman Square’s residents would enjoy a stroll in the central garden. The sight of Lady Quidenham’s niece locked in a passionate embrace with a celebrated Corinthian caused one governess to turn tail and hurry her giggling charges away. An elderly couple, strolling past arm-in-arm, were inclined to view the scene more tolerantly but the two matrons who passed some moments later were scandalised and their outraged tuts made Sir Darius break off his kiss.
‘Oh dear, that is our near neighbour, Mrs Atwood and her gossiping crony Lady Musselburgh.’ Lucy giggled as she turned her face into his shoulder. ‘I am now quite sunk beneath reproach.’
‘You are indeed, my love. Which is why you must marry me immediately, to save your reputation.’
He planted a trail of kisses down her neck and she shivered with delight, but with a little sigh she put her hands against his chest and held him away.
‘I would like that very much, Darius, but what about your Mama? She positively dislikes me!’
‘I have already thought of that,’ came the prompt reply. ‘I shall tell her I am marrying you in order to secure Lady Quidenham’s fortune.’
‘Of course! How clever of you, Darius.’
‘You see,’ he said, pulling her back into his arms, ‘you are not the only one to formulate Grand Plans, Lucia. Now stop making foolish objections and kiss me again!’
***The End***
After many years in the inspiring surroundings of the Yorkshire Pennines, Melinda Hammond has run away to the Highlands of Scotland to live by the sea, where she continues to write her romantic adventures. She also writes as Sarah Mallory for Harlequin Mills & Boon
To find more about Melinda Hammond and her books
please visit her author page on Amazon
or visit her website at
www.melindahammond.com
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