“I can’t live the way you do, Marcus,” she said at last. She gestured at the small space where she kept her things. “This is the kind of life I want. It’s always been this.” She sighed. “I am a very dull person. You must meet such exciting ladies in the social sphere you inhabit.”
“I plan to leave the service, sweetheart. I want a quieter life now.”
Beth drew in a deep shaky breath. Did he really want that, or would he do it for her? “But your career! When did you make this decision?”
“When I thought I would be offered a posting in Greece, I found I didn’t have my usual zeal. I have been growing tired of the life.”
“They aren’t sending you there?”
Marcus’ eyes dark with passion searched her face. “No, I am no longer needed.”
His ardent gaze thrilled her. Beth felt vital and alive as she never had before. She realized in that moment that the steady pace of her life would change. That she would do anything he asked of her. Longing to be close to him, she sighed. “I love you, Marcus.”
She was in his arms, his mouth on hers with a surging tide of warmth. Marcus inhaled sharply. As his soft kisses grew deeper she clung to him, held close against his chest, his heart beating in tune with hers. Her fingers entwined in the silky hair at the nape of his neck to hold him close as her breath deserted her, and her knees weakened. His mouth parted her lips evoking sensations she had not thought herself capable of feeling. She wanted to stay in his arms forever. But he murmured, “I love you, Beth,” against her lips and drew reluctantly away.
She gazed up at him and said shyly, “I will marry you, Marcus.”
“Beth, my love!” Jubilant, he picked her up and swung her around.
The door opened admitting Horace with an indignant bark. Jenny stood and watched them a smile tugging her lips.
Marcus placed Beth back on her feet.
“Andrew has told me the exciting news.” Jenny hurried over to kiss Beth. She held Marcus’ hands in hers. “Congratulations. I hope you realize you’re getting the sweetest girl in the world. Take good care of her.”
Marcus kissed Jenny’s cheek. “I am the luckiest of men. But I must first go to York to gain your father’s consent.”
“Papa will make no objection,” Jenny said. “He has relinquished Beth’s care into Andrew’s hands.”
“How did Andrew know I would say yes?” Beth asked.
Jenny laughed. “Let’s just say he was quite confident.”
Beth smiled radiantly. “Marcus is resigning from the foreign office.”
“I couldn’t be more pleased. We must plan the wedding. We’ll hold an engagement ball.”
As they followed Jenny from the hut, Beth watched her sister ticking off a list in her mind. She looked at Marcus who appeared as reluctant as she. “Jenny, would you mind if we made it a quiet affair?” Beth loathed crowds of people and lavish balls, but she had never been able to explain it to her sister.
“Should anything surface about Ramsey, I would prefer us to be married. If Beth agrees I see no reason to delay,” Marcus said, his arm around Beth’s waist pulling her close.
“Neither do I,” Beth said, wanting to be with him.
“I have engaged my solicitor to notify my tenant,” he said. “I plan for us to take up residency in my house in the Cotswolds.” He smiled at her. “It’s a pretty place, I’m sure you’ll like it, Beth.”
“The Cotswolds? Why that’s no more than an hour’s journey from here,” Jenny said gleefully. She hurried ahead of them down the path. “But, of course! A small discreet engagement party, and the wedding here in the chapel at Castlebridge where Andrew and I were married. Quite perfect. I must tell him the news.”
Beth’s gallant lover seized the opportunity. He pulled her behind a flowering hedge and kissed her again.
About the Author
A USA TODAY bestselling author of Regency romances, with over 35 books published, Maggi’s Regency series are International bestsellers. Stay tuned for Maggi’s latest Regency series out next year. Her novels include Victorian mysteries, contemporary romantic suspense and young adult. Maggi holds a BA in English and Master of Arts Degree in Creative Writing. She supports the RSPCA and animals often feature in her books.
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