Reaching out, she touched his cheek.
“A fortnight would be even better.”
He chuckled a bit wickedly and Eleanor found herself being pulled against him once again. His lips brushed against hers lightly and the sighed into the caress. Lord, but she was growing far too fond of him. Then he settled back and Eleanor found herself being collected in his arms against him. For one moment, she thought, this is what heaven must be like. He was so warm, and cozy, and being in his arms always made her feel safe. She sighed contently and he laughed.
“Or maybe until the season is over. I am sure Hunter and Blade can manage.”
Eleanor shook her head and laughed.
“A fortnight Storm. Your sister’s will need you back. Especially Peaches.”
She did not need to look at him to know that he was beaming at the thought of his family. Eleanor snuggled closer to him and whispered.
“Do you want to have a big family?”
“I already do, Eleanor.”
She laughed loudly at that and shook her head.
“I meant… I meant do you want to have a lot of children.”
He tightened his hold on her and pressed a kiss into her hair. Eleanor knew how much he was looking forward to being a father. Tonight, she wanted to talk about their future, because for the first time since she was marrying him, she realized how happy she was about hers.
“I was thinking Thunder or Lightning for our first son, and then a girl named Rosepetal. We have lovely rose gardens in all our estates. It should not be too difficult…. Or maybe we can create triplets on a rainy day in the rose garden.”
Eleanor laughed.
“You are being ridiculous.”
His voice grew deep.
“Fine then, first the twins, Thunder and Lightning.”
Eleanor rolled her eyes. But she was happy.
“So just the three then?”
He chucked again and she felt it against her chest.
“Of course not. After all, as head of my family I feel it is my duty to ensure the family line is plentiful.”
Eleanor smiled. Though thought of making him a father made her feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
“Storm, I want to make sure they were raised like you were.”
Caressing her arm Storm whispered huskily.
“Pardon?”
Lifting her head, she settled more comfortably against him and met his gaze.
“I want them to know that we both love them. More than anything, I want that.”
Thunderclouds were in his eyes again and Eleanor could swear she could see tears forming. Not wanting to make him uncomfortable, Eleanor returned her head to rest against his chest and listened to the soothing sound of his heartbeat.
“Eleanor, I promise you, my children, our children, will know they are loved. Always.”
Eleanor closed her eyes, trying to refrain from tearing up herself. It was hard to believe that in only a few short weeks, her life had gone from worrying about how she was going to afford a gown for her sister, to lying in the arms of this man, talking about her future with him.
“While we are on the subject, I have a request also.”
“What is that?”
Storm tightened his hold on her.
“I want to have family dinners. Like the ones I have with my family. I know it is not how families of the ton normally run, but I enjoy them, and I think it is important for our children to really understand what a family is like.”
“Storm, it is one of my favorite things about your family.”
They remained quiet for a moment, Eleanor content to just be in Storm’s arms.
“Oh, Storm, I want us to have a special place.”
“A special place?”
“Yes, when I was young, my parents used to take us to this little cabin at the very end of our property, just for a few days. Papa would take us fishing, and mother would sit and paint our portraits. We did everything ourselves. It was so fun to watch my parents cook us meals, while Marcus and Felicity and I would play silly games. I always felt so close to my family on those trips.”
Tears were in her eyes then. Eleanor realized she had not thought about those trips in a long time. Thoughts of her parents were fading. She did not know if that was good or bad. Then, Storm brushed a tear from her cheek and Eleanor asked the question she had wanted to ask him since they agreed to marry.
“Storm, do you think your parents would have approved of me?”
Storm moved then, turning on his side, his arms still around her. Eleanor settled into her new position, her eyes forced to meet his. His eyes grew more serious, his arms tightening around her.
“My parents would have adored you.”
Eleanor blushed, but the truth of his words were in his eyes. Reaching out, her hand came to his cheek.
“Are you sure?”
Then kissing her softly again, he whispered.
“Yes.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Storm decided to go to his study as soon as he returned from Eleanor. It seemed to have taken an eternity, but in four more days, Eleanor would finally be his. Finally. Now that he knew how wonderful the rest of his life would be, his patience was running thin. Not to mention he was extremely tired. Last night he had said longer than usual, longer than he really should have, yet not nearly as long as he wanted to. No amount of sleep was worth missing time with her, but exhaustion had been setting in. When he opened the door to his study however, it was not a lack of sleep he feared any longer. It was Bonnet. She was sitting at his desk, eye puffy, clearly exhausted, and terror filled him instantly. Never had he seen Bonnet look so lost.
“What is wrong?”
He hurried to her side, but when he went to hug her she pushed him away.
“How could you do this to her? To me? To this family? I… I... I knew you were not in love, but I did not think, I… I... I did not know you could do something like this.”
He looked his sister completely bewildered.
“Bonnet what on earth are you talking about?”
He reached out to her again, but again she actually recoiled from his touch.
“Do not touch me.”
Kneeling in front of her, Storm just stared.
“Bonnet, please, please, tell me what it is I did?”
“You made me believe, you made everyone believe, that you wanted this marriage. The notes at the afternoon teas, the waltzes, the… well the way you just look at her now. You made us all think you cared for her. But then… this…”
She was making no sense whatsoever, but Storm at least knew now that she believed he was causing Eleanor pain. He failed to see what could have occurred during the short walk from her house to his.
“I have not done anything wrong Bonnet. And you know I want to marry her. And I do care for her.”
His sister’s eyes met his and then his heart almost broke. Never had she looked at him in such complete disappointment. In his life he never wanted to see that look from Bonnet again.
“Then how can you have a mistress.”
Nothing that Bonnet had ever said could truly have shocked him as much as that sentence.
“Bonnet, I do not have a mistress.”
She rose then, fury coming to her lips.
“Do not start lying to me! You have snuck out of this house every night for this past week.”
She whirled to face him her finger shaking in anger.
“Why make us spend these past few weeks making her feel welcomed and respected by the ton when you are just going to throw her to the side before you have even married her? I will not have you ruin her Storm. I will not.”
This time it was Storm who was angry. How could his sister believe he would do such a thing? Bonnet knew him better than anyone in this world. He could hardly believe she was accusing him of not respecting Eleanor.
“Bonnet you are clearly hysterical and that you would think of me in such a way breaks my heart.”
“Storm Westbrook, you get back in here right now. I am not done talking to you.”
“Bonnet, I love you, but right now I am not sure I can look at you. I am exhausted. There is only half an hour until you are to take Eleanor to for her wedding gown fitting and I have no intention of spending it squabbling with you.”
He had almost made it to the stairs when his sister spoke with tears in her voice.
“Storm please.”
A commotion in the hallways put the argument on hold and to his surprise he noticed Eleanor and her Felicity had arrived. Storm knew Eleanor was aware that something was afoot the moment their eyes met, but she hastily spoke.
“Felicity arrived early to surprise us. I hope it is not an inconvenience, but she was so anxious to see Peaches I could not deny her plea to arrive a few minutes early.”
Bonnet was about to greet them, her tears having been discretely wiped away, but again they were all saved by Peaches arrival. His sister was rushing down the stairs as she secured the last of the pins in her hair and through her arms around Felicity.
“Oh Peaches, I am so happy to see you! Come, we must talk about the events I have missed.”
The two headed toward the drawing room, and after an uncomfortable moment Eleanor moved toward him and his sister.
“Whatever are you two arguing about?”
Eleanor ushered them back into his study and Storm realized there was no choice left but to clear things up with Bonnet.
“Apparently my sister no longer trusts my judgement.”
Bonnet glared.
“That is not fair.”
“Oh, and your accusation is fair?”
Eleanor watched the exchange curiously.
“What accusation?”
Storm smirked at his sister.
“Go on, tell her.”
Bonnet shifted on her feet embarrassed and uncomfortable.
“Storm, please.”
He ignored her, turning to Eleanor who he wanted to have in his arms more than anything in the world at this precise moment. She was so concerned for him, but more than that, she was breathtaking. Always he felt that when he looked at her.
“Bonnet accused me of having a mistress since she has been spying on me and noticed I have been sneaking out almost every night this week. She is quite offended on your behalf.”
A little oh escaped his fiancés lovely lips. She was so bewitching in the morning and without thought or logic, Storm just wrapped his arms around her and placed a feather light kiss to her lips. So be it if Bonnet was there to see it. Eleanor’s eyes twinkled back at him, her hands resting gently on his chest for only a moment before you pushed him away.
“Bonnet, I am flattered that you are defending me, but Storm does not have a mistress.”
His sister looked at them bewildered.
“He sneaks out Eleanor. There is only one reason Storm has ever snuck out of this house.”
“I am sure of it Bonnet, because he has been sneaking out to visit me.”
Her gasp filled the room and Storm was not sure if Bonnets face could get any redder. Clearly more explanation was needed. Eleanor quickly continued to explain.
“Oh dear, that statement made it sound sordid. Bonnet I assure you Storm has been a perfect gentleman, well nearly perfect,” she added with a slight blush, “but it is my fault he sneaks out. We have so little time together during the day and as much time as I have spent here, I had not learned that much about him. I did not want to get to my wedding day without having known the man I was marrying. So, we just agreed to meet in the evenings when everyone else is sleeping and stay up talking so that we may learn more about each other.”
Bonnet just stared wide eyed at them. Storms heart softened just slightly.
“Bonnet how could you think I would take a mistress.”
She shrugged.
“I… I am not sure. Oh Storm, I am so sorry.”
Bonnet turned away, tears in her eyes and though Storm went forward, it was Eleanor that took her in her arms to comfort her. Again, Storm felt his heart flip. This is what he imaged life with his wife would be. It was so important for his family to love the woman he chose, but also for her to love them back just as much.
“Bonnet, you brother would never jeopardize your family’s reputation. Or the example he sets for your brothers. Do not blame him for this. It was I that begged for him to sneak out.”
Bonnet ended the embrace and smiled weakly.
“I am sorry Eleanor. I am so glad that you are going to be my sister.”
Storm cleared his throat realizing they had forgotten he was in the room.
“Shall we just agree that all is forgiven and forget this conversation has taken place?”
Bonnet blushed.
“I think that would be most wise.”
Then, she gently pressed a kiss to his cheek, whispered another apology and headed out to make sure the girls were ready to leave. Alone once again with Eleanor, Storm could not help but laugh at the absurdity of the situation.
“Do not make fun of her. It was sweet that she defended me.”
It was sweet, now that it was over.
“Yes, my lady.”
She rolled her eyes at him and slipped her arm through his.
“Come, let us be off. I do not want to keep your family waiting.”
“As you wish my dear.”
When they entered the hallways all his sisters and Miss Larford were waiting. Greeting happened all around and sadly, Storm realized he would have to lose Eleanor’s company. Raising her hand to his lips, he wished her a good day. Nodding, wishing him well in return Eleanor allowed him to help her into a shawl. It was clearly going to rain.
“I will see you at dinner.”
Eleanor met his gaze, and to his surprise, her hand came to his cheek and she stood on her tiptoes to place a kiss gently to his lips. He slipped his arm around her and deepened the kiss ever so slightly to return her caress. Then, just as quickly as it started, the kiss ended. It was, he confessed, the sweetest moment he had ever experienced.
“Oh, how romantic.”
Her sister’s words made her blush, but Eleanor turned to the group.
“Let us be off. I am anxious to see my wedding dress.”
Storms eyes lingered on her until the door closed but it was his youngest sister Willow who ended up with the last word.
“You do know if you break her heart this whole family is going to revolt against you.”
He laughed at that, walking up the stairs to where his youngest sister stood.
“What if she breaks mine?”
Willow gave it a moment of thought tilting her head to the side to study him. Again, Storm wondered if he had under estimated yet another one of his sisters.
“If she breaks it, she was not worthy of it in the first place and I shall never give her a second thought. You brother, are perfect. It is why none of my sisters have married yet. No man could ever compare.”
And with that, she headed back to her room and Storm headed to his, too tired to worry if his sister’s words were true.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Lifting her skirts, Eleanor twirled under the stars, tears in her eyes. Never had she felt so foolish, and giddy and utterly perfect as she did at that moment. The rose scented air once again made her think how magical her life had become. Four more days and she would be married to a man she knew she would love for the rest of her days. It was exhilarating and amazing and wonderful. Storm had become the center of all the good in her life and she was never going to let him go. Love was something she had not expected for her life after her father had died. But it found her. And in four days, in this magical garden that was nearly as perfect as papa’s had been, she would take her vows and know what it was lik
e to never feel alone in the world again.
Her dress tonight was extraordinary. After much debating, she had just given in and allowed him to purchase a new set of gowns for her. It had not, she admitted, taken much convincing. A Duchess, after all, needed to look her best. Eleanor laughed at that thought. Bonnet had made the argument, and of course she was right, but Eleanor gave in simply because she loved the ways his eyes lingered on her when she was dressed like this. Tonight, she was quite sure his gaze would be burning through her the whole evening. She had chosen a dark rose color for this evening. For the last ball before she would be a wife, she wanted to look as lovely as the roses in her garden. Which, she reminded herself, was why, after she was dressed, she found her way to the garden in the first place.
The girls had arranged her hair and suggested she come pluck a rose to decorate it with. Eleanor could think of nothing she would enjoy more. Choosing a rose, she delicately arranged it in her hair. Deep down inside, in a place she never knew existed within herself, Eleanor realized that for at least this one night she did feel like the most beautiful woman in England. She spread out her arms and twirled again, laughter escaping her lips. And then, just when she thought the happiness would consumer her, she felt his gaze.
She stopped spinning, a small blush creeping to her cheeks. He always made her blush with his gaze and right now, Lord help her, he looked like he was going to devour her on the spot. And, good heaven, she had the most ridiculous notion that she wanted to be devoured. Storm Westbrook was the most beautiful man she would ever know, inside and out. Tonight, he stole her breath completely. Trapped in his gaze, Eleanor felt the heat of his gaze as he simply stared at her with those amazing gray eyes allowing his warmth to seep right into her soul.
Neither of them moved. Eleanor was not sure she dared to break whatever it was in the air that surrounded them. When she was with Storm, most of the time she felt as if the air around them vanished into a void. Tonight though, the air was thick. It was filled with desire and warmth and comfort and Eleanor was suddenly very scared that if she moved, even an inch, the magic would just disappear. After what seemed like forever of gazing at each other, Storms eyes lowered and slowly drifted to take in the rest of her.
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