by Ella Quinn
“It is beautiful.” She glanced around, delight clear on her mien. “The lanterns are like fairy lights.”
Dozens, perhaps hundreds of tiny glass lanterns hung from the trees and had been strung above. “And stars.”
They greeted other guests that had come up from the second path.
“Start on the right side and you will end up here,” one of the ladies said.
“Thank you.” Elizabeth smiled, and they started down the path.
Halfway down the walk, Geoff stopped, facing her under a tree only a few feet taller than he was. “I have wanted to be alone with you all evening.”
She peeped up at him from beneath her dusky lashes. “Have you?”
Her voice was breathy, and the pulse in her neck throbbed again. Was she nervous or excited? “Do you want to be alone with me, Elizabeth?” Her eyes widened at the use of her name. He stroked her cheek as he had earlier in the day. “May I use your name?”
“Yes, and yes.” Her voice was breathy as she leaned into his touch. “What do you want me to call you?”
“Geoffrey. Very few people call me by my first name.” In fact, no one did. “I would be honored if you did so.”
“Geoffrey.” She pronounced his name as if she was savoring the sound and how it felt as she said it. “I like it. It’s a strong name.”
“I want to kiss you.” Desperate to kiss her was more accurate. “I’ve wanted to kiss you since this afternoon.” And before.
He waited as she studied him. After a moment or two she rose on the tips of her toes, and reached her hands around his neck. “I want to kiss you, too.”
God, she was going to be the death of him.
He clasped her waist. If he didn’t have his hands firmly anchored, who knew where they would wander? Most likely all over her body, and it was too soon for that. As much as he wanted to feel her breasts, they would have to wait.
He brushed his lips against hers as he’d done after tea. She let out a soft breath and touched her mouth more firmly against his. He pressed light kisses on her lips and jaw before returning to her mouth and gently claiming her.
Her puckered lips moved under his innocently, and he knew she had never kissed another man. He was the first. He’d be the first for everything. The long dormant primitive part of him urged Geoff to find a room and take her now.
Before he lost what sense he had, he lifted his head, breaking the kiss. “Perfect.”
“Are you sure?” She searched his eyes. “It was my first time.”
“Absolutely.” He feathered his thumb along her swollen lips. “I could not have imagined a better first kiss.”
He couldn’t believe he had wasted the Season chasing after Lady Charlotte when Elizabeth Turley was the lady he truly wanted. Now that he had her, he would not let her go.
Elizabeth sighed as Geoffrey’s lips touched hers again. His kiss was soft, and firm, and wonderful. Her friends had been right. The way a gentleman kissed changed everything. She could not imagine kissing any other gentleman.
It was all she had ever dreamed about in a kiss. She touched his soft curls, pulling his head down to her again. His hands were on her waist, but his thumbs swept up almost touching her breasts. She wanted more. And she never wanted what they were doing to stop.
Still, they were at a ball, and people were viewing the conservatory. Someday they would be in a place where they could go on as long as they wished. Unfortunately, it was not this evening.
“We should go down to supper.” Although, no matter what delicacies were offered, none of them could match his kiss.
“I suppose we should.” Geoffrey—she loved saying his name—appeared to be as reluctant as she was to leave the confines of the conservatory. “Although, I would much rather remain here with you.”
Frissons of pleasure swept over her. Slowly, she placed her hand on his arm, and they ambled to the far end of the glasshouse back up the other path. He opened the door to the corridor, the cooler air washing over her as they left the hotter air keeping the plants safe.
Chapter Fourteen
“There you are, Harrington.” Two older ladies that Elizabeth had seen before but had not been introduced to approached. They were both dressed in the height of fashion, but the lady in a coquelico red gown, a color few women could wear, had something about her that commanded one’s attention. “I was told you were viewing the conservatory.” The lady in the red gown raised a pair of jewel-studded spectacles on a stick. “You may also introduce me to the young lady.”
Next to her, Geoffrey had stiffened slightly. Elizabeth tightened her fingers on her arm in an attempt to comfort him.
“Grandmamma.” He bowed. “May I have the pleasure of introducing you to Miss Turley. Miss Turley, my grandmother, the Dowager Marchioness of Markham.”
His grandmother! Elizabeth was not prepared to meet Geoffrey’s family. She had assumed they were all in the country. Before her nerves overcame her good sense, she schooled her countenance, remembered her training, and sank into a deep curtsey. “My lady, it is a pleasure to meet you. I was unaware that Lord Harrington had relations in Town.”
“Very pretty.” Her ladyship nodded approvingly. “Harrington probably wishes we weren’t always underfoot.” Without waiting for Geoffrey to respond, Lady Markham glanced at the woman next to her. “Miss Turley, this is my cousin and companion, Miss Covenington.”
Elizabeth’s curtsey was respectful but shallow. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss Covenington.”
“Have you had supper yet?” Geoffrey asked as they all turned and began to stroll back into the ballroom.
“No,” his grandmother responded. “We decided to find you and join you for supper. I assume you have not been down either.”
“No. Miss Turley and I wanted to view the conservatory while most of the guests were elsewhere.”
Elizabeth admired how quickly he came up with an answer to her ladyship’s question. He hadn’t even flushed.
“And how did you enjoy the glasshouse, Miss Turley?” His cousin strolled with her as Geoffrey took his grandmother’s arm.
“It was lovely.” After the kiss, Elizabeth had barely noticed anything about the conservatory at all. “The plantings are interesting and there are hundreds of small lanterns that make it almost magical.” There. That was a better answer than she had thought to give. “Have you seen it?”
“Only during the day, I am sad to say. Your description of it sounds charming. I must make a point of viewing it before we leave this evening.”
Fortunately, as she could not think of anything more to say at the moment, they had reached the supper room. Geoffrey found a table near the entrance, and once she and his family were seated, he went off to the refreshment table.
“Miss Turley.” The dowager focused her sharp gray eyes on her. “What a pleasant surprise. I am very pleased to be able to get to know you.”
It was all Elizabeth could do to keep her jaw from dropping. What had he told his grandmother about her? Or had she simply noticed or heard about the attention Geoffrey was paying to her? She fought the heat rising in her neck. She would not lose her countenance, not with a woman she hoped to have as a family member and who might have a good deal of influence over Geoffrey.
“Indeed, my lady. I am happy to meet members of Lord Harrington’s family.” Elizabeth didn’t know why it was so difficult to find a topic about which to speak. She had been trained for years in making small talk. “Do you reside in Town all year?”
“For a great deal of it. I have a house in Bath, and the Dower House in the country.” Lady Markham folded her hands on the table. “This is your first Season, is it not?”
“It is. My aunt, Lady Bristow, is sponsoring me.”
“I remember when both she and your mother came out,” her ladyship said, fondly. “You are very like your mother. She would have been proud of you.”
Mama had been an accredited beauty, which Elizabeth was not. Although she was well en
ough. “I wish she could have been here.”
Miss Covenington reached over and patted Elizabeth’s hand. “It is difficult to lose one’s mother. I am not sure one ever completely recovers from the loss.”
Her throat began to close painfully at the other lady’s thoughtful touch. Mama’s death could still bring tears to her eyes, and she did not wish that to happen this evening. “Yes, it is. I did not have enough time with her, yet she prepared me well.”
“I am sure she did,” Lady Markham said. “Did you know that a duke offered for her?”
Elizabeth shook her head. Her mother had told her many stories of her come out, but never that one. “I had no idea.”
“Her father was not happy about it when she refused him, but she insisted on Turley. I hope they were happy.”
“They were. My father has still not gotten over her death.” Elizabeth did not think he ever would. Her aunt said that she reminded him too much of Mama. Then again, so did Aunt even though she and Mama were not identical twins. That was probably the reason he was always so short with her. Elizabeth straightened her shoulders. “I too shall marry for love.”
“As we all should.” Her ladyship nodded and exchanged a look with Miss Covenington.
Did that mean Lady Markham had married for love or that she missed not having a love match? Yet, before Elizabeth could ask, Geoffrey came back followed by a footman.
Expertly, he guided the placement of the various delicacies on the table. Once the plates had been set on the table and the champagne poured, he took the seat between her and his grandmother. “I told your aunt we were having supper with my grandmother and cousin.”
“That was kind of you.” Aunt and Gavin had most likely wondered where Elizabeth had got to. “Does she still plan to depart directly after supper?”
“She does. I shall escort my grandmother and cousin to their carriage at the same time.” Geoffrey took a bite of an ice. “This is quite good. It is lavender.”
Elizabeth tasted the one he’d brought her. “It is excellent. I wonder if Gunter’s provided it.”
Lady Markham and Miss Covenington opined that the ice had to have come from Gunter’s. After that the conversation roamed through a variety of topics, but never once on Geoffrey’s future position. It was the first Elizabeth had been in his company that he had not mentioned it at some point.
“Miss Turley,” the dowager said. “I would be delighted if you would join us for tea in two days’ time.”
Elizabeth almost choked on the sip of wine she had just taken, but quickly brought herself under control, and gave the only response she could. “What a wonderful idea, my lady. I am happy to join you for tea.”
“Excellent.” Her ladyship glanced at Geoffrey. “Harrington shall escort you.”
Well, that answered the question of whether her aunt was invited as well. Obviously not.
“And I am delighted to accompany you,” he said, quickly dispelling any notion that he was being imposed upon, by asking, “Shall we go driving in the Park after tea?”
Then it occurred to her that his grandmother might think that a betrothal was imminent. For some reason she could not explain, Elizabeth felt as if she were being rushed to make a commitment to him.
Not that she did not wish to wed Geoffrey. She was fairly certain she did. One could not experience the feelings she had when he had kissed her and not wish to wed a gentleman. As to that, one should not be kissing a gentleman she did not wish to wed. She merely wanted a bit more time.
On the other hand, time was not something he had. Even though he had not mentioned a date he must arrive on the Continent, she was certain it was in the very near future. Not only that, but she would have to make a decision before her father returned within the next week.
She curved her lips into a smile as Geoffrey squeezed her hand.
Three older ladies stopped to speak with his grandmother when he whispered, “I only hope the admiral is not present.”
“The admiral?” Did Lady Markham have an admirer?
“Her parrot,” Geoff replied in an undervoice. “To say he is embarrassing is an understatement.”
“I have never seen a parrot.” And Elizabeth would very much like to.
Geoffrey groaned. “At a later date, then.”
Lady Markham turned her head and stared at him. “Are you disparaging Nelson again? You used to be fond of him when you were a child.”
“No, my lady,” Miss Covenington said. “That was Edwin. Harrington and Nelson have never got on.”
Lady Markham frowned. “Was it indeed Edwin? Now that I think on it, I believe you are correct.”
Who was Edwin? Apparently, Elizabeth was not to discover the answer this evening. The ladies rising took Geoffrey’s attention. Elizabeth would have to remember to ask him about whom they were speaking.
Geoff signaled a footman and ordered the carriages. By the time the ladies found their wraps, and Elizabeth’s family had joined them, the coaches were waiting at the bottom of the steps.
Turley had decided to attend another event, so Geoff helped Lady Bristow into the coach before turning to Elizabeth and appropriating her hand. He raised it to his lips and whispered, “I wish I could kiss you again.”
Her eyes searched his for a moment. “As do I.”
He kissed her fingers on by one. “I shall dream of you tonight. May I hope you will dream of me?”
He knew he was taking a risk. Mayhap pushing her too fast. Yet, she had kissed him.
After a few moments a small smile tugged the corners of her lips. “I do not see how I can help but to dream of you.”
“That is all I can ask at the moment.” He handed her into her carriage and closed the door.
“Lord Harrington,” Lady Bristow said. “I am sorry to say that we will not be able to go to the theater tomorrow night. I was reminded that Lady Jersey’s ball is tomorrow. It would not be wise to send our regrets after already accepting. One does not snub one of Almack’s patronesses.”
“I understand, my lady.” He wasn’t happy about it, but needs must.
He gave the coachman the order to start the carriage before striding to Grandmamma’s coach to attend to her and Cousin.
The evening could not have gone better. He had been proud of Elizabeth’s grace and poise when she met his grandmother and cousin. If she had been nervous—and considering his grandmother’s reputation, no one could blame her if she was—it had not shown. She appeared to get on well with both his relatives. Even Grandmamma’s command that Elizabeth join her for tea had not put her out of countenance in the least.
His courtship of her and the way his family was taking to her could not be going better. He knew she would find favor with his mother. She had been on the list Mama had sent. And he assumed that his father would welcome Elizabeth as well. There was nothing about her not to like.
Now that his life was back on course, it was time for more changes. “Grandmamma, I have decided to give up my rooms. I shall move back into my apartment in Markham House the day I bring Miss Turley to tea.”
“We cannot discuss that in the street. Get in and we shall talk about it on the way home. I’ll have my coach take you back to Jermyn Street afterward.”
“As you wish.” He climbed into the carriage, taking the backward-facing seat, as usual when he rode with them.
“From what I witnessed just now, I take it things are progressing well with Miss Turley.” Grandmamma kept her steady gaze on him.
“I would say my courtship of her is going very well.” He wondered if his grandmother had a point to make and, if so, when she would get to it.
“By the by, I like her a great deal.” Grandmamma smoothed her skirts. “She will make you a splendid wife.”
“She is very well informed,” Cousin Apollonia added.
“I agree. I am fortunate to have found her.” He was now certain she would agree to marry him. “Within the next few days, I shall ask her to marry me.”
His g
randmother nodded. “I shall order the rooms your father and mother had when they were first wed made ready. They are larger than your old apartment, and they are sufficient for a family when you are in Town.”
Geoff was surprised that neither his grandmother nor cousin had asked if he liked Elizabeth. “Thank you for thinking of them.”
He hadn’t considered that his parents had had rooms in Markham House when his grandfather was still alive. Yet it made sense. His father had been with the diplomatic corps when they married and Mama had gone with him. There would have been no need for them to have their own town house for the short times they were back in England.
He wondered how long it had been since they had been redecorated. Not that it mattered. He would give Elizabeth a free hand in refurbishing them as she saw fit.
“I’ll write Father as soon as she has accepted me,” Geoff said, more to himself than the ladies.
“He will be pleased.” Grandmamma lapsed into silence, but he could hear her thinking.
Another few minutes brought them to the town house. He jumped down, then assisted the ladies from the coach. “I’ll see you in two days if not before.”
“Harrington.” Grandmamma took his hand. “I hope Miss Turley is the lady you truly want to marry.”
“Of course she is.” He bussed her cheek. “There is no reason for you to be concerned.”
Moments later he was on his way to his rooms. There was no reason to wait. He would propose tomorrow at Lady Jersey’s ball. He would rather have done the deed at the theater, but Lady Bristow had recalled the ball, so, the ball it was. He might as well make it memorable by announcing their betrothal. Lady Jersey would appreciate that. As soon as possible after Elizabeth’s acceptance, she would be his wife.
As usual, Nettle was waiting for Geoff when he arrived back in his rooms. “We are going to move to Markham House in the next few days.”