He was grinning—a most unusual expression on his face. “The furnishings and equipment for the dispensary. I will need them if I am to return to the practice of medicine.”
“You’re…” She looked again and felt a bubble of happiness form in her chest. It was…he had brought…The bubble expanded, rose, carrying her words with it. “Your clinic? You have packed up your entire clinic?”
“And am transporting it to London. If you still need a physician, I would be honored to offer my services.”
She flung her arms around him, for surely this lightness of spirit would otherwise carry her off, buoyed as she was by joy.
“Oh, Alex!” A moment later she stepped back to study his face. “Are you certain?” It had been a topic left unsaid between them. She had not wanted to press, and it seemed too demanding, the potential for reopening old wounds too great. “I did not expect—”
“No, you did not, which is most satisfying, since it was meant to be a surprise. I am choosing this freely, Caroline.” He snared her gaze. “What are we here for, after all, if not to make life easier for one another?”
London, September 1848
The gardens at their new home were nearly overflowing with people. Caroline took another sip of lemonade and shook her head.
“What is it?” Pen glanced curiously about. “Did someone come who was not invited?”
“No, it is the number of invited guests I find amusing. I had envisioned something, well, something much smaller.”
“Hmm.” The girl’s voice was matter-of-fact. “Who would you have left out? The headmistress and faculty of the school? Alex’s new assistants? Your brother and his family?”
Caroline’s gaze sought James, standing near the rose arbor with Lily, their three-month-old son cradled in his arms. The babe lay quietly, watching the proceedings with large eyes.
“You’re right, Pen. There is no one here I would wish uninvited. And how fortunate that Maggie has returned for a visit and brought her captain with her.”
“It’s very romantic, their surprise wedding in Spain.” Pen twirled her parasol, still reviewing the guests. “Of course, Mrs. Trentham and Lucy—and how grand that Alex’s brother was able to come.” She nodded to the tall, dark-haired gentleman. Percy seemed to share the same serious nature as Alex, from the few conversations Caroline had had with him. A man much involved in his business, nevertheless he had been quietly astounded to see Alex again and seemed glad to be in attendance.
“There are a few people I am frankly relieved are not here.”
Thankfully, though she was half expecting to glimpse Reggie skulking in the shrubbery, it was impossible. Uncle Denby had bought him a position with the East India Company and had sent him away. He had been gone by the time she and Alex returned to London.
“I hear Viscount Keefe has taken an extended tour of the Continent,” Pen said.
For a moment the afternoon darkened and Caroline repressed a shudder. “Good riddance. I would be happy never to hear that name again.” She had no sympathy for the man, or the weakness that had led him to such abominable behavior.
Servants moved to light the lamps scattered about the garden, and in one corner the string quartet resumed playing, the graceful strains of Haydn drifting into the evening air. Caroline let out a breath. Everything had ultimately come out right, and she could only be thankful for it.
Who would have thought being thrown from a horse would have resulted in such a happy ending? It had certainly seemed unreasonable at the time. She smiled, remembering her first view of Alex—all stormy and forbidding male in the flickering torchlight.
But they had met their match in one another.
As if her thoughts had summoned him, Alex strode onto the terrace and came directly to her side. He slipped an arm about her waist. “Are you pleased with your party?”
“Yes.” She leaned against him, and he dipped his head, pressing a gentle kiss on her neck, just behind her ear. A shiver ran through her at the caress. Ah, the rogue—he knew her sensitive spots all too well.
“I’ll just…um, go and fetch more lemonade then,” Pen said brightly. “You two seem well occupied.” A knowing glance, and the girl took herself off.
“Wasn’t her glass mostly full?” Alex asked.
“Perhaps she was overcome by a raging thirst.”
“She is not the only one.” His other hand came to rest on her hip and he pulled her lightly against him. “It’s cool inside the parlor. And…private.”
She laughed. “You are incorrigible.”
“I am also married. Why not take advantage of the fact that a brief absence on our part will not cause a scandal? One kiss Caroline, that’s all I ask.”
“Only one?” She raised her brows. “Then it’s hardly worth the bother.”
“A dozen then.” He was already leading her inside.
Two steps into the quiet parlor and they were in one another’s arms, silently affirming the vows between them, the promise of two lives twined together. And a dozen kisses, twelve thousand kisses, more kisses than the petals in the fields would not be enough to express how deeply she loved him, her thunderstorm, her husband.
Deep indigo eyes met hers. “Caroline. I love you more than night loves the day.” He kissed her then, so sweetly, so perfectly that she felt her heart would break from it.
A million years, a heartbeat later, a discreet knock sounded at the door.
“The toasts are about to begin.” James’s voice, amused. “Perhaps the happy couple—incidentally the subject of those toasts—would like to join us?”
“Ah, yes,” she called back. “We’ll be right there.” She smoothed her skirts, then turned to Alex.
He smiled and held his arm out to her and together they went, out of the shadows and into the sunshine. Forward. Into life.
ZEBRA BOOKS are published by
Kensington Publishing Corp.
119 West 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
Copyright © 2009 by Anthea Lawson
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of the Publisher, excepting brief quotes used in reviews.
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ISBN: 1-4201-1335-6
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
All He Desires Page 31