‘As sure as I am of needing my next breath to live. I
love you, elf. Without you, I’m a shell. An empty husk. It took a while to get it through my thick skull, but without you, I might as well not breathe. You are my life.’
She pressed her lips to his, and his arms came around her. ‘Marry me,’ he whispered against her mouth. ‘Please.’
‘Yes, R-Robert. I will.’
He cradled her nape and she dissolved against his lips and his hard body.
‘Here? Or in Italy?’ she asked.
‘Wherever your heart desires, my love,’ he answered and then couldn’t help a soft chuckle, ‘though I am sure my mother will never forgive me if I don’t let her welcome her new daughter-in-law properly. And I would like you to meet my twin.’
‘Then England it is. I find I like your mother very much. I’ll let Snively know.’
‘Later.’
Then there was no more talking because his lips devoured hers and ecstasy carried all thought away.
Three days later, Robert stood on the steps of St George’s in Hanover Square with his wife of five minutes and gazed at the crowds madly cheering him and his bride. It was a cold January day, but inside he felt warm.
When he’d told his parents of his wedding plans, he hadn’t expected such an elaborate affair, but ducal pride required they celebrate in grand style.
It was right. Frederica deserved the homage.
He raised her small hand to his lips. ‘Happy?’ he asked, smiling down at her glowing face.
‘Never more so,’ she answered.
A figure pushed through the crowds and up the steps. Two days’ growth of beard shadowed his jaw, his coat was rumpled, his neckcloth limp. He had his gazed fixed on Robert’s face.
Charlie. Late. Which really wasn’t like him. Their mother had been frantic.
When Charlie reached the top step, he hesitated, then thrust out his hand. ‘Congratulations.’ His expression said he wasn’t sure Robert would take it.
The idiot. He grabbed the large hand and pulled his brother close, slapping him on the back. ‘Glad you made it.’ His voice sounded thick and husky.
His brother pulled away and cleared his throat. ‘I would have been here sooner, but my horse threw a shoe. Had to walk miles for a replacement.’
‘A fine tale,’ Father said, coming up behind them.
Charlie shook his hand. ‘It is true.’
‘Better late than never,’ Robert said with a sympathetic grin at his brother.
Charlie glanced towards Frederica.
‘Let me introduce my wife. Darling, this is my brother Charles.’
Frederica’s eyes widened. Her gaze ran over Charlie and she smiled. ‘You are even more alike than your p-portrait suggests. I would like to paint you some time. You’d make a wonderful Zeus.’
A growl rose in Robert’s throat.
She laughed. ‘Draped in a sheet, R-Robert.’
He grinned and pressed a kiss to her wrist. ‘Fully clothed.’
Charlie’s eyes goggled.
‘Family joke,’ Robert said.
‘Who would have thought you would ever marry?’ Charlie said. His cheeks turned red.
‘I did,’ Mother said. ‘Welcome, my son.’
Charlie enfolded her in a bear hug. In the next moment they were surrounded by the rest of the Mountford clan. His chattering sisters, who’d been bridesmaids, his youngest brother, whose voice gave no sign of breaking for all that he already topped Robert’s chin in height.
It was a good feeling. And Frederica looked thoroughly at home and happy. As she deserved.
The bridal carriage rolled up to the steps.
‘I’ll see you back at Mountford House,’ Charlie said.
‘’Fraid not. We’ve a ship to catch.’
‘To Italy,’ Frederica said.
Charlie looked worried. ‘I need to ask your opinion.’
‘Whatever it is, Charlie,’ Robert said, ‘you’ll have to deal with it yourself
Charlie looked stunned. And just a bit terrified. Robert looked at him. ‘It’s a woman.’
Charlie nodded.
‘Then I definitely can’t help you. I don’t understand them at all.’
He snatched his wife from the bosom of his family and escorted her into the waiting carriage. They waved from the windows until they turned the corner at the end of the street.
Robert pulled her on to his lap and kissed her soundly. After a long while, he let her go.
She snuggled against his shoulder. ‘Your brother really would make a wonderful Zeus.’
‘No.’
She grinned up at him. ‘Then I suppose I must make do with you. Probably better,’ she added hastily at his glare.
He would do. He would do his best to make her believe that for the rest of her life.
‘I love you, sweet wife.’
‘I love you, dear R-Robert.’ She kissed his cheek and wriggled on his lap.
He groaned. ‘How long before we board ship?’
‘An hour, I think.’
It was going to be the longest hour of his life unless he found a way to fill up the time.
He untied the ribbons of her bonnet and tossed the confection aside. ‘That’s better. Now I can see your face.’
She laughed up at him, her pretty lips inviting his kisses.
He cradled her nape and plundered her delicious mouth, and many minutes passed before the need for breath forced him to raise his head. He rested his chin on the top of her head. ‘You are sure this is what you want?’ he asked. It wasn’t so much that he doubted it, he just liked the warmth her confirmation gave him.
‘I can’t quite believe it,’ she said softly. ‘It is as if every dream I ever had has come true. But, R-Robert, are you sure you won’t be bored?’
‘Not a chance. I’ll be too busy keeping you entertained. And naked.’
A laugh bubbled up from her throat. A warm, encouraging sound. ‘I can’t wait.’
Nor could he. He let his hand slide up one slim calf beneath her skirts.
She sighed. ‘But you do realise I will be occupied with classes during the day,’ she said softly.
‘I do.’ He nuzzled her neck. ‘I’ll be busy too. Father has asked me to look at some properties he is thinking of buying. And I’ve some other commissions to undertake for him.’ Robert had been delighted at the request. He could finally play a part in his family’s endeavours.
‘R-Robert,’ she said hesitantly, ‘when we come back, do you think we could buy a house in the country? A place good for raising children?’
His wandering hand stilled. A bubble of hope he never knew resided there tightened his chest. ‘I didn’t think you wanted children?’
‘I didn’t. Before. But now I think I do. We’d be a real f-family. I like the countryside. I could have a studio. You could farm, breed horses, if you’d like to, that is.’ She sounded worried, as if she feared he might not be pleased.
‘Lady Robert,’ he said, laughing, but with his heart full of tenderness, ‘you never cease to amaze me. That is exactly what I would like.’ He tipped her chin. ‘But right now I have the overwhelming desire to kiss you again.’
Looking pleased, she placed her palm against his jaw. ‘R-Robert, did I tell you I love you?’
‘Not in the last five minutes.’
‘Well, I do.’
‘And I love you, elf.’
He kissed her delicious mouth, promising her a future of love and happiness the best way he knew.
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II BV/S.à.r.l. The text of this publicat
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First published in Great Britain 2010
Harlequin Mills & Boon Limited, Eton House,
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© Michèle Ann Young 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4089-1662-9
Table of Contents
Cover Page
Excerpt
Title Page
Author Note
About the Author
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Copyright
The Gamekeeper's Lady Page 25