Scandal's Promise
Page 27
She swallowed the lump growing again in her throat. “Yes.”
His lips covered hers, and his tongue probed the seam until she opened for him, allowing the intimate kiss as it deepened and her breasts pressed into his chest. Fire threatened to consume her as his hands left her face and caressed her arms, tightening on her waist and lifting her onto his lap where she felt the evidence of his need.
“God, I love you so much. I want to take you right here, but it’s too cold and too open. If we plan carefully, I can get a special license from the archbishop, and we can be married less than a week after.”
“I would like that, Drew. Because I love you, too. I want your lips on my neck and my breasts, and I want you to do what you did before.”
“You’re driving me wild, Emily Sinclair, and I’ll tell you a secret. There’s much more.”
She grinned, wondering if it was a naughty grin, because that was how she felt. “I hope so. I’ve waited a long time for the pleasures I have imagined in my lonely bed at night—pleasures only you could give me.”
He set her back but held on to her hand. “What of your parents?”
“I am five and twenty. They may object at first, but I will persuade them. You are a catch, my lord. If our marriage revives the old gossip, it won’t be long before someone else takes our place as the topic of the moment.”
“Can you come back with me now? I want us to give a little boy the happiest of Christmases.”
She stood and straightened her clothes, joy filling her heart. Together they walked hand in hand toward Cardmore Hall. It was a monstrosity of a building, but Emily was sure she could make it a home. In time there would be more children—many more—and gaiety would make the morose building rock with laughter.
She stole a glance at the man who would be her husband and remembered the lonely boy who’d stolen her heart. This would be her happiest memory now, a Christmas Day full of hope for the future.
Happy Christmas, Andrew, and many more to come.
Epilogue
Hyde Park, June 1818
It was a damn fine day to be alive.
Andrew, Lord Cardmore, strolled along the Serpentine, soaking up the warming rays of the sun. A feeling of peace settled over him as he looked down on the face of his son.
“Papa, can I feed the ducks now?” His son tugged at his hand.
“If you’re careful. Don’t get too close to the edge.”
George ran ahead, skipping and shouting, scattering the fowl in his path.
Andrew laughed and slanted a glance at his wife. Nearing her term, she sat primly on a nearby bench with Mrs. Townsend. They’d left the landau and walked for a while. Emily said it was good for her to exercise her limbs.
He neared George, who was busy tossing crumbs into the water. “They’re hungry, Papa. See how they swim over to dip their bills in the water? Why do they not eat on shore like other birds?”
“You’ll have to take that up with your tutor when we return home to the Hall.”
Andrew loved the child’s bright mind and optimistic outlook on life. He seemed eager to embrace new concepts, treating life like it was a grand adventure. He was ready for school.
I can’t let him go quite yet.
“Cardmore. I have more crumbs if George has emptied that packet.” Emily reached in her pelisse and brought out a tiny bundle. She’d made the garment with deep pockets.
He called to the boy, who came bounding up to his mother’s bench. Taking it from her hands, he raced back to the edge of the water. Mrs. Townsend rose from the bench and followed him.
Andrew strolled over to Emily and sat in the spot vacated by George’s nurse.
She took his hand and stuffed it into her muff. “I’m eager to return home, now that the renovations to Cardmore Hall are underway.”
“Will you mind the chaos? There’s bound to be dust and noise.”
“If it bothers me, I shall have my lie-in at the Grange. Aunt Lily would be happy to attend the birth.”
If she went there, so would he. “Tell me what part of the renovations you will like the most?”
“Must I choose? All right, the bellpulls that will ring little bells in the servants’ hall.”
“Not the private bathing rooms?”
“The bathing rooms will have tubs, but water will still have to be heated and brought in.”
“True. Ralston says there is a device with its own water source called a shower, but it only works with cold water. I don’t think it is something I would use until a hot water mechanism is invented.”
“I daresay I would shiver and shake the entire time. I’ll take my tub, thank you.” She smiled and tilted her head. “Where is Ralston? Will he be visiting us at the Hall when we return? I know he was quite interested in observing the changes we’re making.”
“Apparently his sister enlisted his support on some mysterious project of hers, and I haven’t seen him since.”
“The sister with the large family? I met her once. Delightful creature. A bit flighty, but she has a big heart.”
“That’s the one.”
They rose and strolled closer to George, who tried to emulate a fat duck waddling along the walkway. The water glistened in the sunlight, disturbed only by a line of black waterfowl skimming peacefully along the surface.
Emily stopped, and her eyes widened.
“What’s wrong?”
“’Tis only a kick from the baby. Soon I will not be able to go out in company.”
George ran along the edge. Mrs. Townsend moved forward, to catch him if he stumbled. Andrew stood back and let his gaze roam the landscape, settling on the hill where long ago he had fought his duel.
He and Emily shared so many memories—good and bad—but the future looked bright. A baby, a modernized home, and her parents who had finally set aside their animosity to welcome him into the family.
At long last, he and Emily had found the happiness once denied them.
Life was good, and they planned to live it fully.
Also from Pamela Gibson and Soul Mate Publishing
SCANDAL’S CHILD
Miranda Comstock, widowed and impoverished, accepts a position in London caring for a child who was blinded in a fire. When she discovers the child’s mysterious guardian is the lover who’d seduced and abandoned her five years earlier, her first thought is to flee. But nine-year-old Phoebe depends on her and is blossoming under her care.
Jeremy Montague returns from Jamaica to take up his duties as the new Earl of Longley and is shocked to find his former lover is his ward’s nurse. Believing she played him for a fool, he vows to remove her from his household, especially when his traitorous body begins to remember the passion they shared.
But there is a mystery afoot involving a long-ago disappearance, Miranda’s resemblance to a society debutante, and the child’s suppressed memories of the fire, which are starting to emerge. As Phoebe’s memories become sharper, Jeremy begins to suspect that he and Miranda were pawns in a twisted game. And both must learn to trust again, if they are to find their way back into each other’s hearts.
Available now on Amazon: SCANDAL’S CHILD
SCANDAL’S BRIDE
Marry in haste…
Lady Gwendolyn Pettigrew longs to be a mother, but refuses to marry the lecherous old fool her father has found for her. When her best friend convinces her to consider her husband’s younger brother as a suitable candidate, Gwen agrees to a marriage of convenience, hoping against hope that her dream of becoming a mother will have a chance.
The Hon. John Montague, a penniless younger son, is handsome, witty, and thrilled that a woman with a dowry has agreed to wed him. Best of all she’s a fiercely independent bluestocking, a woman who won’t want to bother with a family. Because
John has a shocking secret. He’s vowed never to bring a child into the world, a child who, like his own mother, might carry the strain of madness.
Available now on Amazon: SCANDAL’S BRIDE
SHADOW OF THE FOX
In 1846 War Looms in Alta California.
Sorina Braithwaite, rebellious granddaughter of a prominent California ranchero, has her own battle to fight. Desperate to escape an arranged marriage to a man she despises, she threatens to expose an American spy unless he helps her flee.
Lt. Lance Grainger, intrigued by her audacity as much as her beauty, knows if Sorina disappears, her arrogant fiancé will follow, thus distracting him from the insurgency he’s plotting. But there’s a risk. As the son of a man branded a coward, Lance has spent his entire career rebuilding his family’s honor. If he’s thought to be a deserter, his honor will be in shreds.
As the declaration of war nears, Lance and Sorina set out on a journey of danger and intrigue, but both soon discover their hearts may be in the greatest peril of all.
Available now on Amazon: SHADOW OF THE FOX
RETURN OF THE FOX
The year is 1847…
Gabriel de la Vega, disgraced son of a Mexican ranchero, returns to his Alta California home when Americans take power to help his countrymen with the bewildering transition and make amends to the woman he once wronged.
Fiercely independent, Isabella Fuentes swore she’d never forgive Gabriel for abandoning her on the night they were to elope. Now he’s back, playing a dangerous game, pretending to be meek and repentant when she knows the handsome, former outlaw is anything but contrite.
When a series of accidents threaten Isabella’s safety, Gabriel offers an outrageous solution: the protection of a brief civil marriage. Isabella is tempted. But can she rely on a man who once betrayed her and can she trust her foolish heart to let him go when the danger has passed?
Available now on Amazon: RETURN OF THE FOX
Author of eight books on California history and fifteen romance novels, Pamela Gibson is a former City Manager who lives in the Nevada desert. Having spent the last three years messing about in boats, a hobby that included a five-thousand-mile trip in a 32-foot Nordic Tug, she now spends most of her time indoors happily reading, writing, cooking and keeping up with the antics of Ralph, the Rescue Cat. If you want to learn more about her activities go to https://www.pamelagibsonwrites.com and sign up for her quarterly newsletter and occasional blog. Or follow her in these places:
Bookbub:
www.bookbub.com/profile/pamela-gibson
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/pamgibsonwrites/
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/pamgibsonwrites
Website:
www.pamelagibsonwrites.com
Goodreads:
www.goodreads.com/pamgibsonwrites
Amazon:
www.amazon.com/Pamela-Gibson/e/B00MKVB4XE