Lady Gambit, page 26
Dorian reread the letter, somewhat shocked. “Yes, along with his house in Winchester.”
“His house?”
He knew Mr Brown had no family—there’d been but a handful of people at his funeral—but the gift brought a tear to his eye. “It will mean a trip to Winchester.”
She slipped her arms around him. “When do we leave?”
“As soon as we’re married.”
“You haven’t asked me. I might refuse.”
“Like hell you will.” He captured her chin and poured everything of himself into a toe-curling kiss. “Your mouth betrays you. You can’t wait to have me in your bed every night.”
“Our bed,” she corrected. “I’ll not sleep in separate rooms.”
“I fear we might not sleep at all.” The secret he’d been keeping pushed to the forefront of his mind. “When we visit Winchester, we might venture to Chichester, then tour the south coast. Make a honeymoon of it.”
Love lived in her beaming smile. “How could I refuse an opportunity to have you all to myself? Though why Chichester?”
He threw the letter onto the bed and captured her face in his hands. “Daventry told me something tonight.” He paused, knowing nothing he said would make his job easier. “Your paternal grandfather is alive and living in Chichester. I thought you might like to visit.”
Her throat worked tirelessly as she absorbed the information, though no words left her lips. Tears gathered in her eyes, and she buried her head in his chest and wept like the sound came from her soul.
When she found the strength to look at him, she said, “Does he know I survived? Did he ever try to find me?”
He dried her cheeks with his thumbs. “We can ask Daventry tomorrow. I’m certain he has your grandfather’s address.”
Lost in thought, she nibbled her lip. “What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if he can’t bear to relive the painful memories?”
“Why would he not want to see you? You’re beautiful in every way. You’re intelligent and funny and kind.”
She kissed him, the salty evidence of her tears on her lips. “You’re biased. No one has ever loved me like you do.”
“Marry me.”
“In a heartbeat.”
“You may want to take time to consider my proposal. Someone I love madly once told me marriage was worse than death.” She’d been quite adamant during their first meeting in Miss Darrow’s yard.
“I didn’t know a love like this was possible. Besides, you said you’d prefer a swift death to a life spent shackled to a woman.”
“You’re no ordinary woman.”
“No, I have a host of aliases.”
“Soon, you’ll be Mrs Flynn. Yet one name encompasses them all. I’m sure everyone who knows you would agree.” He thought of the monikers her brothers used. He’d never been a gambling man, but luck was on his side the day they met. “You taught me the true meaning of love, Delphine. You’re the Queen of Hearts. The undisputed ruler of mine.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Mile End Manor
Walworth
They were married five days later by special license in St Peter’s Church in Walworth near Mile End. Miss Darrow graciously lent her a stunning ivory silk dress featuring a two-tiered skirt and ruche sleeves, a style fashionable in Paris.
The guests congregated in the front pews, although Aaron did his utmost to avoid looking at Miss Lovelace. Miss Darrow sat beside Theo, playfully nudging him twice in the ribs during the ceremony.
The Earl of Retford entered the church late and slipped silently into a back pew. He left when the vicar proclaimed them husband and wife and warned those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
Mrs James looked as proud as a peacock when they returned to Mile End for the wedding breakfast. “Everything changed the moment you walked through the door, ma’am. I knew from the way the master looked at you he was smitten.”
Dorian’s hand came to rest on Delphine’s back. “I was smitten when she insisted a dislike of mussels might help me solve the case, Mrs James.” He pressed his mouth to her ear and whispered, “And when you slipped your tongue over mine while your brother slept twenty feet away.”
Delphine gently nudged him to be quiet. “When I saw him, I knew we were destined to be more than friends.”
She had spent many lonely hours conjuring an image of her future husband. Now she knew he was tall and broad, with a smile that would melt any woman’s heart.
Indeed, she was still staring at Dorian when the guests gathered in the drawing room to converse and drink champagne. Mrs Maloney's remark must have been amusing because Dorian shook his head and erupted into laughter.
Heavens! He was so handsome. He looked so happy and carefree. And to think she would wake to his sinful grin each morning.
Everyone seemed to be avoiding talk of Mrs Maloney’s male companion. Keen to protect the woman dear to all their hearts, Aramis had drawn the elderly gentleman into a quiet corner of the room to speak privately. Perhaps Mrs Maloney’s love interest was hoping for a proper introduction because he glanced at Delphine three times during the conversation.
“Delphine?” Miss Darrow cleared her throat and tapped Delphine’s arm to get her attention. “Are you well? I called you so many times I feared you were still in the mesmerist’s trance.”
“Forgive me. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t hear you.” In truth, she couldn’t wait until all the guests had left so she could meet Dorian in the orangery for a romantic rendezvous.
Miss Darrow smiled. “You had the same faraway look in your eyes the first time you saw Mr Flynn.”
“I did?” So much had happened since then. “Perhaps our meeting was fated. Some things are written in the stars. How strange Theo accompanied me that day, and you were on hand to nurse him.”
Miss Darrow grumbled under her breath. “Trust me. There is nothing fated about our meeting. If Theodore Chance is the King of Hearts, all maidens are doomed.”
“I’ve always found his playful manner endearing.”
Miss Darrow’s grimace said she disagreed. “By any chance, have you come across my wooden sewing box?” She gripped her sherry glass between firm fingers, probably wishing the stem was Theo’s neck. “While I’m at Mile End, would you mind if I searched upstairs? It may have slipped behind the bed.”
As mistress of the house, Delphine was happy to oblige her. “Of course not. You should ask Theo for help. He may remember where you left it. I presume the box holds some sentimental value.”
Why else would the modiste be so desperate to find it?
“Erm … yes. It belonged to my grandmother.”
That was clearly a lie. Miss Darrow’s eyes darted about in their sockets. She had been jittery all day, though Theo didn’t help matters. He watched the modiste over the rim of his glass, his angelic blue eyes hiding wicked intentions.
The lady hurried away when Aaron joined them.
“It comes as a relief to know I have such a negative effect on women.” As if controlled by the power of the tides, Aaron’s traitorous gaze drifted to Miss Lovelace. “Your husband has made a wager with Aramis. He’ll lose, of course.”
“Dorian is remarkably astute.” She looked at the magnificent man she’d married, lust’s coil tightening in her stomach at the thought of them making love tonight. “What was the wager?”
“Based on the fact Daventry is encouraging Theo’s game with Miss Darrow, I wagered he’d be married by the autumn. Doubtless they’ll both drag us to hell and back first. Lord knows what the woman is hiding.”
“What did Dorian wager?” she said, feigning ignorance.
Dorian had mentioned his prediction days ago, which is why she had argued with Aaron and insisted Miss Lovelace receive a wedding invitation.
“Flynn thinks I’ll be married by Christmas.” Aaron gave a cynical snort. “Do I look like a man who would tolerate a wife? I’ll not have a woman in my home, disturbing my sanity. Perhaps it’s time I took a mistress.”
“No!” She coughed to hide the rising panic. Taking a mistress would ruin any hope of him making an alliance with Miss Lovelace. “How would you have time? You rarely leave Fortune’s Den and swore you’d never mix business with pleasure.”
“I need a way of wiping the arrogant grin off your husband’s face. Perhaps I’ll find a reason to fight him in the ring.”
“Lay a hand on him again and I shall put a toad in your bed.”
“A toad?” Aaron laughed, the rare sound capturing Miss Lovelace’s attention. “You’re not twelve, Delphine. Besides, I happen to like toads. Almost as much as I like your husband. Flynn is the sensible brother I never had.”
Aaron never praised anyone.
The compliment proved promising.
“Dorian has had quite a lonely life,” she said, her heart so full of love it might burst. “Being part of a large family will be good for him.”
Aaron knocked back his champagne. “I saw his father enter the church. I’m surprised he’s not here, dominating the conversation.”
So was she.
Thus, she had sent Briggs to Mayfair with a note.
“Healing past wounds is a lengthy process.” They had to focus on taking one step at a time. “Neither knows how best to proceed, but it’s important to move in the right direction.”
“Some wounds never heal,” he said gravely.
“The right ointment can work wonders.” She hoped Miss Lovelace was the salve Aaron needed to put the past behind him. Overcoming his stubborn streak was the first hurdle to lasting happiness.
Kingsley appeared. The butler cleared his throat and said quietly, “You have a visitor, ma’am. I took the liberty of asking his lordship to wait in the library.”
Her heart shot to her throat. The earl had come? Now she had to find the strength to confront him with the truth. “Thank you, Kingsley. I shall be right there.”
“Good luck,” Aaron teased. “I believe you’ll need it.”
“I watched a lunatic creep out of a cupboard and point a pistol at my face. I can cope with the earl’s gruff temper. Say nothing to Dorian. I don’t want to dash his hopes.”
She left Aaron and slipped out into the hall. After taking a few calming breaths, she stole into the library to find the Earl of Retford admiring a painting of a racehorse.
“My lord.” She dropped into a demure curtsey. “I trust you received my note. Forgive me, had you remained at the church, I would have extended an invitation.”
The earl’s cheeks coloured. “I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome.” He glanced at the plush furnishings and shelves of leather-bound books. “If my son wanted me here, he would have given me his address years ago.”
She smiled, hoping it looked sincere. “May I speak openly?”
“By all means.” He gestured for her to continue.
“Dorian is the best of men. If you want his love and respect, you’ll have to fight to earn it.” She imagined the earl in Aaron’s pit and had to bite back a grin. “If that is beyond your capabilities, then you should leave. Dorian has suffered enough.”
The earl arched a bushy brow. “Are you always this frank, madam?”
“Time is precious. Why waste it on ambiguity?”
The earl’s amused snort surprised her.
“If you cannot raise a toast to your son on his wedding day, there’s no hope of a reconciliation. If you agree, I shall fetch my husband.” She prayed Dorian wasn’t angry and the earl didn’t spoil this golden opportunity to make amends.
“I agree, though do not wish to ruin his wedding day.”
“I’m certain you won’t.” She curtsied again before adding, “Let us be clear. Hurt him, and I shall make you suffer in ways you cannot begin to imagine. The men in my life are loving and loyal. I pray you won’t disappoint.”
She left the earl pondering that thought and went in search of Dorian. As soon as she entered the drawing room, Mrs Maloney’s companion took to staring at her strangely again.
Dorian spotted her and drew her aside. “I missed you.” His hand at her elbow sent a tingle down her spine. “Give me fair warning next time you sneak out of the room. We might have an interlude in the understairs cupboard.”
“I’m sure we will spend endless days exploring all the hidden corners in this house.” She swallowed past her nerves, hoping he wouldn’t be angry. “I have some important news to share. You may be furious, but consider it a wedding gift that keeps on giving.”
He drew his thumb across his bottom lip. “Now I’m intrigued.”
“Don’t raise your hopes.” Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the elderly gentleman gawping. Maybe he was desperate for her approval, too. “I invited your father to spend a few hours with us. I left him waiting in the library in case you disapprove and wish to throw him out, though he seems amiable.”
Dorian straightened, his shock short-lived because his gaze moved to Mrs Maloney’s male companion. “I know I’m supposed to be the most important man in your life, particularly on our wedding day, but I fear someone else deserves your attention today.”
Confused, she followed his gaze to the white-haired fellow with a penchant for grinning. “You speak of Mrs Maloney’s companion? Why would—”
“That man is your grandfather. He stayed with Mrs Maloney last night. He wouldn’t let me tell you because he didn’t want his arrival to overshadow our celebrations. Aaron went to fetch him from Chichester. It seems your brother insists on vetting every man in your life.”
Delphine froze.
She turned slowly, but her grandfather’s beaming smile suddenly made everything right. Now she knew why he hadn’t stopped shaking Aaron’s hand, why he had spent time alone with all her brothers.
Her throat tightened. It was like having her parents with her on her wedding day. A comforting feeling of unity and enduring love enveloped her.
“Go to him,” Dorian whispered. “He has been waiting hours to speak to you.” His hand skimmed her hip, a sensual caress that carried the promise of something illicit. “I’ll attempt to be civil to my father, though I shall be counting the minutes until we’re alone tonight.”
She cupped his cheek and kissed him quickly. “Meet me in the orangery at eight. I’ll be waiting.”
He moistened his lips. “I’ll bring the champagne.”
It was nine o’clock when their guests left and they had the house to themselves. Her sisters-in-law had decorated the orangery. They’d draped chiffon around the windows and had Kingsley bring the chaise from the library. Lit candles glowed in hanging lanterns, giving an ethereal charm. The warmth of the summer night and the sweet scent of garden roses cast a seductive spell over the room.
She watched Dorian descend the terrace steps, her stomach doing somersaults because she would never tire of making love to him. Wearing loose black trousers, an open white shirt and nothing on his feet, he looked utterly sinful tonight.
He entered the orangery, took one look at her pale pink nightgown and nearly dropped the bottle of champagne. “And they say once you’ve exchanged vows, married life is a downward spiral.”
Suppressing a grin was impossible. “I used to hide behind clothes until I met you. Now I feel free to express my true self.”
Dorian swallowed as his gaze slid over the diaphanous material that left little to the imagination. “You’ve never hidden yourself from me. The first time we met, you revealed more than your bare shoulders. I saw everything.”
“Everything?” Keen to learn more, she moved towards him at a slow, sensual pace. “What exactly did you see?”
It wasn’t just her nightgown that was transparent. From the needy purr in her voice, surely he knew how badly she desired him.
“I saw my loneliness reflected in your eyes. It was there when you clung to me and cried. It lived like an ache in my heart when you sent me away.”
She recalled their second meeting and the tug in her gut when he left Miss Darrow’s yard. Had Theo not been shot, she would not have seen Dorian again. The thought was enough to make her weep.
“Fate had other plans for us.”
He placed the bottle on the floor, rubbed his hands together to warm them and closed the gap between them. “Who knew I craved chaos?”
“Who knew that a man so reserved could seduce a woman in her brother’s bedchamber?”
He stood so close now, she felt his warm breath on her lips. “You kissed me first,” he said, his velvet voice stroking her senses.
“The madness of love is the greatest of heaven’s blessings.”
He smiled as he tugged the ribbon on her nightgown to reveal the deep valley between her breasts. “I never understood the power of love until we were alone in the Old Swan.”
“Lust had us in its intemperate grip.”
And every moment had been glorious.
“It was more than lust.” He cupped her cheek, his gaze moving from her hair to her lips. “I loved you then. Lust I could have fought, but the power of our love is like a tempest—a raging passion no human force can control.”
He brushed his thumb over her lips, down the column of her throat to circle her nipple through the filmy pink silk. It hardened, anticipating the moist flick of his tongue.
But Dorian took her hand and drew her to the chaise. “Lie down.”
She obliged him, practically drooling as he dragged his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor. His trousers followed.
She would never tire of looking at his muscular physique. She would always gasp at the size of his engorged manhood.
He straddled the chaise, hooking her legs over his thighs before sliding her nightgown slowly up to her waist.
“What do you mean to do?”
“I’m the lowly Knave of Hearts.” Carnal heat flared in his warm brown eyes as he moistened his lips and gazed at her sex. “I’m preparing to worship my queen.”
She laughed, but he set his mouth to her aching womanhood. Every hot swipe of his tongue had her writhing with pleasure. It was no surprise that she came quickly—she’d been desperate to have him all day. The shivers of delight as he entered her said she would climax many times before they left their garden hideaway tonight.
“His house?”
He knew Mr Brown had no family—there’d been but a handful of people at his funeral—but the gift brought a tear to his eye. “It will mean a trip to Winchester.”
She slipped her arms around him. “When do we leave?”
“As soon as we’re married.”
“You haven’t asked me. I might refuse.”
“Like hell you will.” He captured her chin and poured everything of himself into a toe-curling kiss. “Your mouth betrays you. You can’t wait to have me in your bed every night.”
“Our bed,” she corrected. “I’ll not sleep in separate rooms.”
“I fear we might not sleep at all.” The secret he’d been keeping pushed to the forefront of his mind. “When we visit Winchester, we might venture to Chichester, then tour the south coast. Make a honeymoon of it.”
Love lived in her beaming smile. “How could I refuse an opportunity to have you all to myself? Though why Chichester?”
He threw the letter onto the bed and captured her face in his hands. “Daventry told me something tonight.” He paused, knowing nothing he said would make his job easier. “Your paternal grandfather is alive and living in Chichester. I thought you might like to visit.”
Her throat worked tirelessly as she absorbed the information, though no words left her lips. Tears gathered in her eyes, and she buried her head in his chest and wept like the sound came from her soul.
When she found the strength to look at him, she said, “Does he know I survived? Did he ever try to find me?”
He dried her cheeks with his thumbs. “We can ask Daventry tomorrow. I’m certain he has your grandfather’s address.”
Lost in thought, she nibbled her lip. “What if he doesn’t want to see me? What if he can’t bear to relive the painful memories?”
“Why would he not want to see you? You’re beautiful in every way. You’re intelligent and funny and kind.”
She kissed him, the salty evidence of her tears on her lips. “You’re biased. No one has ever loved me like you do.”
“Marry me.”
“In a heartbeat.”
“You may want to take time to consider my proposal. Someone I love madly once told me marriage was worse than death.” She’d been quite adamant during their first meeting in Miss Darrow’s yard.
“I didn’t know a love like this was possible. Besides, you said you’d prefer a swift death to a life spent shackled to a woman.”
“You’re no ordinary woman.”
“No, I have a host of aliases.”
“Soon, you’ll be Mrs Flynn. Yet one name encompasses them all. I’m sure everyone who knows you would agree.” He thought of the monikers her brothers used. He’d never been a gambling man, but luck was on his side the day they met. “You taught me the true meaning of love, Delphine. You’re the Queen of Hearts. The undisputed ruler of mine.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
Mile End Manor
Walworth
They were married five days later by special license in St Peter’s Church in Walworth near Mile End. Miss Darrow graciously lent her a stunning ivory silk dress featuring a two-tiered skirt and ruche sleeves, a style fashionable in Paris.
The guests congregated in the front pews, although Aaron did his utmost to avoid looking at Miss Lovelace. Miss Darrow sat beside Theo, playfully nudging him twice in the ribs during the ceremony.
The Earl of Retford entered the church late and slipped silently into a back pew. He left when the vicar proclaimed them husband and wife and warned those whom God has joined together let no one put asunder.
Mrs James looked as proud as a peacock when they returned to Mile End for the wedding breakfast. “Everything changed the moment you walked through the door, ma’am. I knew from the way the master looked at you he was smitten.”
Dorian’s hand came to rest on Delphine’s back. “I was smitten when she insisted a dislike of mussels might help me solve the case, Mrs James.” He pressed his mouth to her ear and whispered, “And when you slipped your tongue over mine while your brother slept twenty feet away.”
Delphine gently nudged him to be quiet. “When I saw him, I knew we were destined to be more than friends.”
She had spent many lonely hours conjuring an image of her future husband. Now she knew he was tall and broad, with a smile that would melt any woman’s heart.
Indeed, she was still staring at Dorian when the guests gathered in the drawing room to converse and drink champagne. Mrs Maloney's remark must have been amusing because Dorian shook his head and erupted into laughter.
Heavens! He was so handsome. He looked so happy and carefree. And to think she would wake to his sinful grin each morning.
Everyone seemed to be avoiding talk of Mrs Maloney’s male companion. Keen to protect the woman dear to all their hearts, Aramis had drawn the elderly gentleman into a quiet corner of the room to speak privately. Perhaps Mrs Maloney’s love interest was hoping for a proper introduction because he glanced at Delphine three times during the conversation.
“Delphine?” Miss Darrow cleared her throat and tapped Delphine’s arm to get her attention. “Are you well? I called you so many times I feared you were still in the mesmerist’s trance.”
“Forgive me. I was so lost in my thoughts I didn’t hear you.” In truth, she couldn’t wait until all the guests had left so she could meet Dorian in the orangery for a romantic rendezvous.
Miss Darrow smiled. “You had the same faraway look in your eyes the first time you saw Mr Flynn.”
“I did?” So much had happened since then. “Perhaps our meeting was fated. Some things are written in the stars. How strange Theo accompanied me that day, and you were on hand to nurse him.”
Miss Darrow grumbled under her breath. “Trust me. There is nothing fated about our meeting. If Theodore Chance is the King of Hearts, all maidens are doomed.”
“I’ve always found his playful manner endearing.”
Miss Darrow’s grimace said she disagreed. “By any chance, have you come across my wooden sewing box?” She gripped her sherry glass between firm fingers, probably wishing the stem was Theo’s neck. “While I’m at Mile End, would you mind if I searched upstairs? It may have slipped behind the bed.”
As mistress of the house, Delphine was happy to oblige her. “Of course not. You should ask Theo for help. He may remember where you left it. I presume the box holds some sentimental value.”
Why else would the modiste be so desperate to find it?
“Erm … yes. It belonged to my grandmother.”
That was clearly a lie. Miss Darrow’s eyes darted about in their sockets. She had been jittery all day, though Theo didn’t help matters. He watched the modiste over the rim of his glass, his angelic blue eyes hiding wicked intentions.
The lady hurried away when Aaron joined them.
“It comes as a relief to know I have such a negative effect on women.” As if controlled by the power of the tides, Aaron’s traitorous gaze drifted to Miss Lovelace. “Your husband has made a wager with Aramis. He’ll lose, of course.”
“Dorian is remarkably astute.” She looked at the magnificent man she’d married, lust’s coil tightening in her stomach at the thought of them making love tonight. “What was the wager?”
“Based on the fact Daventry is encouraging Theo’s game with Miss Darrow, I wagered he’d be married by the autumn. Doubtless they’ll both drag us to hell and back first. Lord knows what the woman is hiding.”
“What did Dorian wager?” she said, feigning ignorance.
Dorian had mentioned his prediction days ago, which is why she had argued with Aaron and insisted Miss Lovelace receive a wedding invitation.
“Flynn thinks I’ll be married by Christmas.” Aaron gave a cynical snort. “Do I look like a man who would tolerate a wife? I’ll not have a woman in my home, disturbing my sanity. Perhaps it’s time I took a mistress.”
“No!” She coughed to hide the rising panic. Taking a mistress would ruin any hope of him making an alliance with Miss Lovelace. “How would you have time? You rarely leave Fortune’s Den and swore you’d never mix business with pleasure.”
“I need a way of wiping the arrogant grin off your husband’s face. Perhaps I’ll find a reason to fight him in the ring.”
“Lay a hand on him again and I shall put a toad in your bed.”
“A toad?” Aaron laughed, the rare sound capturing Miss Lovelace’s attention. “You’re not twelve, Delphine. Besides, I happen to like toads. Almost as much as I like your husband. Flynn is the sensible brother I never had.”
Aaron never praised anyone.
The compliment proved promising.
“Dorian has had quite a lonely life,” she said, her heart so full of love it might burst. “Being part of a large family will be good for him.”
Aaron knocked back his champagne. “I saw his father enter the church. I’m surprised he’s not here, dominating the conversation.”
So was she.
Thus, she had sent Briggs to Mayfair with a note.
“Healing past wounds is a lengthy process.” They had to focus on taking one step at a time. “Neither knows how best to proceed, but it’s important to move in the right direction.”
“Some wounds never heal,” he said gravely.
“The right ointment can work wonders.” She hoped Miss Lovelace was the salve Aaron needed to put the past behind him. Overcoming his stubborn streak was the first hurdle to lasting happiness.
Kingsley appeared. The butler cleared his throat and said quietly, “You have a visitor, ma’am. I took the liberty of asking his lordship to wait in the library.”
Her heart shot to her throat. The earl had come? Now she had to find the strength to confront him with the truth. “Thank you, Kingsley. I shall be right there.”
“Good luck,” Aaron teased. “I believe you’ll need it.”
“I watched a lunatic creep out of a cupboard and point a pistol at my face. I can cope with the earl’s gruff temper. Say nothing to Dorian. I don’t want to dash his hopes.”
She left Aaron and slipped out into the hall. After taking a few calming breaths, she stole into the library to find the Earl of Retford admiring a painting of a racehorse.
“My lord.” She dropped into a demure curtsey. “I trust you received my note. Forgive me, had you remained at the church, I would have extended an invitation.”
The earl’s cheeks coloured. “I wasn’t sure I’d be welcome.” He glanced at the plush furnishings and shelves of leather-bound books. “If my son wanted me here, he would have given me his address years ago.”
She smiled, hoping it looked sincere. “May I speak openly?”
“By all means.” He gestured for her to continue.
“Dorian is the best of men. If you want his love and respect, you’ll have to fight to earn it.” She imagined the earl in Aaron’s pit and had to bite back a grin. “If that is beyond your capabilities, then you should leave. Dorian has suffered enough.”
The earl arched a bushy brow. “Are you always this frank, madam?”
“Time is precious. Why waste it on ambiguity?”
The earl’s amused snort surprised her.
“If you cannot raise a toast to your son on his wedding day, there’s no hope of a reconciliation. If you agree, I shall fetch my husband.” She prayed Dorian wasn’t angry and the earl didn’t spoil this golden opportunity to make amends.
“I agree, though do not wish to ruin his wedding day.”
“I’m certain you won’t.” She curtsied again before adding, “Let us be clear. Hurt him, and I shall make you suffer in ways you cannot begin to imagine. The men in my life are loving and loyal. I pray you won’t disappoint.”
She left the earl pondering that thought and went in search of Dorian. As soon as she entered the drawing room, Mrs Maloney’s companion took to staring at her strangely again.
Dorian spotted her and drew her aside. “I missed you.” His hand at her elbow sent a tingle down her spine. “Give me fair warning next time you sneak out of the room. We might have an interlude in the understairs cupboard.”
“I’m sure we will spend endless days exploring all the hidden corners in this house.” She swallowed past her nerves, hoping he wouldn’t be angry. “I have some important news to share. You may be furious, but consider it a wedding gift that keeps on giving.”
He drew his thumb across his bottom lip. “Now I’m intrigued.”
“Don’t raise your hopes.” Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted the elderly gentleman gawping. Maybe he was desperate for her approval, too. “I invited your father to spend a few hours with us. I left him waiting in the library in case you disapprove and wish to throw him out, though he seems amiable.”
Dorian straightened, his shock short-lived because his gaze moved to Mrs Maloney’s male companion. “I know I’m supposed to be the most important man in your life, particularly on our wedding day, but I fear someone else deserves your attention today.”
Confused, she followed his gaze to the white-haired fellow with a penchant for grinning. “You speak of Mrs Maloney’s companion? Why would—”
“That man is your grandfather. He stayed with Mrs Maloney last night. He wouldn’t let me tell you because he didn’t want his arrival to overshadow our celebrations. Aaron went to fetch him from Chichester. It seems your brother insists on vetting every man in your life.”
Delphine froze.
She turned slowly, but her grandfather’s beaming smile suddenly made everything right. Now she knew why he hadn’t stopped shaking Aaron’s hand, why he had spent time alone with all her brothers.
Her throat tightened. It was like having her parents with her on her wedding day. A comforting feeling of unity and enduring love enveloped her.
“Go to him,” Dorian whispered. “He has been waiting hours to speak to you.” His hand skimmed her hip, a sensual caress that carried the promise of something illicit. “I’ll attempt to be civil to my father, though I shall be counting the minutes until we’re alone tonight.”
She cupped his cheek and kissed him quickly. “Meet me in the orangery at eight. I’ll be waiting.”
He moistened his lips. “I’ll bring the champagne.”
It was nine o’clock when their guests left and they had the house to themselves. Her sisters-in-law had decorated the orangery. They’d draped chiffon around the windows and had Kingsley bring the chaise from the library. Lit candles glowed in hanging lanterns, giving an ethereal charm. The warmth of the summer night and the sweet scent of garden roses cast a seductive spell over the room.
She watched Dorian descend the terrace steps, her stomach doing somersaults because she would never tire of making love to him. Wearing loose black trousers, an open white shirt and nothing on his feet, he looked utterly sinful tonight.
He entered the orangery, took one look at her pale pink nightgown and nearly dropped the bottle of champagne. “And they say once you’ve exchanged vows, married life is a downward spiral.”
Suppressing a grin was impossible. “I used to hide behind clothes until I met you. Now I feel free to express my true self.”
Dorian swallowed as his gaze slid over the diaphanous material that left little to the imagination. “You’ve never hidden yourself from me. The first time we met, you revealed more than your bare shoulders. I saw everything.”
“Everything?” Keen to learn more, she moved towards him at a slow, sensual pace. “What exactly did you see?”
It wasn’t just her nightgown that was transparent. From the needy purr in her voice, surely he knew how badly she desired him.
“I saw my loneliness reflected in your eyes. It was there when you clung to me and cried. It lived like an ache in my heart when you sent me away.”
She recalled their second meeting and the tug in her gut when he left Miss Darrow’s yard. Had Theo not been shot, she would not have seen Dorian again. The thought was enough to make her weep.
“Fate had other plans for us.”
He placed the bottle on the floor, rubbed his hands together to warm them and closed the gap between them. “Who knew I craved chaos?”
“Who knew that a man so reserved could seduce a woman in her brother’s bedchamber?”
He stood so close now, she felt his warm breath on her lips. “You kissed me first,” he said, his velvet voice stroking her senses.
“The madness of love is the greatest of heaven’s blessings.”
He smiled as he tugged the ribbon on her nightgown to reveal the deep valley between her breasts. “I never understood the power of love until we were alone in the Old Swan.”
“Lust had us in its intemperate grip.”
And every moment had been glorious.
“It was more than lust.” He cupped her cheek, his gaze moving from her hair to her lips. “I loved you then. Lust I could have fought, but the power of our love is like a tempest—a raging passion no human force can control.”
He brushed his thumb over her lips, down the column of her throat to circle her nipple through the filmy pink silk. It hardened, anticipating the moist flick of his tongue.
But Dorian took her hand and drew her to the chaise. “Lie down.”
She obliged him, practically drooling as he dragged his shirt over his head and tossed it to the floor. His trousers followed.
She would never tire of looking at his muscular physique. She would always gasp at the size of his engorged manhood.
He straddled the chaise, hooking her legs over his thighs before sliding her nightgown slowly up to her waist.
“What do you mean to do?”
“I’m the lowly Knave of Hearts.” Carnal heat flared in his warm brown eyes as he moistened his lips and gazed at her sex. “I’m preparing to worship my queen.”
She laughed, but he set his mouth to her aching womanhood. Every hot swipe of his tongue had her writhing with pleasure. It was no surprise that she came quickly—she’d been desperate to have him all day. The shivers of delight as he entered her said she would climax many times before they left their garden hideaway tonight.
