by Donna Hatch
He grinned and kissed her again until her feet left the ground and she floated.
A manly cough brought them back to earth. Horses snorted and stamped, and tack jingled, reminding them that the earl waited in the carriage.
Oh, heavens! She’d kissed Christian in full view of his father. However, she couldn’t actually be as sorry as she ought.
Christian kissed her brow and stepped back. She almost laughed out loud at his rueful smile. “My father awaits. I’ll come to you the moment you arrive in Bath.” He took a step back, then another, as if he couldn’t bring himself to turn around and walk away.
“I can hardly wait.”
“There you are, Jenny,” Matilda said. She came down the front steps, clasping her hands in front of her. “I came to say goodbye.” She glanced back at Sir Reginald waiting by the front door who gave her an encouraging nod.
Matilda flitted her gaze to Christian who had halted halfway to the carriage. “Mr. Amesbury, I apologize for placing you in difficulty. I misunderstood—through no fault of yours. And I thank you for the lovely portrait. I’ve never seen its equal.”
“It was my pleasure,” he said graciously.
Matilda turned her gaze to Genevieve. Her face crumpled and tears filled her eyes. “Forgive me, Jenny!” She limped forward, her arms outstretched.
Genevieve met her and caught her in an embrace. “There is nothing to forgive. I’m grieved to have caused you pain.”
Matilda shook her head. “You were only following your heart as you should.” She glanced back at the curly-haired young Sir Reginald. “And I think it’s time I followed mine.”
Genevieve grinned at Sir Reginald, and his teeth flashed in return. “He’s a fine young man, Mattie.”
“Yes, he is. Curious. We’ve been friends for years, yet I never knew.” Dreaminess came into her eyes for a moment. “Well, never mind. Goodbye for now. I hope to see you soon—perhaps in a church?”
Genevieve smiled at Christian who had only taken a few steps towards his family coach. She could not mistake his adoring gaze.
He replied without taking his attention off Genevieve. “Yes, in a church—as soon as possible.” His smile promised many secret pleasures in the near future.
Matilda was locked in a gaze with Sir Reginald and has missed the entire exchanged. She pulled her focus of the young man who truly loved her and hugged Genevieve again. “Until then, goodbye.” She hobbled up the steps with Sir Reginald at her side.
With a sultry gleam in his eye, Christian strode back to her with long, determined strides, and pulled her into his arms. “I love you, Genevieve.” He cupped both of her cheeks and kissed her so expertly, so thoroughly, that her knees wobbled.
“Oh my,” she said when she could speak. “I think we’d best purchase our wedding license as soon as possible.”
He grinned. “Perfect.”
Surely there could never be anything more perfect in all the world, than loving, and being loved by, Christian Amesbury.
About the Author
Award-winning author of more than twenty best-selling Regency Historical Romances, Donna Hatch is a hopeful romantic and an adventurer at heart. Each story she writes is filled with heart and plenty of swoon-worthy romance. Donna sings, plays the harp, and ballroom dances. Her family, including six children and two cats, recently left their native Arizona for the Pacific coast of the U.S. No matter where they live, she and her husband of over twenty-five years are proof that there truly is a happily ever after.
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Other Titles by Donna Hatch
Need more chocolate for your romantic soul? Other titles by Donna Hatch:
The Rogue Heart series:
The Stranger She Married
The Guise of a Gentleman
A Perfect Secret
The Suspect’s Daughter
Courting Series:
Courting Countess
Courting Country Miss
Music of the Hearts Series
Heart Strings
Novellas and Short Stories:
“Sabrina’s Hero”
“Unmasking the Duke”
“Matchmaking Game”
“Constant Hearts”
“Emma’s Dilemma”
“The Reluctant Bride”
“Troubled Hearts”
“When Ship Bells Ring”
“A Wager for Love” Timeless Romance Anthology, Wedding Wagers
“A Perfect Match”
Christmas Stories
Christmas Secrets
“A Christmas Reunion”
“Mistletoe Magic”
“A Winter’s Knight”
Fantasy
Queen in Exile (out of Print)
