He took her hand and guided her down the long flight of steps. ‘That’s something we’re not likely to do, I fancy.’
‘Forget Brighton? No indeed, though I don’t think I would ever wish to return.’
‘But why not? In the end everything came right, and since we found happiness there, the town should have a place in our hearts.’
A shiver prickled the surface of Domino’s skin as they began to walk slowly along the wide pavement, the trees on either side sprouting their first greenery of the season.
‘The place has as many bad memories for me as good,’ she said as easily as she could. ‘Lord Moncaster, for instance.’
‘He need never concern us again.’
For a moment they were forced to abandon their conversation in order to negotiate a path round a group of chattering acquaintances, intent on enjoying the mild sunshine and blissfully unaware of the obstacle they presented.
‘I received an intriguing message yesterday,’ he continued once they had rounded the group. ‘I forgot to tell you—it came from an old friend at Carlton House. The duchess has married Moncaster!’
Domino looked shocked but said with some spirit, ‘They deserve each other. But it is very soon after the duke’s death. Only a few months. Surely that cannot be right.’
‘Charlotte has never been one to spend too much time observing the proprieties,’ he said wryly. ‘I imagine she was desperate to find another husband—marriage gives at least the semblance of respectability—and Moncaster was free. She grabbed him while she could.’
Domino remained silent, watching the stream of stylish carriages making their way along the wide boulevard at a smart trot, but with her mind far away.
‘And they are in London,’ she said finally, the strain in her voice betraying her anxiety.
‘Don’t fret, my darling. They may be in London but that’s where they’ll stay. Being close to power is all that interests them and now that Moncaster has been allowed back into Court, they will be eager to resume their places in the Regent’s entourage. They’re sure to hang on to George’s coat tails forever and we’re just as sure never to see them again.’
‘Norfolk is not that far from London,’ she reminded him, still anxious but willing herself to be convinced.
‘It’s far enough, particularly in the depths of winter. The climate can be inclement and the roads sometimes impassable. I only hope you won’t find it too quiet.’
That galvanised her and she turned impulsively towards him. ‘I am so looking forward to seeing Castle March and setting up house with you there.’
‘It will be a house for someone else too,’ he reminded her, gesturing lovingly to the gentle swell of her stomach.
‘Indeed. It will be the perfect place for children and the perfect place for us.’
‘No chance there of falling back into my wicked ways, you mean.’
She nudged him playfully. ‘You know I mean nothing of the sort. I am very sure that your wicked ways, as you call them, are long dead.’
‘You should be sure. It’s you that has tamed me.’
‘I doubt that’, and she blushed at the thought of the night they had just spent together. ‘Not that I would want to!’
He bent to kiss her full on the lips, ignoring the scandalised glances of their fellow strollers along the broad walkway. ‘Together we’ll make Castle March a real home, Domino. At last I can hang my da Vinci. It’s the very first thing I shall do. Actually, the second,’ he corrected himself. ‘There’s a small matter of carrying you over the threshold.’
‘You must make sure that you don’t drop the pair of us!’
‘I will be taking the greatest care of you both.’
He looked at her blooming cheeks and shining dark eyes. ‘You are more beautiful than ever,’ he murmured and then stopped short and pulled her to himself, almost roughly. ‘I think we should be thinking of quite a large nursery.’
‘Do I get any say in that?’ She smiled roguishly up at him.
‘Not a word. It’s already decided. But I do need your advice with something that has me in quite a puzzle.’
Domino, still smiling, raised her eyebrows.
‘It’s a matter of the greatest importance, so take care before you answer. Where exactly am I to hang the Leonardo?’
* * * * *
ISBN: 9781459227521
Copyright © 2012 by Isabelle Goddard
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Society's Most Scandalous Rake Page 24
