When they finally looked up, the room was empty.
“Where did everyone go?” Lydia asked in wonder.
“That's none of my concern,” he muttered. “So long as they're ready to leave at the appointed time.”
“And what shall we do until then?” she asked, a twinkle in her eye.
“I suggest more of this,” he said as he dipped his head towards hers once more.
“I was hoping you would. Oh, Levi Worthington, I love you.”
“And I you, vixen. Tomorrow after we wed I'll finally be able to show you just how much, too.”
For the millionth time that day, tears sprang to her eyes. “I don't deserve you.”
“No, you don't. You deserve so much better.”
“I don't want anything better; I just want you.”
“Likewise, my love. Likewise.”
The salty sea air whooshed around them, causing Lydia's skirts to blow against her legs as a tendril of hair swept in front of her face. Letting go of her arm, Levi reached out and removed the rogue lock and tucked it behind her bonnet ribbons.
Peeling her eyes from the mesmerizing sea on the coast of Dumfries and Galloway where they'd come to honeymoon after their quick wedding in Gretna Green, Lydia gazed into a view she liked even better; that of her husband's eyes.
“As captivating as the sea is, I prefer looking into your eyes.”
Lydia laughed. “I just had the same thought about yours.”
Gathering her into his arms, Levi held his wife as he glanced at the quaint cottage behind her that he had rented for a fortnight. With its views of the rocky shore and the tumultuous sea in the distance, it was the perfect location for them to enjoy some privacy as they got to know one another more intimately.
“I don't ever want to leave here,” she breathed dreamily against his chest.
“Nor do I, love. The world seems quite perfect with nothing but you and the sea to occupy me.”
“I'm afraid to go back to London and face what has become of my family's reputation. My mother put on a brave face for the wedding, but I know inside she is dying.”
“Then we won't return.”
“We'll stay here forever?” she asked hopefully as she pulled back to stare into his face.
Levi smiled at her. “You forget, I have a dukedom to manage and, as you mentioned, a mother-in-law that will need to be cared for.”
“And a new nephew or niece you will not want to miss the birth of.”
His brows shot up high on his forehead. “What?”
Lydia giggled. “Perhaps I shouldn't have said anything, but I trust you can keep it a secret. Alexandra and Aaron are to become parents.”
Picking her up by the waist, Levi twirled her around as she threw her head back and laughed. Her bonnet slid from her head and hung loosely on her shoulders, but she didn't care. Forcing thoughts of the hardships left behind in London from her mind, she felt happiness overcome her, making her feel so light and free. She never wanted the moment to end.
Setting her down, Levi clasped her face in his hands. “Perhaps we can give the child a cousin to grow up with.”
Lydia's eyes twinkled. “A task we've been pursuing most eagerly, I thought.”
“I say we double our efforts, just to be certain we meet with success.”
Grabbing her hand, Levi tugged her down the coast. Lydia had to run to keep up with his long strides. “Where are we going?” she asked, feeling breathless.
“You shall see.”
They kept running until they found themselves near a cove, tucked between the rocky hills. Scooping her into his arms, Levi laid her down against the sandy beach, his body pressing into hers as he began kissing her passionately. His hands wound into her hair, loosening the pins that held it in place. One by one, they fell to the shore as his fingers undid the mass of black curls until it was hanging wildly down her back.
“Your Grace,” she managed to mutter between kisses. “This is quite scandalous.”
“It's only scandalous if someone finds out.”
Continuing in his pursuit, he tugged at the bodice of her gown, one of the new ones he'd purchased since their arrival in Scotland to ensure she'd have a decent wardrobe on their trip. Lydia swatted his hands away, saying, “Do not ruin my gown, Levi. My wardrobe is severely limited at the moment.”
“I've already told you, you don't need to wear clothing.”
She rolled her eyes. “That might be a splendid solution when we are alone, but what of the times we leave the cottage for a stroll, or seek out refreshment?”
“You can wear some of my clothing, then. Now, stop speaking of what problems could arise. For now, all I wish to speak of is solutions. Alexandra's child needs a cousin, and I'm determined to provide him with one.”
Lydia's gaze turned sultry. “I like when you act determined.”
“Then you shall like what I'm about to do next very much.”
Within moments, he had her stripped of her clothing. Staring down at her glorious body, he said reverently, “You're so beautiful, Lydia.”
“And so very exposed. I'm not quite certain I'm brave enough for this, out in the open as we are.”
“We're practically in a cave on a private beach. No one will find us.”
“And if they do?”
He was thoughtful for a moment before replying, “They'll think they've died and gone to heaven, to behold such a vision as yourself.”
Wrapping her arms around his neck, Lydia pulled Levi to her. Her lips found his before trailing down his stubbled jawline then down to his corded neck. His breathing was heavy with passion as she stuck her face into his chest and breathed heavily of his manly scent. She'd never get tired of it.
“You're overdressed, I'm afraid.”
“That can be remedied,” he said as he quickly pulled his shirt off over his head then slid deftly out of his breeches, discarding them in the sand.
For the next hour, the sound of their lovemaking was swallowed up by the waves of the sea crashing against the rocky shore.
Lydia sat at the small dressing table in the corner of the cottage, pinning her hair into a simple Grecian knot. It was strange not having her maid with her to do these sorts of things.
After they'd finished making love on the beach, they'd gone for a swim in the sea. She'd never felt so daring and free, which is saying a lot for a girl that had regularly dressed up as a boy and gone into public in such a fashion.
With Levi by her side, she felt like she could conquer anything. His quiet confidence and calm assurance made her feel safe, protected.
Glancing in the looking glass, she caught Levi's reflection staring at her. He was sitting on the edge of the bed watching her. Her eyes captured his, and she smiled. “I'm almost finished.”
“I'm in no hurry.”
“I thought you were famished?”
“I'll choose to look at you over partaking of nourishment any day. I still cannot conceive how I convinced you to marry me, an arrogant buffoon who mistreated you from day one.”
Turning around in her chair, she waved one hand dismissively in front of her. “We've been over that. I did my fair share of mistreating you as well. Remember that slap?”
“How can I forget?” he asked with an adorable lopsided grin before sauntering over to her and assisting her from her chair.
They left the cottage just as the sun was beginning to set, causing a hazy glow to be cast over the village. They walked in peaceful silence down a winding street that led to the Lion's Head, a small pub that served delicious, fresh seafood caught by the locals.
As soon as they arrived, they were shown to their favorite table in the back of the room. Lydia glanced at a man sitting by himself in the corner and instantly frowned. It couldn't be! Perhaps her eyes were playing tricks on her. Blinking several times, she glanced back to the familiar figure and knew without a doubt she hadn't been mistaken.
Ignoring Levi's questioning gaze, she turned from him and stalked
right over to the man and sat down across from him with a huff and waited for him to look at her. Blue eyes flashed to her face, but they didn't register shock, only delight.
“Lady Sophia?” she whispered as she bent her head across the table. “What are you doing here?”
“Getting dinner, the same as you, I suppose.”
“Have you been following us?” Lydia asked, suddenly afraid the girl might have been privy to their afternoon romp by the sea. Her cheeks bloomed with color at the thought.
“I didn't even know you were here until I saw you just now.”
“That's a lie.”
“No, it's true.”
Sophia said everything with so much confidence; it was impossible for Lydia ever to doubt her. “Then what are you doing here?”
“Yes,” Levi drawled as he folded himself into the chair next to Lydia. He'd come to see what was going on. “What are you doing here, Lady Sophia?”
Sophia's head leaned closer as she lowered her voice. “I'm running away. There is no life for me in London now that Gilbert's actions have become common knowledge. By the way, Miss Phelps, I'm sorry to hear about your father's death.”
Lydia's eyes rounded like saucers. “What do you mean?” she asked shakily.
Sophia's shoulders slumped. “The papers reported he'd been killed.”
“But by whom? I don't understand.”
“By someone who was trying to protect another's life. I do not have any more details than that.”
A strange mixture of emotions raged inside of Lydia. Slowly, she turned to Levi and asked, “Is it bad that the predominant emotion I feel at learning of father's death is relief?”
Levi took her hand in his and answered simply, “No.”
Strangely enough, his response wiped away any guilt she felt. Turning back to Sophia, she asked, “Where do you plan to go? Are you alone? I'm not sure your plan to run away is wise. It's not safe.”
Sophia's eyes twinkled as she laughed. “I know how to protect myself, dear Lydia. You shan't have to worry about me.”
“But I do,” she admitted honestly.
“Thank you,” Lady Sophia said sincerely before rising. “Now, if you pardon me, I must be going.”
“But you haven't had your meal yet.”
“That's alright. I got what I came here for.”
Lydia and Levi watched as Sophia sauntered towards the entrance of the pub as a shabbily dressed man met her at the door. Levi scrunched his brows together. “Is that Lord Coldwell?”
Lydia did a double take as the pair disappeared into the night. “It couldn't be. Could it? It wouldn't make any sense.”
“You know what else doesn't make any sense?”
“What?” she asked slowly.
“Her story. In order for Lady Sophia to be here now, she would've had to left London when we did. She didn't leave because of her brother's disgrace; she left before it had ever been reported.”
“Do you think she lied about my father's death?” Lydia asked in horror.
“No,” Levi answered firmly.
“Then how could she know?”
Levi mulled over the newly acquired information in his mind before stating, “Lady Sophia is a mystery, that's all I know. I just hope whatever she's doing, she is safe.”
“Well perhaps if that was truly Lord Coldwell with her, he'll protect her.”
“One can only hope.”
The End...for now!
Coming Soon...
About the Author
Ginny Hartman has always loved writing, and when her love for the regency era blossomed, she decided to combine the two, resulting in her first published novel, Deceiving the Duke of Kerrington, which became an Amazon Historical Romance bestseller. After completing her first Regency Romance Trilogy, she decided to venture into other eras of historical romance, enjoying the journey back in time.
Ginny's favorite thing about writing is the escape it gives her and the people who read her stories. To be among the first to be notified when her new books are released, sign up for her newsletter at http://ginnyhartman.com/newsletter-sign-up. As an added bonus, you will also receive Mrs. Tiddlyswan's Gossip Column, an exclusive addition to Ginny's newsletter that will feature periodic updates on all of your favorite heroes and heroines. You can also like her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/authorginnyhartman.
Besides writing, Ginny enjoys reading and spending time with her favorite people: her husband and three beautiful children. She also enjoys traveling the world with the love of her life and gaining inspiration for her books. She currently resides in Northern Idaho.
The Duke's Dastardly Mistake (Unlikely Pairs Book 2) Page 16
