One Wanton Wager
Page 7
Alex had often envied the ease and affection between them. He’d once remarked on their deep affection for each other and Rebecca had told him that the love she and Camden shared was so true that it would endure all time. She went on to share the legend of his ancestors, Sir Kenton Le Bec and his wife, Nicola.
According to Rebecca, Kenton and Nicola shared a love so strong that, even now, they could be heard calling to each other across the mists surrounding Babylon Castle.
His heart tugged, a suddenly recognizable pang going through it. How had he not known what it was before now? Love.
He loved Daphne.
More than that, she loved him.
Alex could have what his cousin and Rebecca shared. The magic of Babylon could belong to him as well. He need only seize it.
He let the ax fall from his hand as he took off sprinting toward the Chesterfield’s house. Racing toward Daphne.
“Where are you going?” Rebecca called after him.
Alex did not slow his pace as he yelled over his shoulder. “To claim my own Nicola.”
“I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.” Rebecca’s gleeful laugh echoed through the air. “Now hurry.”
Alex ran the whole way to Daphne’s home then leaped onto the porch and, like a man possessed, pulled the door open.
The wide-eyed butler stared after him as he took the stairs two at a time calling for her. “Daphne. Daphne, where are you? I have something I must say.”
His pulse raced through him as he crested the first landing then continued up the next set of steps. “Daphne, I really must—”
She appeared at the top of the stairs and stared down at him, one corner of her mouth tugged up in bemusement, curiosity plain in her blue gaze. “What are doing?”
He reached her and pulled her into his arms, then slanted his mouth over hers.
She pressed her palms to his chest but returned his kiss with equal fervor.
Overwhelmed with emotions and the need to share them with her, he pulled back. “I am an idiot.”
Her eyes widened. “I don’t think I understand.”
Alex stared at her, his heart near to bursting. “I only just realized what’s happened because I was so busy living in the past I could not see what was in front of me. So delusional that I believed my heart had gone missing.” He took her hands in his and rubbed small, nervous circles over them. “I was broken, but you made me whole again. I love you, Daphne.”
Moisture gathered in her eyes, but she did not speak.
Alex dropped to one knee, still clutching her hands. “Marry me, Daphne. You will never worry about anything again. I’ll see to everything you and Henry require. Most of all, I will love you both with every piece of myself until the day I die. I swear it.”
Her lower lip quivered as the first tear slipped from her eye to glide over her silken cheek. “You had me at I love you.” She beamed. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”
Bursting with joy and love, Alex stood and pulled her back into his arms. “And yet you allowed me to ramble.”
“A woman does like to be showered with promises of happily ever afters, you know.” She smiled up at him, her entire face brightening.
“You are a minx. Never change, my love.”
“Never,” she whispered, then brought her lips to his.
Epilogue
London, spring, 1817
Having returned from a shopping trip on Bond Street with Rebecca and Phoebe, Daphne alighted from the carriage in front of Bedford House in Mayfair. She grinned up at the Jacobean facade of the mansion still partially in awe that she was its mistress.
Never had she imagined she’d preside over such a grand home, but more importantly, she’d never believed she’d find love again.
Alex had changed everything.
The mere thought of him brightened her day and set butterflies loose in her stomach. Eight months of marriage had done nothing to cool the passion that flared between them, nor dull their love for each other. Deep in her soul, Daphne knew no amount of time ever would.
She entered the house, humming a merry tune, her spirits high. “Hello Jenkins,” she greeted the butler as he took her things.
“Countess.” He bowed, his grey eyes cheerful.
Daphne grinned at him. “Where might I find the earl?”
“Lord Bedford is in his office, Madam.”
“Thank you, Jenkins,” Daphne said, then strode away in search of her husband. She’d had an idea while out with the ladies. A spark of genius she was quite certain would help Phoebe in her search for love and she wanted to share it with him.
Excitement bubbled up within her as she made her way down the hall. The plush rug absorbed her footfalls as she hurried her pace, striding down the long corridor past pictures in gold frames and ornamental vases on tables and pedestals.
When she reached the office, she found the door slightly ajar and paused for a moment to smooth her skirts and pat her hair, making sure her chignon remained in place.
Confident in her appearance, Daphne nudged the door open and aimed a bright smile at her husband. “Alex, my love, I missed you.”
Alex stood near his desk with a pile of papers spread out before him. He turned to her and held his arms out. “Come here, love.”
Her heart beat a familiar tattoo as she hurried into his waiting embrace.
“You weren’t gone all that long,” Alex said as he wrapped his arms around her, holding her close.
“Even the smallest amount of time seems like an eternity without you by my side.” She relished the warmth radiating between them as she gazed up into his eyes.
“It is the same for me.” He brought his lips to hers giving her a tender kiss before releasing his hold on her. “Did you enjoy your venture?”
“We had a wonderful time. I bought some new gowns, a few things for Henry, and…” Daphne nibbled her lower lip and leaned on the edge of his desk. “I hope you won’t be cross when you receive the bills.”
“My little spendthrift.” Alex chuckled. “I’ve told you a million times to buy whatever pleases you. We can afford it.”
“Still, I feel guilty when I indulge.” Daphne had never spent money in excess before. Not that she’d ever been destitute, but unlimited funds were new to her and she tried not to take advantage. Surely they did not have so much as Alex let on. Even if they did, overindulging could lead them to the poorhouse. “I don’t want to drain your coffers.”
His grin widened as he rubbed the back of his fingers over her cheek. “Stop fretting so much. I promise if the day should ever arrive where I feel the slightest concern over our finances, I will let you know.”
Daphne nodded, her guilty conscious placated for the moment. “I’d like to spend a wee bit more.”
“Whatever pleases you is fine with me,” Alex smiled, his eyes gleaming merrily, “Countess.”
“I want to host an event to help Phoebe.” Daphne strolled across the office toward the settee. She squealed in delight as Alex’s arms came around her waist.
“Are you attempting to run away, love?” He asked in a jovial tone as he scooped her into his arms.
Her laughter filled the office. “Not at all.”
“Good, because I shall never allow you to leave me.” He sat on the settee, bringing her into his lap. “Now tell me what you have planned.”
She wriggled her bottom, settling into place and brought her arms around his shoulders. “I want to host a masked ball and invite every eligible bachelor in London to attend.”
Alex quirked one dark eyebrow, the corner of his mouth turning up. “For Phoebe?”
“Indeed. She wants to marry and hasn’t had any luck finding a gentleman to catch her fancy. I want to surround her with eligible gentlemen in a setting that puts everyone at ease. What could accomplish that better than a masquerade?”
“You needn’t convince me. If it is what you wish for then you have my blessing.” He stared deep into her eyes, tenderness radiating from his blue ga
ze. “All I ever want is for you to be happy.”
“Then you need not want for anything,” she reached up to cup his jaw in her hand, “for you have already made me the happiest woman in all the world.”
“How so?” He asked with an edge of seriousness.
She grinned up at him, warmth spiraling through her. “You love me.”
“That I do, and you have my solemn vow that I always will.” He pulled her closer, nuzzling his face against her hair.
Daphne reached out to brush the hair from Alex’s temple. “And you have mine.”
About Amanda Mariel
USA Today Bestselling author Amanda Mariel dreams of days gone by when life moved at a slower pace. She enjoys taking pen to paper and exploring historical time periods through her imagination and the written word. When she is not writing she can be found reading, crocheting, traveling, practicing her photography skills, or spending time with her family.
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