“I simply told her that I’d promise to protect and cherish Marina to the best of my abilities.”
“The girl deserves to be loved.”
“She has agreed to marry me, uncle. You should be happy. I’m fulfilling my duty. I’m to be wed as you wished, and you are fond of Marina, are you not?”
“I am.”
“Then let’s hope she opts for a quick ceremony in town. I’d prefer if you were in attendance at this momentous event of my life.”
Henrietta rejoined them. “We’ll hold the ceremony later this afternoon. I shall speak to Landon and Archbroke and will notify you of the location and exact time you are expected, Lord Darlington. I suggest you take yourself home and begin your own preparations.” She turned to Walter. “You had best accompany him, make sure the household will be ready to receive its new mistress.”
Henrietta tugged on his arm. He bent so she could whisper in his ear. “Might I suggest you bring a valise with you this eve. From experience, my advice is to never cohabitate with a newlywed couple.
“I shall take your words of wisdom to heart and be prepared.” He nodded to Nicholas, and they took their leave. He was troubled by his nephew’s view on marriage, but was at a loss as to how to help. Nicholas was a smart lad; he’d figure it out in time. The prospect of spending even an extra hour with Henrietta each night put a spring into his step as they left Archbroke’s townhouse.
Epilogue
Six weeks later…
Hands on her hips, Henrietta stared down at her traveling trunks. Theo was fully recovered from childbirth. It was time for her to retire to the country, to the dowager wing at Hadfield Hall. She was tasked to keep Bronwyn company, and out of trouble, until Landon could join her at the family estate. Henrietta tapped her toe against the wooden side of the box that contained the volumes that would have to keep her entertained and then froze. Leaving town and Walter was not ideal, but she hadn’t managed to devise an alternative plan. Rooted to the spot, she waited for Walter to wrap his arms about her waist. Instead, lips grazed the back of her neck. She turned and leaned into the man who reminded her every day she was needed and loved. She might have outlived some of her peers, but she wasn’t dead yet. In fact, Walter made her eager to experience each new day.
Walter lifted her chin and lowered his lips to hers. His heart raced beneath her palm that was pressed flat against his chest.
Breathless, Henrietta rested her cheek over the back of her hand. “I shall miss you.”
“We need to talk. I shan’t be too far away.”
Hope and confusion had her taking a step back. “I wasn’t aware you had a country residence.”
“I don’t.” Walter took her by the hand and led her to the small sitting area near the windows. “I took the liberty of seeking out a private meeting with your son and Archbroke.”
“For what purpose?” She tugged her hand out of his grasp.
“I merely reminded them of your assigned task to ensure I keep certain details a secret.” Walter remained smiling, almost smug.
She planted her hands back on her hips. “Walter Weathersbee, interfering in PORF business is not in your purview.” Her brows shot up as she said, “Please tell me you did not seek out their permission for me to marry.”
“Of course not.” Walter’s smile disappeared. A vertical crease between his eyebrows appeared. “I thought we were in agreement on the subject of marriage.”
She hadn’t meant to offend him. He was correct; a little over a week ago, they had openly agreed that a certificate of marriage would only complicate matters at their age, and there was no need as long as they both remained true to each other. She reached out to recapture his hand. “I apologize. We are.”
Walter’s shoulders relaxed a tad, but there remained a wariness in his gaze. “Landon has made arrangements for you to reside here in town, in your own residence.”
“Why was I not consulted on the matter?”
Her brash reply banished all traces of uncertainty from Walter’s features. The man even had the audacity to calmly sit and pat the seat cushion next to him. “Would you have preferred to spend the summer at Hadfield Hall instead of in town?” He leaned back and rested his arm along the back of the settee.
“You know my preferences. I wish to be with you.” She flopped down upon the settee next to him and crossed her arms against her chest. “Did you say myownresidence?” Turning to face Walter, she began to comprehend the limitless number opportunities of being alone with the man. Being mistress of her own residence would be a huge boon.
“Aye. Archbroke and Landon agreed with me that it would be perfectly reasonable for you to stay in Christopher’s vacated townhouse during his absence. Its close proximity to the office means you will be able to keep an eye on me and my… activities.” His fingers brushed against her shoulder.
She wanted to remain irritated at him, but Henrietta recognized the brilliance of his scheme.
Walter’s fingers kneaded her tight shoulder muscles. “You know, my dear, I couldn’t fathom being apart from you. I would follow you anywhere; however, Christopher left the responsibility of overseeing Neale & Sons to me. Until his return…”
She tilted her head to the side to rest on his shoulder. “I fully understand the situation.”
“Are you not pleased with your new living arrangements?”
Releasing a half sigh and half moan, Henrietta shifted so that they were face-to-face. “When will men ever learn, women do not care to be managed?”
Lips curved into a smile, Walter replied, “Perhaps the day when the age of a woman compared to that of a man’s no longer matters.”
“Bah! Neither of us will live long enough to see such occurrences.” She twisted and fell back to rest against his solid chest.
He wrapped his arm around her. “I apologize for not consulting you first.”
“I realize you acted out of care and not selfishness.”
His chest rumbled as he chuckled. “Ah, but I did act out of selfish need. I couldn’t bear the thought of being apart from you. After all these years of waiting, I wasn’t going to let us be separated. We may not be bound by marriage, but we are by love.”
