He cuddled her closer. “From what Nick told me, your husband was in love with another woman.”
She nodded against his chest. “I know.”
“I cannot imagine treating a lady the way he treated you. But, after meeting you, I do understand not wanting to make love to anyone else.”
Kissing her tears away, Rupert carried Vivian over to the bed. She untied his cravat, then busied herself doing what she had never done before—undress a man. Even though it was still light out, her maid had lit the candles, giving the chamber a softer glow.
She still had trouble believing Rupert thought she was beautiful. On the other hand, she knewhewas. She ran her palms over his chest, all hard muscle. Soft, springy hairs lightly covered his flesh. She touched the tip of her tongue to his nipples. They were darker than hers, but then again, he appeared to have spent time in the sun without a shirt on. As soon as his pantaloons were off, he wrapped his arms around her and climbed onto the bed.
After they made love, when she was cuddled in his arms, she kissed the palm of his hand. “Will you ask me again to marry you?”
“I will ask until you say yes.” He shifted, looming over her, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “My beautiful, darling Vivian, will you be my wife?”
“Yes. I would love to be your wife.” A lifetime with Rupert Stanstead was exactly what Vivian wanted and no one would take it away from her. Especially her father and Lord Twiddlededum. “We must do it soon, before my father finds out.”
She started to rise, but Rupert pulled her back down. “We shall wed with all due speed, but we will not give the impression we are running away.”
His face was strong and his expression firm and unyielding. The only problem was that she had never defied her father. An image of her hiding behind Rupert sprung into her mind. With him she would be safe. He was equal to anything and would take on anyone, including her father. “What do you suggest?”
“I have already sent my secretary to buy a special license. I understand Lady Telford has a clergyman arranged for Beresford and Miss Corbet, or we may wed at St. George’s. It is for you to decide. We have friends we will wish to invite to our wedding breakfast, which I propose we have at Stanstead House. The next morning, a notice will appear in theMorning Postthat we have married. Sometime during the next day or two, we shall inform your father, either in person or by mail.”
She was amazed. Not that he could plan it all out, but that he had. “I find nothing to disagree with.”
“Good.” He gave her one of his boyish grins. “Do you wish to have a new gown made?”
Vivian mentally reviewed her wardrobe. Madame Lisette had delivered several garments yesterday, including one in white with silver netting. “No, I have something suitable.”
Rupert rose from the bed, taking his warmth with him. “Give me a moment.” He rummaged through his waistcoat pockets, bringing out a small velvet bag.
“What is that?”
“If you will hold out your hand”—he sauntered to the bed—“you’ll find out.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Rupert slowly opened the sack, making a show of it, before sliding a ring on Vivian’s right hand. The wide band was made of white gold. In the middle sat a large sapphire and on either side were several smaller diamonds. “The next time I place this ring on your finger, it will be during our wedding ceremony.”
“It is exquisite. Where did you find it?” Vivian flung her arms around his neck. “It looks ancient.” For some reason she could not explain, the ring made marrying Rupert real to her.
“Only from the fifteenth century.” He lay back down beside her. “When I saw it, I knew my search was over. Fortunately, your ring finger is almost the same size as my little finger.”
She held up his hand. “I wondered about that.”
Rupert touched his lips to hers, and a knock sounded on the door.
“My maid.”
“Most likely. As much as I would love to remain here, we should probably return to Lady Telford’s house.”
“Give us a few moments,” Vivian called.
“My lady,” Punt said from the corridor side of the door, “Lady Telford asks that you return as soon as possible.”
Rupert gave Vivian an incredulous look. “Did you—”
“No! I would never tell anyone. The only reason I told my maid was that I didn’t know how to go about setting this”—she waved her hand—“up.” Vivian began thinking back. “I wonder if she did not mean something of this sort to occur. She gave me apartments in a different wing and has not questioned my not accompanying her or, indeed, going out at all lately. I am getting the sneaking suspicion that she has known about this, and us.”
He rolled his eyes. “Never underestimate old ladies. Let’s be on our way.” He dressed quickly, except for his cravat, waistcoat, and jacket. Those he threw over his shoulder. “I’ll send your maid to you and meet you downstairs.”
