Eugénie smiled. “Even to me it is warm. Good night . . . my love.”
He leaned over, kissing her lightly. “Good night, my heart.”
She didn’t think she’d actually sleep. Yet, the next thing she knew, the bed dipping awakened her. Will sat on the side, putting on his clothes. “What time is it?”
“It’s time I leave, or we’ll be caught out.”
The sky turned the deep blue it did before dawn. She groped and found her nightgown. “I’ll see you in an hour or so.”
William brushed his lips across hers. “Any more than that, and I wouldn’t go. Eugénie, I’ll chase that vicar to the ends of the earth to be your lawful husband.”
She closed her eyes for a moment to hide the tears of joy. She’d never been happier. “I know you will.”
Nothing would part them now.
Chapter 23
Will arrived back to his hotel in time to shave and change his clothing. Except for having to leave Eugénie, he was happier than he’d ever been. How had he ever thought loving a woman would stifle him?
She was the most caring, courageous woman he’d ever known. He now understood perfectly why his friends were so solicitous of their ladies, and he couldn’t wait to introduce Eugénie to all of them. Will hoped she would stop worrying about going to England.
The previous day, he’d discovered that Road Town was only about three nautical miles from the Charlotte Amalie harbor. If they could sail at eight knots an hour, he and Eugénie would be wed by this evening, if not sooner.
Will reached for the cup of coffee Tidwell brought. “Christ.”
“Is there something wrong with the coffee, my lord?”
“No, I forgot about the damn marriage settlements.”
Tidwell remained silent.
How the devil was Will to do this? He couldn’t use his power of attorney to draw them up himself. He was, after all, eloping with his beloved. Perhaps Mr. Whitecliff would act in his father’s stead. Could Will allow that? Better than nothing at all. Besides, if they waited until they reached Tortola, she’d be of age when she signed them, and it would all be proper.
According to his father, Eugénie had property in France and a goodly sum invested in the Change. Until he came in to the title, which he hoped would be years from now, Eugénie was probably wealthier than he. Not that his father would begrudge raising Will’s allowance now that he’d have a family to support. He and Eugénie would have to take up residence in the hills of the Lake District, but even that was a small price to pay to be able to marry her. Perhaps they could buy a small property by the sea. She’d feel more at home there.
He went into the parlor where Andrew was gulping a cup of tea.
“Let’s be on our way,” he said, swallowing. “We’re meeting the Whitecliffs at the pier.”
Andrew might be content to meet Cicely there, but Will would accompany his betrothed to the ship. “You can go to the pier. I shall escort my affiancedwife.”
Andrew turned a tired gaze toward Will. Deep circles underscored Andrew’s eyes. “Haven’t you been getting any sleep?”
“No.” He bit off the word.
Will grinned. Thwarted desire could make any man testy. “Then it’s time you were married.”
Andrew opened his mouth, then shook his head and mumbled, “I’ll see you there.”
Will arrived at the top of the Ninety-Nine Steps just as the Wivenly ladies emerged from their house. Cicely accompanied them. Poor Andrew.
Will went to Eugénie, raising her fingers to his lips. “Let’s find a vicar, shall we?”
Her sisters giggled.
Eugénie blushed, a pink he now knew stretched to her breasts. “Of course, my lord.”
After twining her arm in his, he offered his escort to his aunt as well. Sidonie shook her head and took Jeanne’s hand. “I’ll help Miss Penny. These girls are being particularly silly this morning. Please, go on.”
