Sliding him a roguish look, Mary said, “But won’t the hostesses miss you?”
Kit tucked her closer to him. “I think I’m done being Mr. Perfect for theton. I’d much rather be my wife’s perfect husband.”
“I do wish we were not on the street.”
“Why is that?”
“Because I’d take you in my arms and kiss you.”
The hell with the rest of the world. If they wanted to talk, they could. He and Mary were walking through one of the many squares, when he brought them to a halt, turning her to him. “Then do it.”
A lovely rose appeared in her cheeks, yet she reached up and touched her lips softly to his. Wrapping his arms around her, he slanted his head, deepening their kiss.
Someone tsked, then an older woman said, “Liam, do you remember when we were like that?”
“My dearest love, we still are.”
Kit and Mary strolled past the couple, who must have been the same age as their grandmothers. She leaned in and whispered, “Will we be like that at their age?”
He glanced at the couple once more. “I’ll guarantee it.”
Mary couldn’t believe how much she loved Kit, being with Kit, being married to him. She felt dizzy, as if she’d drunk too much champagne. They seemed to agree on everything. Not only had theydecided to put off going to Town until the Little Season but resolved to invite his family to Rose Hill. From what he’d told her about his parents, she was sure she’d love them.
They had just rounded the corner into Charlotte Square, and were at the bottom of the steps to Lady Theo’s house, when a large, middle-aged man stepped down from the door, fuming.
“You!” He pointed at them. “Tell the witch who lives there Lord Freskin wants his grandchildren and daughter back.”
Kit raised one brow. “I shall tell her no such thing, and I suggest you find a way to control yourself and speak to her in a civil tone.”
As the older man approached, Kit whisked Mary behind him. Lord Freskin stood only a few inches in front of her husband, assuming what would have been a threatening posture to anyone but Kit.
In a bored drawl, Kit asked, “Do you want something?”
Lord Freskin swung his fist up, and the next thing Mary knew, the man was on the ground cradling his jaw.
Turning to her, Kit shook out his hand. “Shall we?”
Mary glanced at his lordship, then back to her husband. She may not have been allowed to see animals breeding, but she had seen her brothers engage in fisticuffs, and that was the best flush hit she’d ever witnessed.
She placed her hand on his arm. “Indeed.”
Reed had the door open as if nothing untoward had occurred. “Welcome back, my lady, sir.”
“Thank you, Reed,” Kit replied as they entered the hall. He bent his head to her. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”
“Thank you, but my brothers were much worse and not nearly so skilled. Your science is wonderful.”
“You mean that display didn’t shock you?”
“Not at all. Quite the contrary. I actually love a good match.”
His palm cupped the back of her waist as they mounted the stairs. “You are an amazing woman.”
A footman showed them to their new chambers. “Her ladyship wishes to see you.”
“Thank you.” Mary removed her bonnet and glanced around the room. It was about the same as the one she’d had before, except for the bed. That was much larger. Well, Kit did take up a great deal of space.
He wrapped his arms around her. “I’d much rather remain herewith you, but if we find out what Lady Theo wants, we might be able to carve out some time alone.”
