They arrived on the dance floor as the music began. Kit held her closer than usual. “Are you happy?”
Why did he even need to ask? “I am perfect.”
The doubt left his eyes and he grinned. “You certainly are.”
Theo glanced over at her husband. “I believe a journey to England is in the making. I shall instruct my maid to begin packing.”
Titus narrowed his eyes. “I think you’re counting your chickens before they hatch, my lady. You’ll be eating that turban yet.”
Stubborn Scots. “Hmm. Just where do you think Munro is right about now?”
Titus glanced around. “In the card room, most likely.”
“If you wish, we can wager on it.”
“And just where doyouthink he is?” Titus’s jaw tightened. A sure sign he knew he was going to lose. Papa had taught her all about tells.
“I believe he is picking himself out of the holly bushes below the balcony.”
“Ha!” Titus scoffed. “As much as I admire Mr. Featherton, he’d never be able to take Munro.”
Theo suppressed her smile. “You think so, do you?”
“Aye.” The syllable was short and curt.
“Well then, if I’m right, you buy me that diamond necklace I’ve been admiring, and if you’re right . . .”
“We don’t go to England.”
That was only to be expected. After seventeen years, he’d still not forgiven her father for attempting to stop their wedding.
“Done.” She thought for a moment. “Let’s sweeten the pot.”
His eyes narrowed. “What are you thinking?”
She widened hers. “If they marry within the next two days, you’ll spend Christmas with my family.”
“And if they don’t, you’ll agree to pack up and go on the next expedition. In two weeks.”
“I agree.” She slid a look at her husband and wondered how badly he would take losing their wager.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
Late that night, after everyone else had retired, Mary sneaked out of her bedchamber, along the corridor, crossing to the other wing of the house where Kit’s room was located. They may have to wait another few weeks to wed, but she longed to be with him now.
Padding to the last door on the right, she stopped, took a breath, and opened it. Kit stood before a small writing desk reading a letter. She closed the door, and he turned, dropping the missive to the desk and hastily tying the cloth belt of his robe. He stared at her but didn’t utter a word.
Now that she was here, Mary wondered what she’d been thinking. Perhaps she should go back to her chamber. Yet they were betrothed. Everything she’d planned to say died on her lips.
In three steps, he was with her, and his arms were around her. “My love?”
Oh God! Now what?Her throat dried. She could see his chest again, but this time she knew how hard it was. “I—I wanted to be with you.”
Kit’s forehead creased, and when he spoke, his voice was full of regret. “I’d like nothing better, but we cannot.” Lifting her in his arms as if she weighed nothing at all, Kit carried Mary to a large, stuffed chair. He sat, holding her on his lap as he stroked her hair.
“I don’t understand. We are marrying.”
“More than anything, I want to make you mine in all ways tonight. You have no idea how often I’ve dreamed alternately of tearing your gown off or undressing you slowly, kissing every inch of you. For weeks, I have fought taking you in my arms and making you mine. You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
