He heaved a deep sigh. “He is a good six inches taller than I am.”
I furrowed my eyebrows. “So he does have a flaw.”
David laughed, a deep rumble starting low in his chest and grew into a sound that had me dreaming about jumping up from my chair and placing a kiss on his mouth. If I were a proper wife, I would have done so. David stepped away from my chair, his laughter crinkling his eyes. “Please tell him how disappointed you are in his height. It will do him good.”
When he reached the door, I turned around in my seat. “David?”
He turned, still smiling. “Yes?”
“I’ve seen how you work to improve the estate, and the way your mind has navigated my problems and found ways to help me. I haven’t met Garrett, but I think youmustbe the clever one. Also”—I let my eyes roam from the top of his head down to his feet and then back up again—“you must know you’ve aged extremely well. At times, I might wish I were younger, but I don’t wish you to be older. And the fact that you are married is one of your nicest features.”
He straightened to his full height, just an inch or two taller than I was. “And my height?”
For the briefest of moments, I was back in my bed with my back pressed up against him while I wrestled with a fever. We’d fit together perfectly. I grinned brightly, praying he couldn’t hear my thoughts.“Oh, that is a point well in your favor. It makes the times we are obliged to kiss much simpler.”
His eyes went to my mouth, and I thought he might come up with a reason to kiss me right then and there. But he gave me only a jaunty grin. “Glad to be of service.”
Not glad enough, or I think he would provide that service more often.
He opened the door, and with a wink, he left.
Maren returned a few moments later, and we quickly did my hair as best she could manage. I was very interested in meeting this brother of David’s. Not because he was clever or tall or unmarried but because he’d put a lightness in his brother’s step, and I already loved Garrett for it.
I stopped in to see Mama on my way to the drawing room, and she was sitting up in bed.
“How are you feeling?” I asked.
Mama sighed heavily, and I didn’t see any difficulty in the movement. “Much better, though not as good as you look.” Mama reached a hand out, and I strode over to her and took it. “I’m so glad to see you looking well,” she said with a squeeze of my hand.
“I understand the sentiment.” I returned her smile and grasped her hand tightly, grateful we’d passed through this sickness unscathed. “David’s brother is here.”
“Maren mentioned that, but I don’t feel ready to meet anyone until I’ve got a bit more color in my face.”
Mama looked pale, but I doubted David’s brother would mind. “Are you certain?”
Mama laughed softly. “I am quite certain. And you need more time with your new family. Go. Bewitch that brother of his.”
I laughed. “I have no plan of bewitching anyone.”
“You never do, but you always manage it.”
“Mama, if that were true, it wouldn’t have taken me until age twenty-five to marry.” Nor would I have had to beg for the marriage.
“We both know Mr. Green discouraged other young men from pursuing you.”
“But I had a whole Season in London before that.”
“Yes, and I watched you that Season. While you might not have noticed it, several men were very interested in you, but you were indifferent to all of them, and they could feel it. Your father and I didn’t think you needed to hurry into a marriage. We thought there would be plenty of time for you to find a man who made you happy. And I’m so glad you finally did. I think you were meant to wait for David.”
A lump formed in my throat, because as improbable as it was, I agreed with her. I couldn’t imagine living my life with anyone but him. I had no recollection of the men she was speaking of from my Season, but I certainly hadn’t met anyone who had interested me. I hadn’t realized I’d been so obvious about it.
“Thank you, Mama.” I placed a kiss on her cheek and then made my way down the stairs to meet Garrett.
W
Chapter 22
“Today, I got to hear Anna sing. She is just as horrible as ever. And I kissed her for it. Mother, I’ve finally lived that moment you promised me long ago. Be at peace.”
