Page 125 of The Matrimonial Advertisement

He groaned. “Helena…I want you more than life.”

“I’m yours,” she promised. “Forever.”

He stared down into her eyes. “What a fool I’ve been.”

“You have, rather.”

“I never meant to hurt you.”

“I know that.”

“The day I left London…Those things I said to you…”

“Please don’t refine on it. Not now.” She tugged at his neck. “I’d much prefer you kiss me again.”

He gave a sudden huff of laughter. “You would, would you?” He bent his head and brushed his lips over hers with infinite tenderness. “Like this?”

“Yes.”

He put his other arm around her waist and slowly backed toward one of the large chairs near the fireplace. He stopped kissing her only long enough to lower himself into the seat and pull her down onto his lap. “Much better.” And then he kissed her again.

When at last they broke apart, they were both flushed and breathless.

“Goodness,” she said. “Someone might have walked in on us.”

Justin glanced at the door. “They may still. Shall I let you up?”

“No, thank you. I’m quite comfortable here.”

He gathered her close. “You fit very well in my arms.”

“Naturally. We’re perfect for each other.”

“Fated to be together, isn’t that right? Which reminds me…” He briefly released her waist to fumble at the front of his coat. “I have something for you.”

“For me? But how? You didn’t know I’d be here…” Her voice trailed away as he withdrew a piece of sea glass from his waistcoat pocket. It was a brilliant shade of glossy blue, shaped more like a precious stone than the remnant of a broken bottle worn down by the sand and the surf.

“I found it on the beach this morning when I was riding Hiran. I’ve never seen a piece so blue. For a moment, I thought it was a sapphire. A remnant of the monk’s buried treasure, perhaps.”

“Oh, Justin. It’s beautiful.”

“It made me think of you. Of the first day we walked together on the beach. Do you remember?”

“How could I forget? I still have the piece of sea glass you gave me then. It’s in my jewel case.”

“This one is yours, too.” He dropped it into the palm of her hand. “To add to your collection.”

She examined it closely. “Such a fascinating thing, sea glass. It starts its journey so humbly. And then, with time—”

“A great deal of time.”

“How much?”

“A decade or more, I’d guess.”

“And then it’s transformed into something new. Something extraordinary.” She looked at him. “What would you have done with it if I hadn’t come back?”

“I don’t know. I scarcely knew what I was going to do with myself.” He smoothed a stray lock of hair from her face. “Yet another reason I’m so very glad you’re here. I’m relying on you to tell me what happens next.”