Page 85 of Watching the Earl

His chest lightened and his breathing increased. “Truly?”

“Yes.”

Joy filled him, making him want to shout, but her agreement was far too precious for that. As if she were a delicate bird, he rose, bringing her up with him. “I love you, Georgina.”

She rested her hand on the side of his face as she stared into his eyes. “I love you too.”

He lowered his lips to hers and sealed their new beginning with a gentle kiss.

When they pulled apart, she looked into his eyes. “I missed you. Even though I hurt, I couldn’t stop loving you.”

“When I realized what I’d done, I was desperate to make it right. I never want to hurt you again. I promise to try not to, but I don’t have a lot of faith in myself yet.”

“I do. I know you don’t want to hurt anyone. I’d even bet on it.”

“You would?” He held her a little tighter. “What would you bet?”

“I’d bet that if you hurt me again, I would live without you for a month.”

He swallowed hard. His wife had grown into a confident and strong woman, one he needed to match. “And what if I toe the line? What do I receive?”

She moved her mouth closer to his. “You will receive children.”

He breathed deeply, her scent filling his nostrils, causing his body to respond. “Then I accept your bet.”

She gave him a soft smile just before he took her lips with his, this time with all the love and passion he felt. He might not deserve her, but she was his and he’d spend every day making her happy she was his wife.

A loud screech came from the steps, and Georgina pulled away. “That’s a bird. A frightened bird.”

He’d almost forgotten his gift once again. “It is a bird. I brought you a present.” Reluctantly, he let her go and walked to the steps to retrieve the cage. “This is a special bird. I had to find just the right one for you.” He set the cage on the bench, and she joined him there.

Slowly, she lifted the material off the cage and stared.

The white bird, its high crown of feathers straight up, hopped to the edge of its cage and cocked its head to stare at her.

Immediately, she crouched down. “A cockatoo.” Her voice was so low, he barely heard her. “Hello, little one. I’m your new mama.”

The bird bobbed its head and let out a soft chirp.

Georgina looked up at Philip. “Thank you. She’s perfect.” She turned her attention back to the bird. “I’m going to call you Elodie. Do you like that? El-ooooo-dee, like Melody.”

The bird rubbed its head against the metal slats and let out an odd sound. “Oooooodeeeeee.”

Georgina laughed. “Yes. El-oooo-deee. And I’m Mama.”

The bird cocked its head again then bobbed it up and down. “Oooooooodeeeee.”

“Good girl. At least you like your name.”

The bird gave a few more chirps, then Georgina rose and covered the cage. She turned to Philip and took his hand. “We’d like to go home now.”

His heart filled with happiness. He squeezed her hand before reaching over with his other and gently lifting the cage. “Hear that, Elodie? We’re going home.”

Epilogue

Two weeks later

Georgina stared up at the tiny lanterns in the trees all around the back lawn of the De Veirs’ house at the corner of Portman Square. The De Viers’ ball was known for being held outside and distinctly beautiful. This year’s theme, the Elysian Fields, had the entire gardens looking like a true nighttime paradise of heroic souls chosen by the Greek gods.