Page 51 of A Countess Never Tells

She rose somewhat wearily, as though she’d just now realized how much had transpired in the span of a single day. “That is rather an understatement, don’t you think?”

“Perhaps.” He opened his arms, and she stepped into their circle and laid her head on his chest. They stood embracing one another, taking solace from the intimate touch, a feeling of such serenity stealing through Ash that he didn’t wish to contemplate letting her go. Eighteen days, and he wouldn’t ever have to do so again.

The thought filled him not with lust but with a contentment he’d never known before. He’d known that there were pleasures beyond those of the flesh, but he’d dismissed them as unimportant. More fool him. In this moment, the idea that he and Kitty would make a life together, have children together, grow old together seemed more important than any kiss or caress ever could. But if they wished to have that become reality, they must move forward now.

“I must go now, my dear. The day to come will be just as busy as the day that has passed.” He lifted her face to his. “We must be ready to face it with all our faculties refreshed.”

“I am always strongest when I am with you, Ash.” She rose on tiptoe to brush a kiss across his lips, enflaming his ardor as she must have known it would. “Kiss me?”

“On one condition.” It might not be the time to ask this, but Ash had to know. “You tell me who was the first man to kiss you.”

“Ash!” Kitty giggled. “Are you actually concerned about that?”

“It keeps popping up in my mind. Tonight…” He hesitated, but best to let her know how badly it was consuming him. “Tonight, I feared it might be Baltimore and that’s why you wouldn’t tell me.”

“Ugh.” Kitty wrinkled her nose and pursed her lips. “Not on a bet, Ash.”

“Then who was it?” He’d go mad if she didn’t tell him soon.

“Richard Gramble, a neighbor’s son. In Cambridgeshire. He was about sixteen and I was fourteen.” She put her hands on her hips. “Are you satisfied? Will you kiss me now?”

“With pleasure, my love,” he murmured as he lowered his lips to hers, thrilling at the touch, the taste of her. And so very relieved. He deepened the kiss, wanting to immerse himself in her, to become one with her in all ways. Only eighteen days until that was possible.

Sighing, Ash broke the kiss. There was a sense of absolute loss as they parted. “I will see you later this morning, my love. After the settlements are signed, if the weather is fair, we can take a ride in the park.”

Kitty laughed. “Yes, and this time we can actually go to get ices, and check at the booksellers. I do wish to finish reading Clarissa before we marry. I think her trials are so much like mine. I wish to see how she deals with Mr. Lovelace.”

Ruefully, Ash shook his head and offered his arm. He feared Kitty was in for a grave disappointment with regards to the heroine of Clarissa. “Will you accompany me to the door, my love?”

“With much pleasure.” Kitty wound her arm through his and leaned against him as they headed for the foyer.

Just as long as he didn’t disappoint Kitty, he’d be the happiest man on earth.

Chapter 23

Pacing back and forth in front of John’s closed study door, Kitty kept an eye on the tall longcase clock on the wall opposite, impatient as always to see Ash. She’d gotten only a brief glimpse of him as he’d strode into the settlement meeting, cutting a fine figure in a fawn-colored silk suit, his hair neatly clubbed back. She hadn’t wanted to deter him, so she’d held back, assuming the meeting would be over in a quarter of an hour or so. But now it was nearly half-past eleven and he still had not emerged. Had John made her settlements so convoluted Ash had to take issue with every clause? She’d originally pressed her ear against the door, trying to hear what was going on, but the stout oak confounded her efforts amazingly well.

That had left her with no choice save to pace and wait it out.

Finally, at quarter to twelve, the door opened, and Ash and John emerged, both looking jovial for a change. Another miracle, and none too soon. She hurried over to her betrothed, his handsome face wreathed in smiles. “I was beginning to believe you’d escaped out of the window, Ash, with John in pursuit.”

“Not today, my dear.” Ash bowed to her then indicated her brother, who stood looking on from the doorway. “Lord Haxby and I came to a very amicable accord concerning your settlements.”

“Indeed?” Kitty raised her brows at John, who suddenly looked sheepish.

“Lord Ashwood had told me he wasn’t interested in your dowry. Gentlemen will often say this in order to impress a potential father-in-law, however in the end they do take a keen interest in what their wives bring to the marriage.” He shook his head. “Ashwood here was as good as his word. He signed the settlements as I wrote them, without asking for a single change.”

“There is something to be said for being the only son of an only son of an only son.” Ash beamed at her brother. “There’s much less bickering and more money therefore to inherit.” He turned his attention to Kitty, with a tender look on his face. “I have never been interested in anything other than Kitty herself. But I am happy to report, my dear, that your brother has been most generous with your pin money and settlements to our children.”

“It sounds as though there may only be one child, Ash.” The thought saddened Kitty greatly. Even though her brother had been a trial of late, she couldn’t imagine a life lived without him. “I had hoped for a larger family.”

Ash took her hand. “I promise to do everything within my power to give you as many children as you wish, love.” He grinned at John. “Beginning seventeen days from now.”

If Kitty had anything to do with it, they would begin well before that. With the settlements signed, and news of their impending wedding spreading throughout the ton, Kitty suspected that John’s edict about not anticipating the wedding could be all but disregarded. Supposing they managed to succeed, even if John discovered his mandate had been defied, would it be in his best interests to call off the marriage? Especially if she were, perhaps, increasing by that time? She would speak to Ash about her suppositions and see if she could convince him to disregard that particular stipulation.

“So if you signed the settlements immediately upon reading them, why has it taken you all morning to emerge?”

“After Ashwood was so generous, I thought the generosity needed to be reciprocated in some manner.” John grinned at her. “At which point I offered him some of the Clos de Griffier cognac, and we have been getting to know one another.”