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“As have I,” she said coyly.
“We did not make this easy on ourselves, did we?” he joked.
The sound of a man clearing his throat brought Oliver’s head up, and he saw the constable walking towards them.
“Do you want to explain why there are two dead bodies on the beach?” Constable Philmont asked as he reached them and crossed his arms over his chest.
“Only one is dead.” Oliver turned to face the constable but remained close to Emmeline. “The vicar is just unconscious.”
“Why?” Constable Philmont pressed.
“Lord Taylor and Mr. Lawson tried to kill us to keep their smuggling operation a secret,” Oliver explained.
The constable lifted his brow. “Are you saying that you were able to overpower two armed men who intended to kill you?”
“Yes, but I did receive some help from my wife,” he admitted proudly.
Constable Philmont let out an irritated huff. “It is a good thing I heard the shots from Lockhart Manor and came to investigate.” He glanced up at the footpath leading to the top of the cliffs. “It is going to be rather difficult to remove Lord Taylor’s body from the beach.”
“I would be happy to assist you, but allow me to escort my wife to Lockhart Manor first,” Oliver said.
“Of course,” Constable Philmont replied. “I will remain here and guard Mr. Lawson.”
As Oliver escorted Emmeline away from the beach, he asked, “How are you faring?”
“Much better than expected,” she replied.
“That pleases me,” he said. “I want you to have a nice long soak while I deal with this with the constable.”
“Thank you.”
Oliver stopped at the bottom of the footpath and leaned in to brush his lips over hers. “I don’t think I will ever tire of kissing you,” he admitted as he remained close.
“I find it is rather an enjoyable pastime,” she murmured with a coy smile.
He returned her smile. “I believe this is a wonderful way to begin our marriage anew.”
Constable Philmont’s voice bellowed from further down the beach. “Lord Oliver!” he exclaimed. “I am waiting!”
Oliver chuckled. “I’d better escort you to Lockhart Manor before we make the constable even more cross than he already is.”
Chapter Nineteen
With his armdraped over Emmeline’s shoulders, Oliver sat in the coach as they neared Hawthorne House. He was content, and it all had to do with his wife. They had spent an additional week at Lockhart Manor rather than returning to London right away. It felt wonderful to be truly married, and he especially enjoyed kissing his wife.
Emmeline’s voice broke through his musings. “You appear to be deep in thought.”
“I was thinking how truly happy you make me.”
“That is kind of you to say.”
“There is nothing kind about it,” he replied. “It is the truth.”
She shifted to look up at him. “I want to be a good wife to you.”
He leaned forward and kissed her forehead, then said, “And I want to be a good husband to you.”
“I am in earnest, Oliver.”
