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The imposing man stood with his arms crossed, his hard eyes focused on the both of them. Stephen was about to take a step forward, to address him, but it was Belle who spoke first.
“I know this is not what you wished for me, Father. But I will no longer be ruled by your commands, which clearly do not take into account my own wishes. I will leave with the Duke of Dunleer. I only hope you can respect that.”
With that said, she grasped Stephen’s hand and turned to leave. She moved with determined force, but Stephen wasn’t fooled by her bravado. Her hand was trembling. Speaking to her father in such a manner had terrified her, though it was clear she would not back down.
“Your Grace,” came the Duke’s voice, stopping them in their tracks. Stephen turned to face him. The Duke still had not moved, and the small woman by his side seemed fraught with anxiety.
Stephen said nothing, waiting for the Duke to finish his perusal of him before continuing. Finally, the Duke of Auldwood went on, “You say you are the Duke of Dunleer? I find it odd that you have come here in such a forward manner when it was the Duchess of Dunleer who was responsible for reporting her whereabouts.”
“Pardon?” Stephen gaped at him, feeling as if the floor had come out from beneath his feet. “My Mother?”
“She did claim the reward for finding my daughter.” The Duke of Auldwood tilted his head to the side. “But it seems you were unaware of that.”
Stephen didn’t know what to say. His mind was whirling, and yet, he was not surprised. His mother had made it clear that she had her own plans the entire time. If taking Belle out of the picture would have made things easier for her, there would be no hesitation. But the dawning realization that he simply couldn’t trust her, no matter what the situation, was pressing heavily on him.
“It does not matter who reported me to you, Father,” Belle spoke up, her voice strong. “What matters if my happiness in the end, does it not?”
The Duke of Auldwood was silent. Stephen wondered if that was a good thing. He’d expected a fight from the Duke, the enraged man refusing to allow his daughter to leave even if she begged him. But this man, as terrifying as he seemed, opted to remain quiet, for reasons Stephen could not fathom.
Belle sighed softly, a sound so soft that Stephen reckoned only he had heard it. Then she turned to face him and smiled. Stephen nodded, knowing what she as trying to say.
Finally, they both faced the church doors. Amid the awe-filled eyes, and the whispers that would undoubtedly spread throughout the rest of London by the end of the day, Stephen and Belle made their way to the doors.
Stephen’s carriage was waiting for them. The excitement of what they were doing, the happiness of her acceptance, it all came rushing back in an instant. All grins, Stephen hurried up to the door and opened it for her before the footman could, inducing a smile from her. She curtsied gratefully, grinning from ear to ear before she climbed into the carriage, Stephen following behind.
The moment they were alone together, Stephen grasped her by the chin and pulled her into a kiss. Belle instantly leaned into it, raking her fingers through his hair. Her tongue swiped against his, dominating the kiss as she moaned against his lips. As if she too had been tortured by her need, wanting nothing more than to shed the clothes that laid as barriers between them, she eased into his touch, almost sitting in his lap as they gave themselves to each other.
Stephen pulled away, breathless. He stroked her hair tenderly. “You do not know how much I have been longing to do that again.”’
“Is that so?” she purred, resting her head on his chest as he embraced her. “Then pray tell why you took such time coming to see me.”
Her tone was not accusatory, simply curious. Stephen wrapped his arm around her shoulders, rubbing her arm absently. The motion was easy, done without thought. Now that he had her by his side again, Stephen felt as if he could do anything. Even say the things he had to his mother.
I will focus on that when I return to the manor. For now, Belle is all that matters.
“It is a tall tale, My Love,” Stephen said. “Many things have been revealed to me over the past few days. Things I have not digested very well. I fear there will be a few issues I must take care of before we can be married.”
Belle peered up at him. “Does that entail your Mother?”
“She is one of them, yes,” he said with a sad nod. “The other involves my finances.”
Belle continued to stare up at him, clearly waiting for an explanation. Taking a deep breath, Stephen told her everything his mother had revealed to him. She listened intently without saying anything and when he was finished, Belle released a slow breath.
“Would you like for me to be there when you speak with her?” she asked.
Stephen shook his head. “I believe this conversation is something I should do on my own.” But he pecked her on the nose, smiling. “Your concern for me warms my heart.”
“You are my love, Stephen. It is only natural.”
“And you, my dearest? I imagine you will soon wish to speak with your Father about your decision.”
Belle nodded soberly. “I do not understand his line of thinking anymore. I thought he would...fight us. But he did nothing. I wish to at least get an understanding on that, though that will not stop me from marrying you. Nothing will.”
Stephen smiled. They relaxed into the seats, letting silence fall over them as nothing but their heartbeats and steady breathing could be heard. Stephen couldn't stop thinking about the life they would have together, when all obstacles were out of their way and they could finally be truly happy.
