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“That is ridiculous. It had nothing to do with you,” Eloise said loudly.
“It did.” Simon paused, then looked away. “Everything I said after that, I did it so I could push you away. I had fallen for you, so I knew that if you left hating me, it would be easier to resist the temptation of returning to you. But it only got worse. Having you at the Castle, it was bearable. I could still see you, hear you, know how you were. But ever since you left, it felt as though a part of me had gone missing.”
Eloise looked down to the ground quietly. A comforting silence lingered between them, and without forethought, she buried her head into his chest, the scent of his sandalwood and spice cologne consuming her. Shutting her eyes tightly, she permitted his words to penetrate her. They remained together, entangled, for what felt like forever, before she felt his face perk up a little.
“There is one thing I’ve been curious about all this time, though. Were you really taking pianoforte lessons just to impress me? I must say, I’m quite flattered,” he teased, chuckling a little.
Eloise playfully slapped his shoulder. “You did say you found women who played the pianoforte enchanting—whatever that meant.” She pulled back and narrowed her eyes at him. “Am I not enchanting enough for you as is, Your Grace?”
Simon chuckled. “I didn’t specify how the pianoforte had to be played. Now, if I could have you on the pianoforte, that truly would be enchanting.”
Eloise blushed, and she held his collars once more, tucking away her face into his overcoat. She couldn’t remember when she last felt as happy as she did now. Not just happy, perfectly content with everything. Blissful.
But her elation was soon replaced with dread, and her mind fell back to reality; her marriage with James. And her family being on the verge of ruin. She sighed softly, her fists slightly clenching in apprehension.
“Simon.” She raised her head, looking into his honey-brown eyes, his pupils darkened with desire.
“Yes?”
“I wish to be with you too,” she confessed. “And I want you…But I’m betrothed. Lord James Hackberry, he—”
“He doesn’t matter. He won’t be a bother to you anymore,” Simon said solemnly.
“How do you mean?”
“I spoke to your uncle, and I told him everything we went through. From the very moment you stepped into the Castle—” A faint smile appeared across his face. “Don’t look at me like that, minx. I didn’t tell him about our private affairs. When he found out, he seemed delighted and accepted me without question.”
Eloise’s hands wrapped tighter around him. “Truly?”
“Truly.” Simon buried his face into the nook of her neck, kissing softly and gentlemanly at first.
“And maybe I had a couple words with Lord Hackberry himself too,” he continued, his soft kisses turning into torturous suckles. His hands wrapped around her form, picking her up and holding her tightly against his arms. “You’re only mine.” He carried her over to the nearby stone bench—where they first met, setting the both of them down. Eloise’s legs fell on either side of his body, her abdomen pressing against his arousal. “Please, forgive me. I know I don’t deserve it, but—”
Eloise leaned deeper into his lips with a smile laced across her face. “I forgive you.My mystery man.”
Simon smiled. “Good. I couldn’t handle the thought of living with an unforgiving wife. Can you imagine?”
“Wife? But the ton, the gossip—”
“Pft, didn’t you hear? I’m the Duke of Richmond. I can do whatever I please,” he teased. “Marry me, Eloise.”
She crushed her arms around him automatically, embracing him tightly as he let out a soft wheeze.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yes, Simon. Of course I’ll marry you!”
