Page 72 of A Duke to Save Her


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“Well, I’m staying right here. There’s nothing nicer than the comfort of a farmhouse kitchen after a nice meal,” Delphine said, and Eloise was secretly thankful.

She wanted to be alone with Jackson. The two of them made their way outside and crossed the farmyard, following the direction Alice had indicated.

“Isn’t it a wonderful place?” Eloise admired their surroundings as they walked arm in arm across the field.

“It’s idyllic. After the hustle and bustle of London… to come here, it’s quite the panacea after everything that’s happened.” Jackson turned to Eloise with a smile.

“I just feel so happy. It’s… hard to put it into words. A burden’s been lifted from me. I’ve never felt like this before. I’ve always had worries and concerns. But now…” she trailed off, and Jackson laughed.

“You’ve just got me,” he finished for her.

“And that’s all I want.”

They walked across the field and came to a gate leading onto the path Alice had told them about. It was an ancient bridleway where the trees grew tall and arched, making the path seem tunnel-like as the trees created a canopy above, their leaves fluttering gently to the ground in a shower of reds and yellows. It was a remarkable sight, and Eloise and Jackson paused a moment to admire it.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it before,” he breathed, gazing above him.

“It’s as though the trees are bowing to one another and paying their respects. Don’t you think?” she asked, and Jackson laughed.

“Yes, removing their hats and shaking off the leaves.”

They walked through the shower of leaves, arm in arm together.

CHAPTER37

Ashort while later, they came onto a little folly built amongst the trees. It was a curious place, built to resemble a Greek temple, with miniature colonnades and an arched roof.

“We must be on the edge of an estate. Is there a grand house near here?” Eloise asked, and Jackson shrugged.

“I don’t know. I don’t know the district. It’s a curious place. I wonder why your sister didn’t mention it?” he said, climbing the steps and peering inside.

Eloise followed. There was nothing inside save the marbled interior, where a gap cut into the wall provided light from outside.

“Oh, here’s an inscription.” She pointed to a carved piece of marble on the wall.

“For Minerva, with love always,” Jackson read, turning to Eloise with a smile.

“It’s a folly for love,” he said, and now Eloise wondered if her sister had not intended for them to discover such a place for themselves.

“Just like our own?” she asked, as he took her in his arms and kissed her.

“Our ruse was a folly, but it didn’t last, did it? We were meant to fall in love, Eloise. I know it,” he murmured, as their lips parted.

“I don’t think there was ever a ruse. I feel just the same as you. I loved you from the moment I laid eyes on you,” she whispered, and he smiled at her.

“And it was just the same for me. I fell in love with every part of you, your beauty, your wit, your charm, your steadfast determination,” he said, gazing lovingly into her eyes.

“And I never want to fall out of love with you. I don’t think I ever could.” She smiled at him.

“I’m glad to hear it, given we’re to be married.”

“But soon. I can’t wait any longer. I want to be married soon, Jackson,” she said, feeling a sudden urge to be united with him in that way.

She wanted to pronounce her vows, to tell the world she loved him, and to hear him say the same.

“And we will, I promise. We’ll marry as soon as we return to London. We don’t need anything more than one another. Your family will be there, and I’m sure my uncle will insist on it, too. But what more do we need? Nothing.”

“I wouldn’t want anything more. It’s perfect, just the two of us. That’s all we need.” She beamed.

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