Only Marriage Will Do (27 page)

“Never will I allow anyone or anything to part us again. You are mine. No matter the outcome of this proxy marriage, you are my wife. Forever and always.” He kissed the top of her head as she relaxed toward sleep. “Even if I have to kill that bastard St. Cyr,” he whispered then fell asleep.

After the reconciliation, Juliet removed to Morehouse and settled down into a new routine that involved daily visits to Dunham House, paying calls with Kat, and learning to be mistress of her establishment. The latter activity took more time than she would have thought possible, given that she had assisted with the running of her brother’s home. The responsibility of supervising a household on her own, however, even one as efficient as her father-in-law’s, included a good bit of effort and patience. Therefore, she willingly relinquished her duties for a time each day to return to her old home.

Amiable and Duncan were most often in attendance when she visited, odd behavior in males who were supposed to have clubs and races and sporting events to attend. This time of year normally meant hunting parties. Indeed, she knew of several invitations Amiable had turned down. Although glad he had not accepted them, she did not want to spoil his fun, either.

“I want to remain here in London, sweet, in case Mr. Grimes hears anything,” he explained one day after dinner. “After Christmas perhaps we will retire to Cheswyck. I would like for our child to be born there if that’s all right?” He played idly with her hand.

“Of course, my dear. As long as you are with me, I will be fine. Do you think Katarina might be with me also?” She leaned against his shoulder as they made their way to their chamber.

“I have already spoken to Dalbury about the possibility, although if things go well with her, she will be brought to bed around the same time as you. I’d suspect, then, they will remove to his primary estate.” Amiable opened the door to their room.

She entered, her spirits drooping at this unwelcome news. Kat was so strong and sensible she’d hoped to have her by her side during the rigors of childbirth.

Amiable ran his finger across her brow. “Don’t frown, love. Most men prefer their heirs to be born on the land they will inherit. My sisters might attend you, if you like. They have enough children between them to be a fount of knowledge.”

“Oh, I should like that.”

Lady Ayrdmore and Lady Grelling had called on her soon after her move to Morehouse. Juliet had been pleasantly surprised by their warm reception, although Lord knew what they thought of the circumstances of their marriage. Juliet had been charmed by both ladies and informed Amiable after their call. Now it seemed they might be able to become closer through her child’s birth.

“I think that would be lovely, Amiable. I do like your sisters very much, even though I have had the pleasure of their company but little.”

Amiable gave her a rueful look as they settled into bed. “I am afraid that will change in the next few weeks, my love.”

“How?”

“Vee sent me a letter today, informing me that as we will be spending Christmas in town, she and Reni have decided to do so as well. They are planning a family celebration for Christmas Eve, in honor of our marriage. I told her under the circumstances, it might be prudent to wait.”

“And her response?”

Amiable shook his head. “That it was fortunate I had gotten out of the army if I had become such a Molly.” He blew out the light and lay back on the pillows.

Juliet laughed and snuggled beside him. “So where is this grand entertainment to be held?”

“In the downstairs ballroom here at Morehouse. For friends and family.” He made a face. “That list will stretch from here to Windsor Castle when we add in your relatives and friends.” He sighed and pulled her closer. “Even if only those in town for the holidays attend there will be no fewer than a hundred people.”

“Will your father come, do you think?” The prospect of meeting her father-in-law filled her stomach with fluttering. Suddenly Cook’s delicious chyne of mutton did not set very well.

“According to Vee, he will travel up to town for Christmas.” He cuddled her in his arms and the trembling ceased. “I am glad. He should not be alone this year, not at Cheswyck. Too many memories.” He kissed her temple, her cheek, and continued lower.

Ah. The very opportunity she needed to broach a delicate subject. If he didn’t distract her. His lips tickled her neck. “Amiable.” She pulled her wits back before she abandoned them all together. “Have you thought about what we should name our child?”

He left off kissing her and rose up on his elbow. “Please don’t tell me you are considering Romeo. I fear I would have to put my foot down.”

She giggled. “No, that would be rather extraordinary, don’t you think?” She ran one finger over his lips. “I thought if it is a boy, we could name him Peaceable, after your brother. If you don’t think it would make your father sad.”

“Ah, love.” He pulled her back to him. His mouth found hers in the darkness, claimed her with a passion more fierce than he had ever shown before. He possessed her, drove all thought from her mind until her world consisted of his weight upon her and his lips in the dark. Still, this kiss tasted sweeter than any she had ever had from him. He clung to her lips as though he could never let her go.

As if she would let him.

His kiss filled her with so much love she would remember it for a lifetime.

He moved his mouth to her ear. “Thank you, love. You could not have made me happier.” He paused. “What if it’s a girl?”

Still dazed from the power of his kiss, she shook herself. “I’ll have to think about a suitable girl’s name. Later.”

“Think about it as you and my sisters prepare for the holidays.” His hand stole over her rounding abdomen and she could almost hear him smile. “We have plenty of time.”

* * * *

Juliet came to the conclusion that time was quite a relative thing as Glynis was putting the finishing touches on her appearance just before dinner on Christmas Eve. The pale blue robe
à la française
of silk satin brocade, intricately embellished with tiny flowers embroidered in gold, complemented her eyes and brought out the creamy tones of her fair skin. The maid finished twining seed pearls through her coiled braids, a soft pale blue silk bow studded with pearls adorning the back of her head.

The month had inexplicably disappeared as she and her sisters-in-law had planned, ordered, purchased, and arranged everything for the celebration of the holiday. Juliet had grown content, reveling in her friendships with Amiable’s sisters, who petted and spoiled her as much as her husband did. They complimented her on her looks, her wit, her excellent taste. Both invited her and Amiable to dinners and entertainments with their families almost every week. As if in the midst of a fairy tale, she reveled in a social whirl planned solely for her.

Tonight might be for her and Amiable, and she looked forward to the evening’s public celebration of the holiday, but she anticipated the private celebration of their first Christmas together even more. Her present to him would be a series of small gifts to be opened Christmas Day on the hour, every hour from morning until night, crowned by the final gift at eight o’clock in the evening. Katarina’s brother, Jack, would bring a new black stallion from his stables as a surprise. She couldn’t wait to see her husband’s face when he saw Cerberus standing in the lantern-lit courtyard.

She smiled as Amiable appeared to escort her downstairs. Her smile vanished as her mouth dropped open. Her anticipation of a pleasant evening changed to primal hunger. His suit of russet uncut velvet, molded to his body in taut lines, made his shoulders and chest seem impossibly broad, his arms powerful and thick with muscles. The cream-colored silk waistcoat, embroidered with silver and gold, gave him a glittering richness she had seldom seen in his everyday clothes. She wanted to let her gaze linger on his dazzling tall form.

Because he had been required to wear a wig for so long in the army, he now disdained them, preferring his natural hair. It lay in smooth, powdered elegance for this occasion and was clubbed back into a neat black bag.

Glynis slipped away, shutting the door.

“You are a vision, my lady.” He came forward to take Juliet’s hand and place a passionate kiss on the palm.

A jolt shot through her body, straight to the apex of her thighs. “You look like a dream come true, my love.” She tingled with delicious desire. “Good enough to eat, in fact.”

His eyes sparkled with mischief. “That can be arranged.”

Now that sounded devilishly wicked. She licked her lips.

He laughed at her. “Later. For now we will eat as the others do, at dinner.” He offered her his arm. “My lady.”

She rose and took it, thrilling to the play of his hard muscles under the soft fabric. As always, she could not wait to once again have him all to herself.

Dinner promised to be a noisy affair, with Kat and Duncan, Jack, Amiable’s sisters and their families, and his father in attendance. As they descended the staircase, Juliet trembled at the thought of meeting Lord Morley at last, wondering what he thought of their hasty marriage. He had come to town only that afternoon and had elected to stay with Vee rather than disrupt the final preparations. She wondered, too, if Amiable had indeed informed him of all their troubles.

They reached the first floor, but instead of continuing to the formal dining room, Amiable steered her into the front reception room.

“Where are we going?”

“I want you to meet someone, love.”

Her mouth flooded with a strange metallic taste. The moment she’d been dreading had arrived. She slowed her steps and stopped halfway into the room. Her husband’s hand at her back, however, propelled her forward.

An imposing figure stood near the fireplace, staring into the flames with brows lowered. Taller than Amiable, and barrel-chested, he looked up and Juliet stopped. She couldn’t blame him for scowling. She had ensnared his only son and put him at risk of scandal. The dark eyes took her measure and she squirmed, wanting to find some place to hide. Instead, she remained before him, gaze dropped to the floor, shifting her weight like a repentant child.

“Lady Juliet, may I present my father, Lord Morley? Father, this is my wife.”

She looked up at him and dipped her curtsy as her father-in-law made his bow to her, not taking his eyes from her all the while. “I am very pleased to finally meet you, my lord.”

“As I am to meet you, my lady.”

She looked a question at Amiable, her hand resting on her stomach. He nodded. “Yes, my dear, I have informed him you are indeed increasing. Very happy news for the family.” He smiled at his father. “It is good to see you again, Father. I am sorry I have not been able to come home before now, but this business with St. Cyr has dragged on. We plan, however, to travel with you to Cheswyck after the holidays, if that is amenable to you. We would like for our child to be born there.”

“Of course, Amiable. You will both be welcome. As will the child when it puts in an appearance.” He fixed Juliet with a keen eye and drew himself up to his full height. “Young woman.”

His stern tone made her quake in her slippers.

“You have put a new light in my son’s eye and have raised my spirits higher than I believed possible. I am delighted to welcome you to our family, my dear. Your inclusion is well and truly appreciated.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips.

“Thank you, my lord. You are very kind.” She sent a hesitant smile to him. Her guilty conscience would not let her relax. “It will be good to be settled in Amiable’s home before the baby comes. It is far from London?”

“A day and a half at most. You will travel in my carriage, of course.” Lord Morley presented his arm to her.

She glanced at Amiable before laying her hand on it. Pray God the man didn’t feel her shaking.

They progressed toward the dining room, and her father-in-law leaned down to whisper, “You need not be frightened of me, my dear. If I disapproved of you, you would have been the first to know it.”

The man towering over her broke into an impish grin, and she sighed with relief.

“I see honesty is indeed a cherished virtue in your family, my lord.” She ventured a small smile of her own. “I have been reminded of it constantly by your son.”

“I believe there is a difference between honesty and bluntness. As I possess both traits, it does not matter much. Do not mind my roughness, my dear. You will get used to it soon enough at Cheswyck.”

“Then I trust you will not find the same characteristics amiss in your daughter-in-law, my lord? Amiable can tell you I have recently sworn myself to a life of complete honesty, don’t you know? The bluntness, however, comes from God.”

Lord Morley laughed and patted her hand. “You’ll do, Lady Juliet. I believe you’ll do very well.”

* * * *

“Father must approve of you, Juliet,” his eldest daughter remarked to her as they waited for the men to join them after dinner. “He’s seldom appeared this content in recent months except when on a horse.”

“That will hopefully change once Aim’s heir is born.” Reni patted her hand. “Not that he wouldn’t welcome a granddaughter, but a grandson would make Father’s life a deal happier, I suspect. Pax’s death still weighs heavy on his mind.”

“As well as his heart,” Vee added. “On all of us. Aim hasn’t gotten over the shock yet, poor thing.” She smiled at Juliet. “It is you, however, who have gone a long way toward bridging the loss, my dear. He seems quite taken with you.”

Her face heated, though the kind words made her heart swell with pride. “I thank God for it, ladies. He is dearer to me than anything in my life, except perhaps my child. I would do anything for him.”

Both sisters beamed at her. “We can tell, my dear, every time you look at him. Aim chose very well,” Vee said with satisfaction, glancing up at her brother, who had just entered the room.

Such wholehearted acceptance, when she’d expected at least some censure for the way they had eloped, brought her close to tears. She’d become so weepy lately. So many changes in her life. All for the better, it seemed. She took Amiable’s arm.