The Gamekeeper's Lady (25 page)
Read The Gamekeeper's Lady Online
Authors: Ann Lethbridge
Tags: #Literature & Fiction, #Romance, #Historical, #Historical Romance
Charlie looked stunned. And just a bit terrified. Robert looked at him. ‘It’s a woman.’
Charlie nodded.
‘Then I definitely can’t help you. I don’t understand them at all.’
He snatched his wife from the bosom of his family and escorted her into the waiting carriage. They waved from the windows until they turned the corner at the end of the street.
Robert pulled her on to his lap and kissed her soundly. After a long while, he let her go.
She snuggled against his shoulder. ‘Your brother really would make a wonderful Zeus.’
‘No.’
She grinned up at him. ‘Then I suppose I must make do with you. Probably better,’ she added hastily at his glare.
He would do. He would do his best to make her believe that for the rest of her life.
‘I love you, sweet wife.’
‘I love you, dear R-Robert.’ She kissed his cheek and wriggled on his lap.
He groaned. ‘How long before we board ship?’
‘An hour, I think.’
It was going to be the longest hour of his life unless he found a way to fill up the time.
He untied the ribbons of her bonnet and tossed the confection aside. ‘That’s better. Now I can see your face.’
She laughed up at him, her pretty lips inviting his kisses.
He cradled her nape and plundered her delicious mouth, and many minutes passed before the need for breath forced him to raise his head. He rested his chin on the top of her head. ‘You are sure this is what you want?’ he asked. It wasn’t so much that he doubted it, he just liked the warmth her confirmation gave him.
‘I can’t quite believe it,’ she said softly. ‘It is as if every dream I ever had has come true. But, R-Robert, are you sure you won’t be bored?’
‘Not a chance. I’ll be too busy keeping you entertained. And naked.’
A laugh bubbled up from her throat. A warm, encouraging sound. ‘I can’t wait.’
Nor could he. He let his hand slide up one slim calf beneath her skirts.
She sighed. ‘But you do realise I will be occupied with classes during the day,’ she said softly.
‘I do.’ He nuzzled her neck. ‘I’ll be busy too. Father has asked me to look at some properties he is thinking of buying. And I’ve some other commissions to undertake for him.’ Robert had been delighted at the request. He could finally play a part in his family’s endeavours.
‘R-Robert,’ she said hesitantly, ‘when we come back, do you think we could buy a house in the country? A place good for raising children?’
His wandering hand stilled. A bubble of hope he never knew resided there tightened his chest. ‘I didn’t think you wanted children?’
‘I didn’t. Before. But now I think I do. We’d be a real f-family. I like the countryside. I could have a studio. You could farm, breed horses, if you’d like to, that is.’ She sounded worried, as if she feared he might not be pleased.
‘Lady Robert,’ he said, laughing, but with his heart full of tenderness, ‘you never cease to amaze me. That is
exactly
what I would like.’ He tipped her chin. ‘But right now I have the overwhelming desire to kiss you again.’
Looking pleased, she placed her palm against his jaw. ‘R-Robert, did I tell you I love you?’
‘Not in the last five minutes.’
‘Well, I do.’
‘And I love you, elf.’
He kissed her delicious mouth, promising her a future of love and happiness the best way he knew.
All the characters in this book have no existence outside the imagination of the author, and have no relation whatsoever to anyone bearing the same name or names. They are not even distantly inspired by any individual known or unknown to the author, and all the incidents are pure invention.
All Rights Reserved including the right of reproduction in whole or in part in any form. This edition is published by arrangement with Harlequin Enterprises II BV/S.à.r.l. The text of this publication or any part thereof may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, storage in an information retrieval system, or otherwise, without the written permission of the publisher.
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First published in Great Britain 2010
Harlequin Mills & Boon Limited, Eton House,
18-24 Paradise Road, Richmond, Surrey TW9 1SR
© Michèle Ann Young 2010
ISBN: 978-1-4089-1662-9
