Page 71 of A Torn Allegiance
“Is it working in any country? It is the very problem of suffering here in Britain. In Scotland.” She squeezed his hand in both of her own. “I think you are on the correct path in rethinking the system. Your people cannot help but know you care. It is surely the dissidence of a few that is clouding your perception of all.”
He swung their hands between them and seemed to be considering what she said. “I wish your words to be true. I’ve been doing what I can here. Admiral Hollings has made promises of aid. England really is the best place for me to be in order to gain knowledge and assistance, but my heart longs to go to the southern lands, stand with the people in the center of their towns, and pledge my undying promise that they will be cared for.” He shook his head. “It is difficult to be so far away.”
“Do you have others who could go in your stead?”
“Yes, I have sent two of my younger brothers, who I am comforted to know will act well.”
“How very frustrated you must feel when you cannot be in both places at once.”
“Precisely.”
“For selfish and unselfish reasons, I think you have made the correct choice.” She smiled.
He grinned and pulled her to him in one swift motion. “And what are the selfish reasons?”
“Ha! For one, here we are. I get you all to myself in a beautiful window of time. We have experienced the Elgin Marbles, the drudgery of Almack’s, the ridiculousness of St. James’s, the brilliance of Sir Walter Scott. I have seen you talk of important and frivolous things, and I have become a better person because of it.” She grinned up at him. “There’s more.”
“More? After all that?”
“I am embarrassed to say.” She looked away.
He gently moved her face back to him. “Then, you have to say it.” His eyes bored into hers.
“I have felt your love and...”
“And?”
“Your kisses.” She felt her face heat, and she couldn’t meet his eyes.
“Ho, ho! And you shall feel them again.”
“Shall I?” She laughed as he swung her around in his arms.
The mouth he placed again on hers was full of play and promises of more. “This.” He kissed her again. “This is what I want our life to be. Responsibilities there will always be. Worry and concern as well, but fun. And joy. Joy will always follow.”
“And kisses.” She giggled, then placed a hand over her mouth. Had she really just giggled?
“Yes,” he growled. “And kisses. You are killing me slowly with your mention of kisses. It is all I can do to keep the kisses a small part of this day.”
“And why should they be limited if they are so enjoyable?”
“That, dear woman, will make you five times the wife I thought you would be.” He laughed. Then, in all seriousness, he touched his nose to hers. “They never should be limited. Our life will be full of kisses. I promise you that.”
She raised up onto her toes and kissed him herself, enjoying her bold intimacy with this amazing man. “Then I welcome it all, and the sooner the better.”
“Just what a man likes to hear. Now, shall we round up these horses and get you back before your father thinks we’ve run off to Scotland?”
She was quiet a moment, and he looked at her in question.
“I have secretly always wanted to do that.”
“Do what?”
“Run off to Scotland... to marry.”
His eyes widened. “You cannot be serious. Elsie.”
“I know, I know. But Scotland. And the secrecy, the adventure.”
