Page 32 of The Duke's Treasure
Mariana reached out and placed a hand on hers. “I hope you and I can also be great friends.”
“I do not doubt it.”
“Might I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
“Edward himself told me how much he loves adventure, the hunt for the next thing. I know he has his responsibilities here now, but I worry…”
“About whether or not he might be content to stay in one place with a wife?”
“Yes,” Mariana said in a rush.
Lady Embury paused for a moment as she considered it. “I must admit that we had a difficult time picturing Edwardsettling down. He was always looking for the next adventure, the next hunt. He has traveled more than any other person I have met. And yet… when he looks at you, it is not with the same expression of excitement.”
Mariana didn’t succeed in hiding her shock – and disappointment – at Lady Embury’s words, causing the woman to laugh.
“There ismorein his expression,” she said quickly. “There is contentment. As though, at long last, he has finally found what he was so desperately searching for.”
Mariana nodded, tears rushing to her eyes. She was not a woman to show such emotion in front of others – most especially a near-stranger – but she couldn’t help wrapping her arms around Lady Embury.
“Thank you,” she said, and Lady Embury said a muffled “of course” into her shoulder.
The four of them enjoyed a companionable dinner, becoming acquainted with one another, and Mariana felt quite at ease with Lord and Lady Embury. It was a great relief after all of her concerns, although she knew she had yet to meet Edward’s family.
“What will you do with this great treasure?” Lord Embury asked.
Edward and Mariana exchanged a look.
“Hide it for now,” Edward said. “At least, until we can find a way to return it to where it belongs.”
Mariana nodded. “Whenever that might be.”
“If you need any help, know that we are here for you,” Lord Embury pledged.
“We just might take you up on that,” Edward said. “Thank you.”
Once they retired, Mariana didn’t wait long after her maid had departed to slip into the corridor and knock lightly onEdward’s door. He opened it quickly, taking her hand and tugging her inside.
“Do you think our hosts would be scandalized if they discovered that I am here?” she asked, and he laughed loud and long.
“On the contrary,” he said. “I think they expected it.”
“Once we are at Castleton, we shall have to wait until we are married to be together.”
“Why?” he demanded, and she playfully hit his arm.
“Because your mother and brother will be there.”
“You do know thatIam the duke?”
“Still,” she said. “I should not like to make a bad impression.”
“We shall see,” he said, leaning down, his lips sliding over hers. “However, I am not sure how I shall ever be able to wait.”
As for tonight, he most certainly took no time in showing her just exactly how he felt.
CHAPTER 12
