Page 102 of Foolish Bride
“No.” She was awash with regret.
“Look at me,” he commanded, tipping her chin up with one finger. “Was anything you said untrue?”
“No.” She let out her breath.
“Then how can you be wrong? Your parents have lived their lives in a sort of fantasy, where your father pretends to go off and be an important counsel to kings and your mother pretends to miss him. In reality, I think they are both content with the kind of detached marriage they have. I think your mother was so keen on Middleton because he would offer you the same life that she has.”
“And our marriage will be different?” she challenged.
He took her hand, pulled her over to the settee, and sat her in his lap. “I will never take a mistress, Elinor. I will only leave your side when absolutely necessary, and only if there is no way for you to come with me. I will make all my efforts to make you happy.”
Her sight blurred with tears. “I love you, Michael. I will never wish you away from me. I would not like it if you took a mistress, though I am not so naïve as to think it is not common amongst the men of the ton.”
He took her chin again, forcing her gaze to him. “I will not take a mistress, Elinor. I have neither the need nor the desire to bed with anyone other than you.”
“When you did not come to my room last night, I thought it was a sign that you were disgusted by my killing Roxton.”
A burst of laughter exploded from Michael’s lips.
“It’s not funny!”
He dropped to his knees in front of her. “Oh, Elinor, I think you are the bravest woman I have ever known. And I have known women who kill for a living. I had no idea six months ago that you had the courage of a lion, and I love you more after seeing your measure. In the last two days you escaped a madman, were crushed by a castle wall, killed to protect the man you love whilst being nearly killed yourself by a runaway carriage, and still found the audacity to come in here and stand up to your mother and secure our happiness. I repeat, I am the luckiest man in England. What other man can boast of such a woman?”
She rather liked the sound of that. “When you put it that way, I sound like Catherine the Great.”
They laughed, then he kissed her cheek, then her lips. He kissed her chin and her nose, and continued to scatter light kisses across her face and neck. “I love you. I love you.”
“Michael?”
“Hmmm?” Another kiss on her eyelid.
“I have to go and speak to Preston.”
Murmuring something to himself, he stood. “I can speak to him later.”
She shook her head. “I think it would be kinder for me to tell him my decision. He has been wonderful through all of this and has not said a word, though I am sure he knows most of what has transpired. I would like to speak to him.”
He frowned, clenching his hands into fists before relaxing and meeting her gaze. “As you wish.”
Chapter 23
Elinor found Preston Knowles, The Duke of Middleton, in the stables rubbing down a horse.
“I would think there are many grooms here who could manage that task, your grace.” Elinor stepped around a pile of straw.
He smiled. “There is something about the care of a horse that always calms me. I often go out to the stables on my property in Kent and act a groom for an afternoon. The world always appears more reasonable after a day with these animals.” He brushed the mare’s black coat.
“Do you require calming, your grace?” she asked.
“I thought we had agreed that you would call me ‘Preston,’ or has our friendship dwindled to the point that we must revert to titles, Lady Elinor?”
She walked over until only the horse’s lead separated them. “No, Preston, forgive me. I…we are still friends.”
“I am glad to hear it.” He smiled, but his eyes were sad and distant. The usual open regard closed away, as he continued grooming.
She found herself without any words to convey why she had come.
He crossed under the lead. “I assume you have come to tell me that my suit is being rejected.”
