Page 70 of Foolish Bride
“That is romantic, but not very practical.” Intending to be severe, she wished she could wipe the grin from her face. She was so happy, she couldn’t stop smiling. Her cheeks ached with it.
As she did each evening, she recounted her day. Normally there would be a list, in the way some people kept a diary. She hadn’t had time to make her list yet and considered getting up to do so. However, the feel of Michael next to her and his arms around her was too delicious to let end. “What did you do today, Michael? You didn’t attend the picnic, so what did you do after you finished spying on Middleton and me?”
“Spying is a bit harsh. I was protecting you.”
She stared at him until he laughed.
Kissing the top of her head, he shrugged. “I went down to the mouth of the creek and found the boys. We went swimming. It was the first time the three of us have ever had the chance to just be brothers. I was a man by the time they were old enough to play with. A shame, really, but today made up for quite a lot of missed opportunities. We had a wonderful time splashing about. They are both fine boys and will be good men, I think. No thanks to me.”
Elinor turned to look at his face. “Are you mad?”
“Why would you say that?”
“You have set them an example for their entire lives. Do you think they used your father’s example of what a man should be? They have been watching you since they were born and setting their caps at being men who will make you proud. You are entirely responsible for the type of men they will become, Michael.”
His eyes were wide and teary. “I had not thought of that. I just felt I had missed their entire childhoods and had neglected them.”
She nodded. “You may have missed them, Michael, but they have not missed you. They followed every step of your career. They know every battle you fought and every honor you’ve been awarded. I sincerely hope you will get more chances to splash around with them. I agree that they are fine boys.”
“Perhaps they can summer with us once we are married. We can go to the borderlands and enjoy the cooler weather of Scotland. I am the Duke of Kerburghe, after all.”
Loving the idea of the future together, joy welled up inside her. “Yes, you are, and we will have to make certain that my mother hears that quite often over the next few days before you go to her with your offer.”
“Sophia has enlisted her aunt for just that purpose,” he said.
She rolled her eyes. “I know. Lady Collington brings it up at any opportunity.”
“You do not think that’s enough to sway your mother?”
“I am not sure anything will, to be honest.” Mother’s adoration of Middleton knew no boundaries.
“Perhaps we should enlist a few more of our friends to the task.”
“Perhaps, but do not get overconfident. We need a plan.”
“Why don’t you make her a list?”
Her brows drew together. “First of all, there is nothing wrong with lists. They are helpful tools in both remembering and decision-making. Second, that is not really a bad idea. My mother is very responsive to lists. I shall give it some thought.”
He kissed her brow. “You are quite adorable when you are angry with me. I am respectful of your list-making, Elinor.”
It was likely a lie, but it did sound nice.
“I am. You always make the right decision. You are here with me now.”
“I had no time for a list this evening.”
He touched her nose playfully. “But I know that keen mind of yours was busy making all kinds of lists. You just didn’t have time to write them down.”
“How did you ever get to know me so well?” she asked.
“I love you with all my heart. I have made a study of everything about you, and I am delighted to know that I have not even grazed the surface. I will enjoy spending a lifetime learning every last detail of what is going on in that wonderful mind of yours.”
“I do not know whether you are teasing me or if I should be flattered, Michael.”
“Then choose the more pleasant option, my love.” He kissed her so deeply, every last thought went out of her head. All she could concentrate on was the feel of him next to her.
He pulled back and stared at the fire.
