Page 29 of An Honorable Arrangement
Grabbing her bottom, he pulled her close, torturing them both. "It is indeed, but you have to return to your bed, or we shall be in some trouble."
A heaved sigh, and she slid from his lap and off the bed. "I suppose that is true." She pulled her sheath over her head before finding her dress and stepping into it.
Standing, he regretted her dressing, but went to her and helped her tie the gown into place. He kissed her shoulder where he tucked the bow out of sight. "I will see you very soon."
Once her slippers were in place, she searched for her stockings and found them at opposite ends of the room. She walked to the door then turned back. "You do plan to marry me, do you not?"
He longed to kiss the crease of worry from between her brows. In three steps he was in front of her. "If you will have me, I will marry you as soon as it can be arranged."
Her shoulders relaxed, and she smiled. "It is so strange to be in love. I never dreamed it would happen to me, let alone that it could change my entire world."
"Nor I, Sarah." It was hard to breathe with love, desire, and tenderness brimming so close to the surface.
She kissed him quickly on the lips and ran down the hall.
Watching until she was safely inside her room, he called himself a fool for missing her so soon. She had gotten under his skin and into his heart so completely as if she'd put a spell on him. If that were the case, he hoped the spell was never broken.
* * *
After nearly four more days of travel, they reached Sussex. Having to share Sarah with others sounded dismal to Monty. They'd never had the opportunity to spend another night together, and he'd worried she'd be embarrassed around him. To his delight, she joked and debated during most of the drive. It was the most pleasant trip he'd ever been on.
It was near three o'clock when they turned down the long drive to Willoughby Castle. The mature trees in the parklike setting reminded him of his youth. "I climbed many of those trees as a child."
Sarah smiled and poked her head out the window. When she looked at him, her eyes were wide and filled with terror.
"What is it?" He looked and saw only the castle with its elaborate gate standing open to reveal the gray pillars and peach-colored stones. Spires rose toward the sky, and the enormous building arched into a semicircle.
"This is Willoughby Castle?" She looked again.
Mrs. Pratt looked as well. "Oh my."
"Is there a problem, ladies?" The castle was the same as it had always been. From the shocked looks on his companions' faces, he thought the place had been burned or pillaged.
“I have never entered a place so grand, let alone lived in such splendor. I shall be terribly out of place.” Sarah bit her lip.
Relieved, he chuckled. “You shall be fine. The castle should be more worried than you.”
A carriage stood near the front door. As they drew closer, he recognized the crest. His parents had arrived at the same time. His heart sank.
They crossed the threshold of the gate. Monty's heart pounded.
"Are you all right, my lord?" Mrs. Pratt asked.
Sarah cocked her head and studied him.
Leaning forward, he took Sarah's hands in his. He turned to her chaperon. "Mrs. Pratt, forgive my forwardness." Gazing into Sarah's stunned yet beautiful face, he took a breath. "Forgive me for what is about to happen. Whatever they do or say, know that everything I have told you is the truth, and our promises will not be swayed by anyone."
A wrinkle formed between her brows. "All right." Her voice was tentative, but her indication of trust was enough.
"Oh my," Mrs. Pratt said.
The carriage pulled to a stop, and Monty exited before handing the ladies down. His parents’ carriage pulled away. With a great breath for courage, he turned.
His mother and father were halfway up the steps to the front doors framed by the great pillars holding up the huge triangular roof covering the landing. Nodding to Sarah, he said, "My parents."
"Not really?" she said.
"I'm afraid so." He almost laughed but held it inside. He offered his arm, and they climbed the stairs.
