Page 19 of The Duke's Golden Belle
Bile rose in her throat. Was he going to call it off? She realized that was not what she wanted after all—not if it meant letting this man go. Someone else would be his duchess—a thought that nearly choked her. “Wh . . . what are you saying?”
He took her hand and smiled at her. “What if we tried to tone down some events you might be subjected to as my duchess? Smaller functions in large rooms. And we could avoid the larger gatherings.”
Belle’s heart filled with emotion. “You would do this for me?”
“I would,” he said, simply. “In such a short time, I’ve developed a fondness for your company that I have never known with another person, save my sister, Anna. And, while we both may have felt our betrothal has been a yoke about our necks, I hope after today, you know it feels much different to me . . .”
“I do,” Belle said, cutting him off. “And I enjoy your company, Michael. With our betrothal, I have only ever felt scared. At first, when I heard of this, I felt dread and panic. Almost a sense of doom. But— I don’t mean this to slander Daniel—but you are different. Michael, you have done nothing but show me you care . . . about me.”
“I see our betrothal as a blessing, Belle. There’s no covering up that I never wanted to marry. There have been fewtonweddings that have inspired any thoughts beyond having an heir someday. But with you . . . it’s different.”
He leaned toward her and pulled her closer. “May I kiss you?”
“You never have to ask.” Gently placing her hands around his head, she tugged him toward her and kissed him.
Groaning, he deepened the kiss.
Reveling in the sensations coursing through her body, she knew she wanted more, but was unsure what more meant.
He leaned back, breaking the kiss. “I forgot myself again, I am afraid.”
“Do not apologize for doing something I wanted.” Belle felt her eyes glisten with tears. “I have never experienced such romantic gestures and never hoped to, Michael. I never expected this,” she waved at her jewelry. “It is the most gorgeous jewelry I could ever hope to own. And you did all of this for me.” She stopped before saying what was on the edge of her tongue . . . she loved him.What if he didn’t feel the same way?It would be more than she could bear.
“You humble me, Belle.”
“I find myself in unchartered waters, Michael.” She paused. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course, anything.”
“You mentioned your men in battle. I would like to hear more about your experiences there. Women are treated as if we cannot deal with tragedy, yet we are the bearers of children, and experience loss. So many of my friends never came home,” she said, her tone reverential.And he had survived the unimaginable to return home . . . to her, as it seemed. “I don’t pretend to know anything about what happens on the battlefield, but I found it immensely interesting to listen to your stories of the war. I think women should not be closed off from such an important circumstance.”
Taking a deep breath, he gently touched her chin with his ungloved hand. “War is something that should be avoided at all costs. It’s often fought for the wrong reasons—often greed. It is very difficult for me to speak of, but I would endeavor to tell you,” he said. A scrape sounded from the kitchen area behind the door, and he glanced up, giving a brief nod. “My valet assured the Crustins we’d take only an hour here. Can we defer that discussion to tomorrow? I had thought we could go fishing.”
A soft giggle escaped. “You want to take me fishing?”
“I do. And for a lot of the reasons we have discussed. I find it calming, a sanctuary of sorts. It is something I’d like to share with you.”
“I haven’t fished in years—not since Garrett lived at home. I’d like that very much,” she heard herself say.
ChapterTen
The next day
“Your Grace, Viscount Garrett Griffith is here to see you,” Saunders announced.
Michael replaced the silver dome on the rashers. “Splendid! Ask him to join me in the drawing room.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
A few moments later, a tall, dark-headed man entered the room.
“Garrett, it’s great to see you, my friend,” Michael said, standing to greet his friend.
“Your Grace, thank you for seeing me,” Garrett said, accepting the duke’s extended hand. “I understand congratulations are in order.”
“You must have ridden your horse most of the way to cut the time getting home.”
Garrett laughed. “I did, but switched to a coach this morning from The Iron Eagle coaching inn.”
