Page 87 of A Rake's Revenge
“Yes.” With the turmoil of what had happened in the race and the earl’s subsequent arrest on an unrelated matter, the Pavilion sounded like it was home to a hundred bee hives. News that she and Stephan had married would only add to the already discordant cacophony, and Caroline wanted nothing to mar the moment. “There will be time tomorrow to make an announcement.” And time to deal with her father, too. He’d not be happy she’d married without his consent, but she’d insisted to Stephan she didn’t want anyone interfering or trying to stop them.
“You truly do not wish for something extravagant?”
Caroline shook her head. She and Stephan had looked into each other’s eyes and meant every word of their vows. For now, she wanted to savor their secret. But Stephan was studying her with an intensity that made her realize he wanted to be sure she was not disappointed. It made her heart warm even more. She gave him a dimpled smile. “Well, since the prince is having a ball tonight, we can pretend I am Cinderella, and you can be Prince Charming and whisk me away at the stroke of midnight.”
“I like the idea of that.” A corner of his mouth quirked up. “And where would Princess Cinderella like to go?”
Caroline’s smile widened. “To bed, of course.”
Stephan broke into a grin. “I am pretty sure that can be arranged.”
…
As the evening wore on, Stephan realized how right Caroline had been not to announce their marriage immediately. Tongues were wagging, and he’d heard the earl’s name mentioned in connection to his and Caroline’s on several occasions. Speculation and rumors were growing with the rapidity of a wildwood fire. At least Lady Ann had been spared the brunt of the gossip, but for now his newly-wedded wife was his only concern.
“Would you like to dance, Lady Kendrick?” Stephan whispered to her, pleased when a soft blush stole across her face.
“Do you think we dare?” she asked. “Some of the blatherskites might explode from too much to gossip about.”
“Some of our fine Society is full of so much hot air that it might be interesting to see that happen.” Stephan tucked Caroline’s hand into the crook of his arm and led her to the dance floor. “Besides, I hate to dance, so you had better take advantage of my being a new husband, anxious to please.”
Caroline gave him a sideways look. “Then I will look forward to seeing how anxious you are to please me later.”
“I fear I may have to make numerous attempts to do so.” Stephan strove to keep his mouth from twitching. “It may take hours for me to succeed.”
Caroline’s lips curled. “Is that a promise?”
“It is,” Stephan answered as he put an arm around her waist and moved into a waltz. “I suspect Barclay will not be seeing me at all tomorrow.”
Caroline looked around as they twirled across the floor. “Where is Brice? I have not seen him in a while.”
“The last I noticed he was escorting Miss Vincent onto the terrace.” Stephan adeptly avoided colliding with a couple who were not paying attention. “Although I cannot imagine why he would risk his limbs again since she clobbered him with that mallet.”
“Most of the bachelors will not go near her, so perhaps he is only being a gentleman.” Caroline smiled. “Besides, Sarah probably is not concealing a weapon at the moment.”
“Or perhaps she was leading him out to get some fresh air. He looked pretty foxed.”
“It is still relatively early to be in his cups, is it not?” Caroline asked.
“I think he might be feeling a bit sorry for himself,” Stephan answered. “He does not have anyone to join him in jaunts to the gaming hells and brothels any longer.”
Caroline raised a brow. “Perhaps he needs to start taking a serious look at the marriage mart this season.”
Stephan chuckled. “I would give you a direct quote when I mentioned the same to Barclay, except he used language too harsh for your delicate ears.”
“Since when did I have delicate ears?” Caroline asked.
“Umm, I think about the time I first nibbled them. They are quite delicious.”
Caroline shook her head. “You, my lord, are incorrigible.”
“That is a fault?”
She started to laugh in spite of trying to look stern. “We will see later.”
“Later?” Stephan released his hold as the music stopped but let his hand drift slowly along her waist and allowed his thumb discreetly to graze the side of her breast. “Or sooner?”
Caroline’s eyes darkened. “Definitely sooner.”
