Page 80 of Gambling with the Earl
“No matter.” He was focused only on her, on the dress that clung to her curves and must be removed. “We can send the driver round again.”
“It is my sister’s wedding feast,” she admonished. “And we are the hosts. Besides,” she bit her lip provocatively, “what I want from the Earl of Rossfarne can’t be rushed.”
Reality asserted itself. He was lord of the manor and must play the part. “Later then,” he promised, his hand still caressing her curves.
“Later,” she agreed, kissing him deeply. “I have something of a surprise for you.”
*
Rossfarne Castle hadbeen transformed over the last year. Gone were the gloomy shadows and ghosts of its unhappy past. In their place hung glittering chandeliers, colourful tapestries and the soft light of hundreds of candles which illuminated comfortable furnishings and sparkling silverware. A band of musicians played from the dais in the great hall and the celebrating villagers spilled through the ground floor chambers, dancing, chatting and greeting one another gleefully. Guy’s hand was grasped so many times he began to lose count. None could remember the previous Earl of Rossfarne opening the doors of the castle. None would have come even if he had, but now a new era dawned.
The older Erkines were a kindly couple who could hardly believe their son’s wedding feast was being held in such a grand setting. Guy waved away their thanks.
“It is I who am grateful,” he told them honestly. “This castle has been quiet and empty for too long. It needs life and merriment within its walls.”
Rosalind claimed him for a dance and all stood back as he spun her around the room, his awkwardness on the dancefloor more than compensated by her bright smile and natural grace. Mead flowed, goblets were raised in a toast to the new coupleand servants carried around platters of sweetmeats on groaning trays held high above their heads.
Guy scanned the crowd, desperate for a glimpse of his wife. He had barely seen her since they disembarked from the carriage. A journey he would have extended, if only Kitty had given him the chance.
A bright flash of auburn caught his eye. The Countess of Rossfarne was amidst a happy group of locals, all dressed in their finery. She stood by the fireplace, illuminated by candlelight, radiantly beautiful. Guy couldn’t stay away from her for a moment longer. He left Rosalind in the careful attention of her new husband and crossed the stone-flagged floor. Kitty spied his progress and excused herself from the group.
“My lord,” she greeted him with a show of formality.
“My lady,” he returned the bow, then swung her into his arms with a chuckle.
“Are you taking me for a turn on the dancefloor?”
He groaned quietly, breathing in her citrus fragrance. “I would rather not. I have already suffered that fate once, with your sister.”
“I know, I was watching.” Her fingers danced along his shoulders. “I thought you made a fine couple.”
“She’s a beautiful woman,” he agreed. “Although not nearly so lovely as her older sister.”
“Is that so?” She raised an eyebrow up at him.
“That is so.” He spanned her waist, enjoying the sleekness of the taffeta beneath his fingers. “When can I get you alone?” he whispered.
“Not for many hours, I’m afraid.”
“You torture me.”
She raised herself up onto her tiptoes so her lips were inches from his. “It will be worth the wait,” she promised.
“I already know that.” Guy abandoned his scruples and pulled his wife towards him, swaying in time to the music.
“We’re dancing,” she said.
“Happiness will get me doing all kinds of things.” He dropped a kiss onto her shining hair.
“Are you truly happy, Guy?” she pulled away from him, a haze of apprehension clouding her green eyes.
“Of course.” He stilled his feet, puzzled by her sudden wariness. “Aren’t you?”
“I’m so very happy.” She returned to his arms, resting her head on his shoulder and half-closing her eyes as they danced together. A now-familiar feeling of peace and contentment settled over him.
“I have all I could ever want,” he declared.
“Everything?” She looked questioningly up at him, and his stomach clenched. In truth, there was one thing that would make his happiness complete, but he didn’t want Kitty to guess how he longed for it.
