Page 59 of A Lady's Passion Knows No Distance
“And once you are well enough, I shall take you down to the beach once more,” William said with a wink, making her laugh openly. Once her mirth had subsided, William leaned down and captured her lips with his. They both relaxed as William kissed her gently. He was pleasantly surprised when she used her tongue to parts their lips, their tongues coming together as William laced his fingers with her hair, loving the feeling of holding her once more.
Knowing that her lady’s maid was right outside the door, William didn’t indulge himself for very long. He didn’t want them to be discovered in case he’d be restricted from seeing her until they were married. Yet, as he broke their kiss, he felt how breathless they both were from that simple kiss, their cheeks flushed red with desire.
“I will go and speak to Lord Murphy about having you moved to another bedchamber. Then, perhaps I can help you down to the veranda so that we may both sit in the sun for some time,” William said after a while.
“I would like that very much,” Caroline replied with a bright smile.
After giving her one last kiss upon her lips, William made his way downstairs to speak to Lord Murphy about the situation. He readily agreed, wishing he had first thought about the idea. And as Caroline’s things were moved to her new room, William helped her down the stairs and to the veranda where they did sit in the sun till the afternoon meal.
Chapter 30
Despite how much they were all enjoying the warm summer days on the coast, eventually things changed. When it came time for Lord Sergio to return to town, Lord Murphy hosted a large feast for the man, hoping the Spaniard would come and visit England once more.
Caroline was pleased to see that Lord Murphy approved of the man, since she understood how strong the feelings were between him and Gwendolen. So much so that when Lord Sergio and William left the house that night, Gwendolen quickly retired to her bedchamber with tears in her eyes.
“I shall go see to her,” Lady Murphy had said. Caroline felt dearly for her friend, hoping that in the following weeks she could bring some sort of joy to her life once more like she had done for her.
As they all returned to town at the end of the summer months, having thoroughly enjoyed the sun and the warm weather, Caroline knew she had a lot of plans to make. She had her reputation to recover, which Lord Murphy was quick to help her do. Caroline attended different charitable functions with the Murphys, willing to spend her dowry money to help others. The news articles about her efforts around town certainly seemed to cushion the news for when her engagement to Sir Roberts was finally announced in the papers.
“I wonder how many hearts were broken due to the announcement?” William had teased one night as they dined at his townhouse with his father and ‘grandmother.’
“Why? Were many young ladies smitten with you?” Caroline asked in return.
“I’m certain there were at least a few,” William said with his head raised high, causing everyone to laugh openly at such a remark.
“Well, it is of no matter now. We shall soon be married and perhaps may become the envy of town.”
“I greatly agree,” Gwendolen spoke up. “Your wedding dress is going to be so spectacular that the Ton will be discussing the design for weeks.”
“Shush now, Miss Gwendolen. I don’t want Sir Roberts to know anything of my gown,” Caroline retorted.
Though Gwendolen was clearly saddened with Lord Sergio’s departure back to Spain, she seemed to cheer up as Caroline incorporated her opinion and help into the wedding plans. Since William was pleased to simply be married, he had left the plans up to the women. In turn, they had planned a magnificent reception at the townhouse, the wedding itself becoming the topic of all their discussions.
More than anything, Caroline was ready to be with William. She desired to lay with him again as his wife. And though there were times when they could have found private time to be together, their heated kisses causing their bodies to yearn for something more, they had both decided to wait till they were officially married.
The night before the wedding, Caroline stood outside in the gardens with William at Lord Murphy’s townhouse. He would be leaving shortly, and Caroline knew she needed to get some rest for the big day tomorrow. But for now, she held William’s hand as they both stared up at the stars above, the night becoming cooler as summer gave way to fall.
“This time tomorrow, you shall be with me at my townhouse,” William said.
“I look forward to it,” Caroline replied, leaning her head on his shoulder.
“I have longed for this moment for so long that it almost feels like a dream that it’s actually happening now.”
“I’m sure it will feel more real when I am in your bed tomorrow night,” Caroline told him with a chuckle.
“I suppose you are correct,” William said as he leaned down towards her and placed a kiss on her head. “Yet, for now, let us retire for the night so that tomorrow might come sooner.”
“If only my parents were here to see how happy I am,” Caroline mused as she allowed William to lead her by the arm back inside.
“I’m confident they can see you well enough, Caroline. They are no doubt looking down on you from heaven.”
“Thank you, William. That was certainly what I needed to hear tonight. After everything we’ve been through, I like to think that they are still with me.”
“As long as you hold them in your memory, Caroline, they will be. All the monsters of our past have been laid to rest, and now we can look forward to the rest of our lives together, as we should have always been.”
“I love you, William,” Caroline said as they paused at the open door.
“And I love you, too, Caroline.”
