Page 65 of Rescuing a Tantalising Heiress
“Nor could I,” she replied, waving to the crowd as more handfuls of rice were thrown, much to the delight of everyone gathered there.
The day was bright and sunny, and the ride back to Howdwell Heights was a triumphant and joyful procession. They were met by Marston and the other servants and ushered into the hallway, where decorations had been hung and the scent of delicious food hung in the air. There was to be feasting and dancing, and as the day continued, much merrymaking was had by all.
“The two of you haven’t missed a single dance,” Isabella said as Augusta came to join her and Edward at the edge of the library—the tables and chairs having been rearranged to make it into a ballroom of sorts.
“I love to dance,” Augusta replied, and Isabella smiled at her.
“And I’m glad to see the two of you do so. We’ll join you in a moment,” she said, but Augusta caught her arm in her hand.
“We have something to tell you both. We didn’t like to do so before today. You were both so caught up in the preparations, but…well, we’re getting married, too,” Augusta said, glancing up at Hugh, who nodded.
“With your permission, I suppose,” he said, turning to Edward, who laughed.
“You don’t need my permission. Though it’s good of you to ask for it. I couldn’t be happier to think of my sister marrying the man she loves. She deserves such happiness, and so do you,” he said and held his hand out to Hugh, who shook it with a look of relief on his face.
“Thank you, Edward. I wasn’t sure…well, after everything,” he said, but Edward shook his head.
“There’s one thing I’ve learned in all of this—one should follow one’s instincts, be it in love or would-be kidnappers,” he replied, and Augusta and Hugh glanced at one another and smiled, just as another waltz struck up.
Isabella and Edward lingered for a moment, watching the other couples enjoying themselves. Even Isabella’s father was dancing, and Isabella laughed to see his partner was none other than Anne, who was clearly enjoying herself immensely.
“Let’s slip out into the garden,” Isabella whispered, and Edward nodded.
“But first, come into the study. I want us to be alone for a moment,” he said, slipping his hand into hers and leading her out into the hallway and across to his study.
The sound of the merriment in the library was muffled now, and Edward closed the door behind them, slipping his arms around Isabella and kissing her. A fire was burning in the hearth, and candles had been lit around the room as though it had already been prepared for this moment. The curtains had been closed, and Edward turned the key in the lock, smiling at Isabella as she gave a sigh of relief.
“Doesn’t it feel good to be alone?” she said, and he nodded, inviting her to sit with him on the rug in front of the hearth.
A bottle of claret and two glasses stood on a small table, and it was clear now as to Edward’s intentions. He poured Isabella a glass, raising his own in a toast.
“To the future,” he said, and Isabella smiled.
“To all its happiness,” she said as they clinked their glasses together in a toast.
He smiled at her, leaning forward to kiss her, their foreheads resting together as he set down his glass and slipped his arm around her. Isabella did the same, caught up in her desire for him, as their lips met once again.
“And we will be happy. I know we will,” he whispered as Isabella arched her neck, and his lips traced a trail across the shoulder of her dress.
He pulled at the material, exposing her breasts. The room was steeped in cosy warmth, even as Isabella’s hands trembled as she pulled at the buttons on his shirt, exposing his chest, their hands searching one another, pulling one another into a closer embrace.
Her heart was racing, their bodies now close and entwined. Edward reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he brushed a lock of Isabella’s hair behind her ear, kissing her with such passion as to make her gasp.
“I love you,” Isabella whispered, her breathing quickening at the anticipation of what they were about to share.
She felt him stiffen against her, his hands searching her out, pulling at the folds of her skirts up and leaving her exposed. His hands moved up her thighs as he sought her centre and pleasured her with his tongue. Isabella gasped, closing her eyes, as her whole body was flooded with ecstasy at these new sensations.
He made his way back up her body and his touch became bolder. His lips tenderly met hers, igniting a fire within her she had never known before. She desired nothing but him, and as he raised himself up, she took his pleasure in her hand, feeling him stiffen as she guided him to that place between her legs he longed to enter.
“My love…” He gasped as their bodies became one.
Isabella had never imagined such a feeling, and now she clasped him to her, holding him tightly as they shared the rhythm of their lovemaking. He kissed her again, their lips meeting, their hands clasped around one another, each urging the other to greater pleasures.
When they reached a shared climax, Isabella gasped, entirely caught up in the pleasure shuddering through her body. Edward let out a cry, his seed flooding into her. Their lips met in a final, passionate kiss. As they lay entangled in each other’s arms, breathless and sated, Isabella looked into Edward’s eyes, feeling a deep sense of happiness at all they had shared—and all theywouldshare.
“I love you, Edward, “ she whispered, and he smiled at her.
“And I love you more than I can ever tell you, but I’ve tried to show you in everything I’ve done,” he replied.
