Page 49 of Never Second Guess a Lord
Despite the words, why did her closure somehow seem less loving? Had someone else caught her eye? As he originally set out to do, had Jacob merely been the healing balm between her late husband and a true and lasting love to come? A man who would not crave to make her his permanently but be content to love her from afar?
27 March 1816
My Dearest Prudence,
I have taken your advice and decided not only to see to the restorations in the village near you but intend to restore the church as well.
And because he hated to assume when she could very well have taken another lover.
I might be there several weeks, so I intend to get a room at the nearby inn. It is my fondest hope that I will see you. That perhaps you might even join me when visiting the village as the work begins? For where would I be without my dearest friend and all her savvy advice? Until next we meet, my fair commander.
Your Beloved Jacob
8 April 1816
My Dearest Second-in-Command,
Nonsense! You will not stay at an inn! I demand you return to your liege and rest comfortably in her castle. I will not take no for an answer. As to helping you oversee restorations, nothing would make me happier. I eagerly await news of your arrival.
Your Ever Faithful and Loving, Prudence
His gaze lingered on those last words. How she always seemed to sense his thoughts and even insecurities despite the distance. But then he supposed he did the same with her. Had done since the very beginning.
While they continued corresponding, between running his estate and putting together such a venture, he was not en route to Dalness until mid-May. It had been more than three long months since they last saw each other, and he was beyond desperate to hold her again. Feel her warmth. Love her as only he could.
As it had been the first time he had arrived at her manor, she greeted him at his coach. Only this go around, she was alone and did not wait for him to step out. Rather she asked Donal to give them a moment alone, then crawled into the carriage and sat next to Jacob with a wide smile.
“Foolish woman.” He pulled her onto his lap. “You know better than to sit there when you should be sitting here.”
Wise enough to understand they needed a moment alone, his footman closed the door before Jacob closed his mouth over hers. Kissing her again felt like coming home. Exactly where he was always meant to be.
“My lady,” he eventually murmured against her lips before he lost control and took her here and now. “You have become quite forward of late.”
“I have, Your Grace.” She wore a soft smile when she looked at him. “Does that bother you?”
He was tempted to comment that perhaps yes, if she had met another and was equally forthright with the sod but dispelled the notion when she continued.
“Does it bother you when I am all yours until you find the future Duchess of Argyll?” she murmured before kissing him again.
Before making it clear he need never fear her giving herself to another.
“When are you going to understandyouare the future Duchess of Argyll?” he said.
Naturally, she made no comment but continued kissing him until they finally found their way out of the carriage.
“I thought you were rather fond of the room you stayed in before.” She offered him a small, knowing smile. “So I had it prepared for you again.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Desperate for every night they would spend together over the next few weeks, he met her smile. “I seem to remember that room had an especially pleasing view.”
He enjoyed the way her cheeks pinkened at the implication.
“You must have left at quite the hour to get here so early,” she said. “It is a lovely day. Might we enjoy a picnic, or would you prefer to rest?”
He suspected, by the wicked twinkle in her eyes, she had more in mind than a picnic. “A picnic would be lovely.”
Her butler opened the door and bowed. “Your Grace.”
“Mr. Fenwick.” He nodded hello to Agnus when she curtsied. “Miss Agnus.”
