Page 71 of The Ice Queen
Lady Margaret chortled. “Well in that case, this is a terrible color on me and it won’t do your marriage prospects any good for you to be paying social visits without the requisite female relative. I shall be ready to leave at first light. Once we are in London, I shall make sure to visit my modiste and have several new expensive gowns made up. I need to look my best while you set about the task of securing your future countess.”
Julian chanced one last look to watch the coach as it cleared the rise.
The coach suddenly stopped. The door flung open and Caroline jumped down. She began to walk back down the drive toward the castle. Julian and Lady Margaret looked at one another.
“Oh, for heaven’s sake, run after her,” said Lady Margaret.
She took hold of Midas’s collar while Julian broke into a fast run to meet Caroline. When they finally met, she held out her hands to him. Tears shone in her eyes.
“I couldn’t leave without telling you one more time that I love you. My life without you will be utter torture. Promise me you will come to London as soon as possible,” she said.
He pulled her into his arms and, ignoring anyone who could see them, placed a long warm kiss on her lips. “You are demanding and willful,” he said with a smile.
“Yes, and as I recall, it is you who is infuriating,” she replied.
They shared a silly, private grin. How things had changed since that horrid encounter between them at the ball.
James poked his head out of the coach. “Come on, Caroline. I want to make Leicester before it is dark. Newhall, unless you are coming with us to see my uncle, I suggest you unhand my cousin and let her leave!”
Julian helped her back into the coach. He stole a kiss right in front of James, who rolled his eyes and looked away. “I shall see you in London. In the meantime, don’t forget that I love you.”
As the Strathmore coach disappeared over the rise, Julian headed back to the castle, a happy whistle on his lips.
