Page 78 of The Vagabond Viscount
Augusta slipped her hand into Flynn’s and gave his fingers an encouraging squeeze. She had been the one who’d had to deal with the issue of their secret wedding, so if she was fine with things, then so was he.
“What are your plans now?” asked the duke.
It was an obvious question, and one which demanded an answer. “I had planned to go and stay with my uncle for a time while I got things set up, but that was before this morning. Before I knew that Augusta and my marriage was no longer a secret.”
He doubted the Kembals would be too happy if he continued with that original plan and lived in a separate household from his wife. From what Augusta and Gideon had told him when they were in Rome, the duke and duchess had been the subject of enough rumors already this year. The last thing anyone would want to see was Augusta’s name being dragged into the mud.
“Good, then that settles things. You will move in here until you and Augusta decide on somewhere else to live. Gideon and Serafina have taken the other private apartment, but there are connecting rooms on the fourth floor which will serve as a suite for the two of you in the meantime,” announced Lady Anne.
The Duke of Mowbray nodded his agreement. Clearly, the subject of where he and Augusta were going to live had been discussed and agreed upon prior to his arrival. Flynn bowed his head, grateful for the kind offer. “That is very generous. Thank you. Hopefully, we won’t all be squeezed under your roof for too long, your grace. Once I get established with de Luca Shipping, I intend to look for a place for Augusta and myself to live.”
His position was firm. They would set up their own home. Refuse to use his father’s courtesy titles. And in doing so, make their opinion of Earl Bramshaw plain to all of London society.
Augusta squeezed his hand a second time. “Could Flynn and I be allowed some time alone? It’s been eight weeks since we last saw one another.”
The meaning behind her words was fortunately not lost on the others in the room. They were all married and therefore understood the need for a couple to have privacy.
The duchess stepped forward and placed a kiss on Flynn’s cheek. “Welcome to the family, Flynn. I think Augusta has chosen well.”
He suffered the congratulations of Gideon and the duke, making a solemn promise to spend time with his father-in-law at his earliest convenience.
Flynn barely had time to wish his new family members a polite goodbye before Augusta dragged him out the door. They were down the hall, up the nearest set of stairs, and in the privacy of her room within a matter of minutes.
He took her into his arms and held her, breathing deeply, taking in the scent of the woman he loved. Eight long weeks without Augusta—how had he survived?
“Flynn,” she whispered just before he lowered his lips to hers. As their tongues danced together, he made a silent vow. Never again would he ever be separated from her. Only death would see them part.
ChapterForty-Seven
He wasn’t meant to be here for another month. Augusta had steeled herself for four more weeks of longing. Her calendar was marked, noting the exact day when Flynn’s ship was due to arrive in London. And yet here he was.
She couldn’t be happier.
When they finally broke their long, love-filled kiss, Augusta stared into Flynn’s perfect blue eyes. “Hello, husband. You are early.”
He chuckled. “Hello wife. And yes, I know. I had planned to stay on in Rome as we agreed, but not long after you left, I shared a wine or two too many with Matteo and Count Nico. I confessed our secret wedding, after which they made it clear that I was going to be on the first boat back to England.”
Oh, no.Flynn had lost his chance at spending time in Rome on his own terms. Augusta sighed. “I am sorry. I know you were looking forward to seeing more of the city.”
Her husband shook his head. “I am not the least bit sorry. Seeing your beautiful, smiling face only confirms what my friends told me. That I was a silly man for wanting to remain in Rome and learn about the shipping business, while my wife went home. I have missed you terribly.” He kissed her once more. Augusta loved how Flynn was always hungry for kisses.
“Besides. Once they understood my other reason for staying on in Rome, that I wanted to experience the city for myself, they arranged a whirlwind tour for me. I was taken on a private excursion of the Vatican by a cardinal and allowed to view the special art collection. Nico and Matteo pulled every string they had to make sure I spent the rest of my short stay seeing Rome. Even Serafina’s father, stepped in and took me to places I would never have been able to visit on my own.”
Enzo de Luca had offered Flynn special favors. Now that was a turn-up for the books. He had been dead set against his daughter marrying Gideon, so it was most unexpected that he would help one of Gideon’s friends.
Augusta raised her eyebrows. “Now that is surprising.”
“Once Enzo realized I was going to help with the shipping company here in London, he became quite friendly toward me. I have a better understanding of him as a result of our time together.”
There was a lightness in his voice, a spark. Augusta couldn’t remember a time when she had heard it. These weeks apart had changed Flynn, given him a degree of confidence she doubted he might have gained if he had come home with her.
She sensed he was ready to take on all that was waiting for him in England. The good and the bad.
But first, the good.
“How was your voyage home?” she asked, resting her hand over his heart.
“Fine. Well, considering how I got to Italy, it wouldn’t have taken much for the return journey to be an improvement. The de Lucas made sure I was given an elegant cabin on board one of their best ships. They said it made sense for me to be able to give a firsthand account of the quality of their vessels for any potential customers. Speaking of journeys, how was your trip back to England?”
