Page 64 of A Lady's Beastly Duke
Sidney’s heart thudded, filled with so much joy and love that he could barely breathe. He gazed into her eyes and took a step forward, taking her hand in his own. He lifted it to his lips and kissed the back of it, the soft rosewater scent filling his nostrils, flooding his senses until he thought he might drown in it. He released her hand, gazing into her eyes. She rested her hand on his cheek. He drew a breath, knowing that he wanted to kiss her more than he had ever wished for anything. He leaned a little forward, and she leaned forward too and then he bent his head and pressed his lips to her own.
Her lips were soft under his, and sweet and warm, like petals. He shut his eyes, and when she leaned against him, not tensing or flinching, he pressed closer, his hand moving to touch her hair and his other arm drawing her against him. Shewrapped her arms around him and held him tight and Sidney’s soul soared, bliss that he had never even imagined flooding into him and through him.
“I love you,” he breathed as he stepped back, his heart thudding and his breath ragged in his chest. “I love you with all my heart, now and always.”
“I love you too, Sidney Markham,” she said softly, her smile bright and warm and like sunshine in his heart. “I love you too.”
He took her hand, and they walked onto the balcony together, into the sunshine.
His lips lifted at the corners, and he longed to share his happiness with everyone he knew, but for the moment, it was enough to hold her and be held, to love and be loved, to revel in the joy of a time he would cherish forever—because love is eternal.
Chapter 25
“I say, old chap!” Giles’ voice was raised slightly above normal pitch. “You are a most cunning rogue, I must admit.”
Sidney grinned. Giles was sitting in the drawing room, clear-eyed and very much himself. They had been sitting together at tea while Mama and Aunt Harriet went shopping.
“I’m not so cunning,” Sidney countered, though his grin stretched from one ear to the other. “A walk in Hyde Park is hardly a scandal in the making.”
“Yes. Quite,” Giles chuckled. “I wouldn’t trust you to set about making a proper scandal, cousin. You’re so strait-laced you’d mismanage it horridly. But, not as strait-laced as I thought, eh.” His voice was warm and fond.
Sidney chuckled too. “I am just glad I told you.” He was, if he was honest, a little tense. He had invited Anastasia for a walk in the park—alone, but chaperoned, as was proper. She had agreed, and it was just half an hour before he ought to depart by coach for the park. He twisted his shirt cuffs in his fingertips, a habit from when he was little more than a boy.
“Well, it’s grand news, old chap. Grand news.” Giles nodded his head in agreement.
Sidney gazed down at the floor, lost in thought. He kept on recalling Anastasia’s face from the previous day. He could not stop thinking of the way her eyes gazed into his, the surprised smile on her face and the warmth that flooded his heart. He thought of the conversation at every spare moment, repeating it to himself in his mind until his cheeks ached from smiling.
“I thought to take a walk later, myself,” Giles mused, as he sipped a cup of tea. Sidney raised a brow.
“Oh?” He was interested. “I did not know you were fond of the park, cousin.”
“I’m not,” Giles replied, raising a brow. “But I will walk nonetheless.”
“Oh?” Sidney repeated, a smile growing on his face. “Any reason for going there, cousin?”
Giles leveled his gaze at him. “Not any that I wish to disclose.”
Sidney just grinned.
“I heard they have a new section where exotic plants are displayed,” Sidney said, tilting his head.
“Interesting,” Giles replied.
The talk turned to the park, and plants in general—neither of them were particular enthusiasts, but both had read some articles which discussed new species of plants, and the topic held their interest for a while. Sidney looked up from the tea as thebutler appeared in the doorway.
“Your Grace? Your mother and aunt have returned briefly to deliver some parcels and to convey that they shall be at Gunter’s until five o'clock.”
“Thank you,” Sidney replied mildly. Giles poured some tea.
“Are you off walking?” Giles inquired, stirring his tea as if he had no other interest in the world.
“In a moment,” Sidney replied. He had changed into the clothing he thought suited him best, but he still wished to check his hair in the looking glass before he departed for the park.
“Oh. Grand,” Giles replied, setting down his teacup. “I will depart on my own jaunt shortly, too. Lady Camilla returns from her tea-party at four, and I do not wish to be too late to meet her at the gate.”
“What?” Sidney gaped. He stared up at his cousin, who was making his way to the door. His dark hair was well brushed, and he wore a dark brown velvet jacket that Sidney had not seen him wear before. Giles grinned.
“Lady Camilla. Who do you think told me about Lady Anastasia and when Lord Ridley would be there?”
