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He reached for her hand and placed a kiss in her palm before turning it around and kissing her knuckles.

“Thank you. I will not let you down again.”

She smirked and gave a simple nod in return. “See that you do not.”

CHAPTER 38

“Will you allow me to escort you to your chambers?” Robert asked.

Georgiana nodded, not because she was tired and wanted to lie down, but because she did not want Robert to leave her side. She held onto his hand and leaned upon him a little more than she needed to as he helped her up the stairs.

It felt good to have his strong arms around her again supporting her so effortlessly. She appreciated the concern in his gaze, which did not leave her, even for a second.

She hungrily inhaled his familiar scent of sandalwood, a little smoky from the cheroot he liked to smoke before dinner, combined with a whiff of sweat and horses from his ride. His enticing aroma provided Georgiana with a sense of security and protection.

He led her up to her chambers, sat her on the bed, and took off her shoes, before lifting her and arranging her so she was laying against her pillows.

“Are you comfortable?” he asked.

“I am.” She reached for his arm, clutching it with her hand. “Please do not go.”

“I was not going to,” he said reassuringly.

They gazed at each other for a while. Georgiana smiled. “It really is good to have you home. I am so happy to see you.”

He smiled back. “Not as happy as I am to see you. I have been living with chronic worry for so long. My stomach has been churning and burning, unable to settle. I am surprised I was able to eat anything. Before I forget, my grandmother sends her love.”

“Oh, how sweet of her.”

“Perhaps the next time I go to Emberford, you will come with me? It is high time that you two met.”

Georgiana chuckled. “I agree. I would be happy to accompany you. It is only that you did not ask again, so I assumed you had changed your mind about wanting me there.”

He winced, shaking his head. “I have done many things wrong. Hopefully, I shall be better about it going forward. I want you in every part of my life—the businesses, the households, the sickness and the health. I love you, Georgiana.”

She lit up from within at his words. “Do you mean it?”

“With all my heart. I love you. You are the joy that I never thought I would ever have. You are my reason to wake up in the morning and make the most of the day. You are the smile on my face, and the gladness in my heart. You are my reason for living.”

She shivered, overwhelmed by his declaration.

“At the moment these are just words. Perhaps they mean nothing to you. I will show you with my actions that I mean every word.”

“I believe you.” She breathed. “I love you too.”

He expelled a loud breath. “I shall endeavor to be worthy of your love.”

“Oh, hush. Love is not something to be worthy of. It merely is. Now come here and kiss me.”

He made a startled noise and then laughed before leaning over and pressing his lips onto hers. She parted her lips so that his bottom lip was caught between both of hers. She sucked it intoher mouth before letting it go and pressed into him so they could kiss more deeply.

He cupped her face, using his tongue to gently explore her mouth, their teeth clashing and noses nudging until they settled into a more coordinated dance, their tongues waltzing together, creating a tune that was wholly their own, their hands rhythmically mapping out each other’s bodies.

He pulled back, his breath coming fast and hard, and stared intently into her eyes.

“You are still unwell,” he panted. “You need to rest.”

She smiled, pulling at his shirt. “I am resting. See, lying down and everything.” She flung her hands back to indicate the pillows behind her.