Page 94

“But what if I want you to hope?” she asked, taking a step towards William.

For a long moment, he didn’t say a word, he just stared at her as if afraid to let himself believe what he saw there. “What are you saying?” he finally asked, voice carefully measured.

“I’m saying that I feel the same way, that I have fallen rather in love with you myself.”

“Do you truly mean that?”

“I would never say such a thing if I didn’t.”

He didn’t hesitate after that. William surged forward, taking his bride in his arms.

For a moment, Rebecca startled, losing her ballance for a moment, she clutched at his sleeve. “What are you-”

Then he was moving in closer. His face was only a breath from hers.

“Before I say anything else, I want to say it properly. I am so lucky to be married to you. I love you, Rebecca.”

“Oh, William, I have never had anyone stand up for me the way you have. You have shown me I can have the kind of life I have never dared to dream about before. You have done so much for me, given so much to me, and I love you for it, but more than that, I love you for the man you are, so kind and considerate and-”

William didn’t give her the chance to get another word out. He darted forward, sealing their lips together in a kiss.

It was unlike their previous kisses. Gone was the hesitancy and self consciousness from before.

In its place was only pure love and adoration.

The pair spent far longer than would have been considered proper standing in the foyer kissing before Mary came around the corner.

“Oh!” she gasped. “I’m sorry to interrupt the two of you, I just wanted to ask when you would like to have dinner.”

“Yes, of course,” Rebecca stepped back, doing her best to ignore the way William’s shoulders shook with laughter. “I can go change now. Thank you or asking.”

“Are you sure? there’s no rush. I would be more than happy to wait for you in your room.”

“Give us a moment then she’ll be right up,” he cut in, regaining his composure.

“Thank you, your grace,” she did a quick curtsy then all but ran off.

William started to laugh again as soon as Mary was out of ear shot.

“William!” Rebecca flushed. “You shouldn’t laugh about such things. We gave the poor girl quite the scare.”

He moved to pull her back into his arms. “I’m sure she will be fine in a moment. It isn’t like we were doing anything improper. We are married after all.”

“I don’t think that makes kissing in the hall any more proper.”

“Very well then, I will let you got for now, but we should continue this conversation later. How does after dinner sound?”

Rebecca laughed, as she stepped away. “I would hardly call what happened a conversation.”

“That doesn’t mean that there is nothing to continue.”

She shook her head. “I need to go dress for dinner. I will see you shortly.”

She shot William one last look before making her way back to her room.

The second she had stepped inside, Mary was on her.

“It looks like you and Duke Danton have gotten close,” she teases.