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K it leaned against the doorway as Mary’s maid put the finishing touches on her hair. He’d scandalized poor Mathers by insisting he be present during Mary’s toilet. What would the maid do when he insisted on watching his wife being dressed?

God, she was divine, and to think she was finally his.

Mathers began to pack Mary’s remaining items. Everything else had been sent to Charlotte Square earlier. Kit moved to Mary. “Are you ready, my wife?”

Her smile was the best thing he’d ever seen in his life. “I am, my husband.”

There had been several hours when he’d doubted the wisdom of remaining at the hotel, but somehow it had worked to their advantage.

He couldn’t imagine being more in love than he was now.

Still, after having watched his parents for the past several years, he knew his feelings would deepen and Mary’s would as well.

She placed her fingers in his hand. “I suppose we should go. There are only a few hours until the wedding breakfast.”

He bent his head and kissed her. If only they could remain here, in their own little world. “If it weren’t for the fact that I want to show you off to everyone as my wife, I’d be content to cry off.”

Mary placed her small palm on his face. “As would I, but I need to show all those Scottish ladies that you truly are not looking for a wife.”

“Looking for a wife?” He couldn’t believe what she’d said. “Why would anyone have thought that? The only woman I wanted was you.”

“Lady Theo put it about.” Mary linked her arm with his. “After I saw what the ladies here were like, I resolved to protect you.”

“I am eternally grateful you did, and extremely effectively. ”

She slapped him playfully on his arm. “You probably didn’t even notice.”

“My only focus was you. I wanted to punch every man who danced with you.”

“If only I’d known.” She laughed. “I would have found excuses not to dance with them.”

Kit drew her into his arms. “If you’d known, we would have been wed long before this.”

Wrapping her arms around his neck, she rose up and kissed him. “Yes, we would have. I cannot believe how awkward we were around one another.”

“Huntley and the rest of them told me to kiss you.”

“Anna suggested I seduce you.”

He laughed. “I’m amazed we finally got together.”

“Love has a way of sorting one out, don’t you think?”

“Yes, I do. Let’s make a pact. Whenever one of us feels slighted by the other, we must tell the other person. I don’t want any more misunderstandings between us.”

She held him to her. “I absolutely agree. We both of us take the actions of the other too much to heart at times.”

“It looks as if our servants have gone. Shall we walk, or take the carriage?”

Mary shrugged. “How far is it?”

He kissed her lightly on the lips, then linked her arm with his. “Less than two miles.”

“Let’s walk. I have a feeling we’ll be back in a coach soon enough.”

They left the chamber, strolled down the main staircase, then out the door onto the street. He dismissed the coach waiting for them. “I think you’re right. At least it gives us some more time alone.”

They’d been walking for several minutes when Mary asked, “Where shall we go when we leave Edinburgh?”

That was a good question. “Would you rather return to Rose Hill, or journey on to Town?”

He glanced at her as she frowned. “Before I would have said London, but now I’m not sure. It would be disastrous to meet Diana Brownly. If she knew we were in Town, I don’t think she could help but mention us. ”

“My mother has an idea to explain our marriage. The only thing is, I don’t know her plan.”

Mary stumbled, and he held her up. “Oh dear, I haven’t even considered how your family would take all of this.”

If only they were not in public, he could kiss her silly.

“You have no need to worry. The moment my mother discovered my grandmother’s part in the scheme, she wrote to me.

As far as she is concerned, you are as much of a victim as I am, and welcomed you to the family with open arms.” He smiled at Mary.

“Although I must say, I don’t feel at all like a victim now.

You are the most precious person in my life. ”

She glanced up at him, her eyes full of love. “I know exactly what you mean. I never thought to be so happy.”

“Let’s go home to Rose Hill. We can make it truly ours.”

Sliding him a roguish look, Mary said, “But won’t the hostesses miss you?”

Kit tucked her closer to him. “I think I’m done being Mr. Perfect for the ton . I’d much rather be my wife’s perfect husband.”

“I do wish we were not on the street.”

“Why is that?”

“Because I’d take you in my arms and kiss you.”

The hell with the rest of the world. If they wanted to talk, they could. He and Mary were walking through one of the many squares, when he brought them to a halt, turning her to him. “Then do it.”

A lovely rose appeared in her cheeks, yet she reached up and touched her lips softly to his. Wrapping his arms around her, he slanted his head, deepening their kiss.

Someone tsked, then an older woman said, “Liam, do you remember when we were like that?”

“My dearest love, we still are.”

Kit and Mary strolled past the couple, who must have been the same age as their grandmothers. She leaned in and whispered, “Will we be like that at their age?”

He glanced at the couple once more. “I’ll guarantee it.”

Mary couldn’t believe how much she loved Kit, being with Kit, being married to him.

She felt dizzy, as if she’d drunk too much champagne.

They seemed to agree on everything. Not only had they decided to put off going to Town until the Little Season but resolved to invite his family to Rose Hill.

From what he’d told her about his parents, she was sure she’d love them.

They had just rounded the corner into Charlotte Square, and were at the bottom of the steps to Lady Theo’s house, when a large, middle-aged man stepped down from the door, fuming.

“ You! ” He pointed at them. “Tell the witch who lives there Lord Freskin wants his grandchildren and daughter back.”

Kit raised one brow. “I shall tell her no such thing, and I suggest you find a way to control yourself and speak to her in a civil tone.”

As the older man approached, Kit whisked Mary behind him. Lord Freskin stood only a few inches in front of her husband, assuming what would have been a threatening posture to anyone but Kit.

In a bored drawl, Kit asked, “Do you want something?”

Lord Freskin swung his fist up, and the next thing Mary knew, the man was on the ground cradling his jaw.

Turning to her, Kit shook out his hand. “Shall we?”

Mary glanced at his lordship, then back to her husband. She may not have been allowed to see animals breeding, but she had seen her brothers engage in fisticuffs, and that was the best flush hit she’d ever witnessed.

She placed her hand on his arm. “Indeed.”

Reed had the door open as if nothing untoward had occurred. “Welcome back, my lady, sir.”

“Thank you, Reed,” Kit replied as they entered the hall. He bent his head to her. “I’m sorry you had to witness that.”

“Thank you, but my brothers were much worse and not nearly so skilled. Your science is wonderful.”

“You mean that display didn’t shock you?”

“Not at all. Quite the contrary. I actually love a good match.”

His palm cupped the back of her waist as they mounted the stairs. “You are an amazing woman.”

A footman showed them to their new chambers. “Her ladyship wishes to see you.”

“Thank you.” Mary removed her bonnet and glanced around the room. It was about the same as the one she’d had before, except for the bed. That was much larger. Well, Kit did take up a great deal of space.

He wrapped his arms around her. “I’d much rather remain here with you, but if we find out what Lady Theo wants, we might be able to carve out some time alone.”

“I think that is wishful thinking, my love.” Mary reached up and kissed him. “Did you forget the wedding breakfast?” She couldn’t help but giggle as he heaved a dramatic sigh. “Give you one night away from social obligations, and you’ve already become spoiled.”

Kit gave her a wicked grin. “It is you who make me not wish for them.”

His hand slid down over her derrière, and her breathing hitched. “Once we’re back at Rose Hill, we’ll have a great deal of time together. After all, your family won’t come until after the Season is over.”

“I’m not sure a lifetime of being with you is going to be enough.” His other hand caressed her breast as he nibbled her chin.

Never in her wildest dreams—well, perhaps in her very wildest ones—had she imagined being the sole desire of any man.

That it was Kit made it all the better. The more time they spent together the more comfortable they became with one another, and the sillier all her previous doubts seemed.

“You’re an evil man for attempting to seduce me when we must see our hostess. ”

“You mean I haven’t accomplished it?” His voice was low and sensual. “I could swear your heart is beating faster. Perhaps if I slide my fingers between your lovely legs . . .”

Oh God! She was ready to fall into bed with him. They’d never get where they needed to be at this rate. “Cease.” Reluctantly she stepped out of his embrace. “Let’s see what she wants.”

They arrived in the breakfast room to find all their friends, and Lord Simon’s family, present.

“I’m sorry for your confrontation with Lord Freskin,” Lord Titus said. “We knew he’d be angry when he was denied admission to the house, but I never thought he would attempt to assault one of our guests.”