Page 24 of A Simple Marriage (Millionaires of Mayfair #2)

Pippa smoothed her pelisse and the matching gown underneath. It didn’t really need it, but she was nervous. Which she expected was perfectly normal since it wasn’t every day that you gave your heart to another and asked that person to marry you all the while explaining that you love them more than anyone else in the world.

This day was so much like that fateful day when Hugh stormed across the park with all her letters tucked away. The sun was shining brightly, and it was early enough that there was no one else to gawk at them or think something scandalous was occurring.

She chuckled lightly to herself. Something scandalous had happened last night. She’d treasured last night with Hugh even if her brother had been distraught over the events. However, she had seen Pelham this morning, and he seemed to be in high spirits. He even thought her plan was brilliant.

Now, it was time to see if a certain marquess thought it brilliant as well.

“Oh, my lady,” Alice crooned. “Look. I believe it’s your handsome marquess who’s approaching.”

“He’s not mine. Yet.” Pippa tugged her gloves for a tighter fit. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of his long legs eating the distance between them. She could tell by the breadth of his shoulders and the keen fit of his breeches that it was Hugh Calthorpe, the Marquess of Ravenscroft, the love of her life. The sun’s rays danced in his onyx-colored strands, marking him, making him appear like her very own mythical hero who’d finally made his way home.

If he said yes, then she’d be home as well.

“Keep your fingers crossed for me.”

“No need for luck, my lady.” She pointed to her elbow with a knowing nod. “It’s been bothering me something fierce this morning. Change is coming.”

“I pray you are correct, my dear Alice.” Pippa had to remind herself to take a deep breath as he strolled near. This was no time to be mawkish, meek, or sheepish. She had business to attend to. “My lord,” she said with a smile when he came to her side.

“Lady Pippa.” Without taking his eyes from hers, he called out to Alice. “Good day, Miss Roberts.”

“Oh, my lord,” Alice gushed. “What a fine day it is whenever we see you.”

“I feel the same about you,” he murmured to Pippa.

“Alice, I think you should wait in the carriage,” Pippa instructed her maid. Without any objection, the maid nodded her head and walked back to the entrance of the park.

“What about a chaperone?” Hugh quirked an eyebrow.

“I promise not to compromise you,” Pippa murmured. “At least not as much as I did last night.”

“Pity,” he teased. “I liked last night’s compromise. I rather fancy being ruined.”

“As do I,” she answered. Her gaze met his. His eyes were molten as they regarded her. It reminded her of last night and how he’d taken her. He’d been ravenous for her, and the same could be said for her. “I take it that you saw my brother.”

He winced slightly. “I did, and I think we’ve come to terms with each other. I let him take a few jabs at me.”

“What?” She cried. “No.” She covered her hand over her mouth to hide her shock. “Are you all right? I thought we were beyond that type of barbaric behavior.”

“Pippa,” Hugh said in his familiar deep rumble that made her melt inside. “Your brother had every right to be angry. I apologized, and we’ve put it behind us. Don’t worry. I may be a little sore, but I think we can repeat last night's performance if you’d like.” He waggled his eyebrows.

“You, sir, are the devil. And I’m completely enchanted.”

“That’s my aim, my lady.” He bowed his head.

“Good. Now, would you walk with me? I have a proposal for you.”

He offered his arm without hesitating, and she wrapped hers around his and pulled him close.

“Sounds scandalous,” he murmured. “I can’t wait.”

“It is pretty scandalous when a man buys a business for a woman without her knowing it.” She slid him a side-eyed gaze. “Thank you again for buying Mignon’s shop for me.”

“You’re welcome.” He reached into the inside pocket of his waistcoat and pulled out her letter. “I received this today. May I say that my pride has been restored now that you think me an acceptable marriage candidate?”

She lightly tapped his arm with her fan. “You and I both know you weren’t my first choice. But you’ll do now.”

“Just put the knife here, my lady.” Hugh dramatically placed his hand over his heart. “It would be more efficient.”

She shook her head with a laugh. “Luckily for me and you, my requirements have changed for a suitable husband.”

He pulled her into a small grove of weeping willows that hid them from preying eyes. “This sounds serious.”

“Extremely.” Pippa grabbed his lapels and held on tight. “You see, I don’t want a husband.”

He pulled her into his embrace and pressed a kiss to her lips. “You don’t?”

“Too boring,” she conceded. “I want a husband-husband. And I think you’re the perfect candidate for the job.”

Hugh threw back his head and laughed heartedly. If people didn’t know they were hiding behind the trees, they certainly did now. “Finally, you see my worth.”

Pippa turned serious. “You’ve always been a rare treasure to me, Hugh.”

A tender smile replaced his laughter. Hugh cupped her cheek. “I think that’s the loveliest compliment I’ve ever received.”

Pippa wrapped her arms around his neck. “Let me say more lovely things to you every day of our lives. Will you do me the great honor of agreeing to be my husband? I promise I shall love and cherish you forever.”

He cupped both cheeks and stared into her eyes. For the longest time, he didn’t say a word. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. “I could say something cliché such as ‘you’re my heart and soul,’ or perhaps, ‘you complete me,’ but that’s so superficial.” She bit her lip. “I’ve never loved anyone like I love you. If I can’t trust my heart, then I haven’t been listening or learning what it’s been trying to teach me. It’s been telling me since we first danced to grab ahold of you tightly and never let you go.”

“Pippa,” he crooned softly.

She placed her fingers against his lips to keep him from speaking. He gently bit them as his eyes blazed with affection. It was a promise of more passionate lovemaking in their near future.

“Let me say everything first. Otherwise, I’m going to start crying, and I’ll forget everything I must share.” She blinked away the tears and searched his gaze, willing him to see inside her heart and how ready it was to let him inside. “I know you’re frightened of what might happen in the future. So am I. But I want to take that risk, Hugh. I want to take that risk with you. We’ve been given a precious gift. Let’s enjoy every day, hour, minute, and seconds that we have together.” This time, she let the tear fall. “Marry me. I promise to love you forever.”

He wiped away the tear, then rested his forehead against hers. “After Stanhope came to see me, I was terrified. But my darling aunt and lovely mother taught me not to be. They encouraged me to allow myself to love and cherish you. With you, I can learn not to fear the future because I know that no matter what happens, you will always have my heart. And I will always have yours.” He pressed a kiss to her lips but didn’t pull away. “The answer is yes, I’ll marry you. Now, who shall we tell first? Your family or mine.”

“I don’t care. We could invite them to Ardeerton House and tell them together.” Pippa bit gently on his lower lip. With a groan of desire that curled her toes, he opened for her. Without hesitating, she deepened the kiss and fell into his arms.

She’d never had a kiss like this one from him. It was filled with light, passion, promises of a brilliant future, family, and happiness. It was everything she could have hoped for and more.

Because if was Hugh.

And he would always love her, just as she would always love him.

“Excellent idea to meet at Ardeerton House.” Hugh kissed her again. “Let’s send Alice back to Ardeerton House, and Ritson can send for our families. That will give us enough time to stop at your dress shop and do a thorough inventory of each other.” He waggled his brows. “Much like we did last night.”

“Your aunt is going to be over the moon at the news,” Pippa said with a laugh.

“I’m going to be over the moon as soon as I have you alone in the shop and remove that gorgeous gown and pelisse from you.” He tugged her toward his carriage. “Let’s consummate this marriage before we say I do.”

Hugh stood inside the entry of Ardeerton House, ready to escort his fiancée into the family salon where he and Pippa would announce their plans for marriage to their respective families. It sounded as if the party had already started if the shouts of laughter and glee that echoed down the hall were any indication.

But Hugh didn’t care a whit for that at the moment. It was the beautiful lady coming down the steps that held him enthralled. This afternoon, he’d thought there was nothing more beautiful in the world than a naked and satiated Pippa tucked under his arm. They’d made love all afternoon, then laid together and talked.

Every word Pippa had uttered was pure poetry. She shared how she’d told Pelham everything she’d experienced with their parents. It had been cathartic for her and her brother. Hugh smiled. Family was everything, and now, his family included Pippa, Pelham, and the entire Ardeerton clan.

The sight of the vision coming down the staircase toward him was utter perfection. His soon-to-be darling wife wore a pink gown that reminded him of the color of her cheeks when she came in his arms. He’d never tire of that color and definitely would never tire of making love to her.

He stood at the end of the stairs and extended his hand. Gracefully, Pippa placed hers in his. Locking his gaze with hers, he kissed her knuckles, then turned her hand and pressed another kiss along her wrist, discreetly licking her pulse. Her eyes widened, and her breath caught at his bold touch.

“Hugh, I’ve never been this happy before,” she exclaimed softly. “If this is a dream, I never want to wake up.”

“It’s real.” He tugged her gently until he could take her in his arms. “Shall I kiss you to show you how real it is?”

“I’d like that.”

As he bent his head to take her in a kiss, footsteps marched down the hallway and into the entry.

“For the love of heaven, man, quit mauling my sister,” Pelham called out.

“Your brother has the worse timing,” he murmured.

“Or the best, depending upon your perception.” Pelham stopped and waved a hand for them to accompany him. As Hugh offered Pippa his arm, Pelham shook his head. “She’s mine until she says, ‘I do.’”

“Pelham, stop,” Pippa said with laughter in her voice.

He tilted his nose in the air. “Can you blame me for wanting to be protective?”

Hugh laughed and patted his friend on the back. “Not one bit.”

Soon, the three of them walked into the family salon. Naturally, everyone turned their way.

Hugh stopped abruptly when he saw Stanhope with his head bent next to Aunt Edith. Stanhope’s mother and his mother stood by the window.

Without a second thought, he placed his hand on Pippa’s back and stepped closer. Instincts could be powerful forces. He wanted the entire world, including the young earl, to know they were together as a couple. “What’s Stanhope doing here?”

Pelham smiled. “He called on me after you left. I invited him.” Pelham slid him a side-eyed gaze. “Be civil. His mother and yours are becoming close. Besides, he quite tickles your great-aunt. She’ll turn her matchmaking intentions his way.”

“Unless she turns them toward you first,” Pippa murmured.

“Pfft,” Pelham huffed. “I don’t need any help with that.” He turned a brilliant smile to his guests. “Everyone, may I have your attention.” The laughs and jovial conversation drew softer. He nodded his approval. “May I present the happy couple to you? My darling sister and Ravenscroft.”

Suddenly, everyone had gathered around them.

Naturally, Aunt Edith was first in line. “It’s about time, my boy. I thought you were never going to pop the question.”

“He didn’t.” Pippa turned his way with a smile, then she took Aunt Edith’s hand. “It’s scandalous, I know, but I asked Hugh to marry me.”

“Such a clever girl to go after what you want. That shop of yours will be a success in record time. Mark my words,” she said with pride. She turned her beaming smile to Hugh. “You’ll learn a lot from your wife.”

Hugh put his arm around Pippa’s waist and pulled her near. “I’ve already learned a great deal and look forward to more.” He turned to her. “More of everything.”

Pippa smiled his way, and her eyes twinkled with happiness. Hugh wasn’t just saying that. He was a lucky man to have her as his wife. She taught him about love and that you should not hesitate when you want something.

Otherwise, you could lose sight of what’s essential in life and in love, which was everything.

Hugh pushed his thoughts aside as Stanhope stood beside them.

“Congratulations to both of you. I wish you happiness and an overabundance of love in your future.” He leaned near and mockingly acted as if he were whispering, “I do hope you’ll invite me to the wedding. I adore cake.”

Pippa laughed, and Hugh smiled. “Of course, my lord.” Still holding Pippa, Hugh leaned near. “Thank you for pushing me to see what a treasure I almost lost.”

Stanhope nodded gracefully. “Of course, it was my pleasure. But we all know that I never stood a chance.” He pointed at Hugh with a grin. “How could I when you bought Lady Pippa a dress shop?”

“Indeed.” Honoria placed her hand on Hugh’s arm. “What man buys a dress shop for his fiancée?”

“A man totally and completely in love.” Everything melted away as he stared into Pippa’s eyes. This woman would always own his heart, and he was the richer for it.

Stanhope looked behind him, then turned back to the happy couple. “I think we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other. Our mothers seemed to be relishing their time together.”

“Indeed,” Hugh said as he extended his hand. “To friends and family.”

Stanhope shook his hand, then was called away by Aunt Edith.

Trafford and Honor were arm and arm as they approached the happy couple.

“Congratulations to you both,” Trafford said with a smile.

Honoria hugged Pippa, then hugged Hugh. “Welcome to the family.”

Hugh bowed. “Thank you, Lady Trafford. And you and Trafford will also have my family to call your own.”

Honoria took her husband’s hand. “You can never have enough family.”

Trafford leaned near his wife and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “Never.”

By then, Ritson had several footmen bring in glasses of champagne. When everyone had a glass, Pelham stood before the room and called Hugh and Pippa to his side. As soon as they joined him, he raised a glass. “Will everyone join me in wishing the happy couple much love and happiness in their marriage?”

Everyone shouted, “Hear. Hear.”

Pippa looked at Hugh with tears of love and joy in her eyes.

“This is real.” Hugh cupped her cheeks and kissed her lips as the onlookers roared their approval.

After everyone calmed down, Pelham turned in their direction. “When’s the wedding?”

Hugh cleared his throat. “Whenever my darling bride wants?”

“Anytime and anyplace,” she said with a laugh. “Just as long as you’re there.”

“What about now?” Hugh said as he pulled a special license out of his waistcoat pocket. As the crowd roared its approval, he leaned down. “I didn’t mean to surprise you like that. I’m a bit giddy about marrying you, that’s all.”

Pippa kissed his cheek. “Let’s do it. As I’ve said before, it’s a simple marriage between me and my best friend, who happens to be the love of my life. I don’t want either of us to waste a single moment of the rest of our lives.”