Page 66 of To Tempt a Troubled Earl

Now love stood at his shoulder. It rested a hand in the small of his back. It ran its strong fingers down his knotty thorns, finding beauty in his troublesome edges as well as in the bloom of his smile. His love smiled back at him, often and easily, with a smile that sometimes brought to mind the memory of another smile, one now lost forever, parted from him too soon.

“We should visit again,” said Kit as they turned to go. “Don’t you think? We could bring my sister Anne.”

“And Sir Richard,” added Lando mischievously. “When they are married.”

“I’ll wager we won’t have long to wait.”

“The Angel estate will have heirs in no time. And, talking of heirs, it’s time you were introduced to the Rossingley ones.”

“You want me to meet your sons?”

Lando lightly shrugged. “Of course? Why wouldn’t I? They are due home from Eton four days from now.”

“Oh. Will they…will they know what you mean to me, and I to you?”

Lando regarded him carefully, cataloguing all of Kit’s attributes. Ascertaining they were alone, Lando leaned in for a kiss.

“No one knows what you mean to me, Kit. Including yourself. But yes, they will. I think it will be hard to conceal it.” He gave a naughty little smile, his eyes sparkling. “You are a better lover than an actor.”

“And I’m becoming a better landowner than a thief. With your help.”

They turned to go, Lando taking a last lingering look at the headstone.

“Thank you,” he whispered to his lost love. “For this precious gift. For giving me another portion of joy. For giving me him.”