Page 83 of The Duke's Auctioned Spinster
Rose gave him a flat look. “I thought you were giving up your life of adventure. I hope you were not lying to me.”
Edmund grinned and turned to face her fully. He placed a tender hand on hers. The weight of it was gentle, comfortable, and felt entirely natural to Rose now. For so long, she had been used to making her way through life alone, but Edmund’s presence added something she never realized she was missing. Now, she knew she could never go back to the way things were before.
“I would never leave you like that, Rose. Although if you did want to join me, then we could climb that mountain together.”
“Perhaps in the future, although I believe we can find enough adventure in Paris to keep us occupied on our honeymoon.”
“You are probably right. I am thinking about establishing a Pall Mall league in Paris. We could take the city by storm, Rose.”
Rose chuckled. “Are you so full of ideas that you cannot simply enjoy sitting in a room quietly together?”
“You knew the kind of man you were marrying.”
“I am not sure I do. You have so many different identities, Edmund. The rakish noble. The gregarious duke. The gambler. The drunk. The jester.”
Edmund recoiled in mock horror.
“You wound me, my dear. I thought a wife was supposed to stand up for her husband, not tear him down.”
“Perhaps you should have read the fine print of marriage.”
“That always has been my downfall. It is why Alfred is so important to me,” he grinned. Laughter was bubbling in Rose’s voice.
“I hope you are not suggesting making him a part of our marriage either.”
“Oh no, of course not. Mary would never agree to such a thing,” he chuckled, as if that was the only thing stopping him. Then he turned serious and lifted her hand, running his thumb over the finger that bore the wedding ring. His flesh met the gold band and rotated it around her finger.
Rose felt a surge of pride as she watched the ring spin, knowing it symbolized her unbreakable bond with Edmund. Their hearts, souls, and lives were forever intertwined. Her life had gained new purpose, and her sense of belonging was rooted in her marriage. This did not diminish her; instead, it made her feel more important.
“You do not really mean that, do you, Rose? I do hope you have seen a different side to me,” he said with a surprising earnestness and vulnerability.
“Of course I have, Edmund. I remember how you helped that farmer without expecting reward or recognition. I think you have spent so long trying to be many things to many people that you find it difficult to be yourself. I hope that can change now that we are married. I want all of London to see you the way I see you.”
“I am not sure they are entirely ready for that,” he said.
“I certainly was not, but look at me now. I am married, when I swore I would never do such a thing.”
“And I have planted roots in London when I swore I would tear up everything and never look back.”
“I hope you are not going to regret your decision.”
“Not for a moment. But I could say the same of you as well.”
She lifted her gaze from her hand and looked at him directly in the eyes. They were the same eyes that had glinted with mischief since their first meeting, the eyes that had grown more profound and more comforting, the eyes that now brought a sense of peace to her soul.
“No, Edmund. But I can say that if I were not married to you, then I would not be married at all. You are the exception.”
“And exceptional, I hope,” he murmured. They both giggled, getting closer and closer to each other, as though invisible strings were bringing them together.
“Let me handle the compliments, Edmund. It is unbecoming when you compliment yourself.”
“One of the many lessons I am sure I will learn through marriage.”
“I am glad you admit that you do not know everything yet.”
“Not yet, but I am sure that we can enjoy this education together.”
“It will be most enlightening, I am sure,” she said. Their lips were barely an inch apart. She could feel the heat and sweetness of his breath. She could feel the presence of his body beside her. She tingled and prickled with anticipation, but just as they were about to kiss, they felt something leaping between them and squirming. They both looked down.
