Page 125 of A Single Obsession

“Dressed”—his mother waved her hand in Eliza’s direction—“like that?”

Eliza nodded. “Yes—but don’t boast about it. Beau wouldn’t like it.”

“This is most unexpected. I have been grossly mistaken about your character. A viscountess would never behave in such a manner.” She locked eyes with her son. “Beaumont, you cannot marry this…hussy. I forbid it.”

Beau’s expression hardened and his tone turned icy. “Don’t you ever talk to my wife that way again.”

“Your wife?”

He put his arm around Eliza’s shoulders. “Yes. We were married last night.”

“But I forbid it.”

“Apart from the fact that I’m of age and do not have to bow to your dictates, you’re too late. You put the special licence into my hand yourself. Your eagerness to see us wed gave us the means and Eliza’s father performed the ceremony late yesterday afternoon. And now, if you’ll excuse us, my wife and I are going riding. Will you join us for breakfast?”

Lady Harting scowled. “I will not eat with you.”

“As you wish. One more thing. Don’t ever enter my bedchamber again without knocking.”

A fiery blush suffused his mother’s face as she hurried away.

“You were magnificent.”

Eliza pulled his head toward her and fixed her lips on his. It was some time before they broke apart.

“Shall we ride?” he asked, glancing at their mounts.

Eliza tutted. “Anyone would think you were obsessed.”

“I am,” he said, kissing her again. “With you.”

Epilogue

BEDDINGTON, SURREY, FOUR MONTHS LATER

“Are you nearly finished?” Beau asked. “Romeo is getting restless.”

Eliza glanced past him to the racehorse, who tossed his head and snorted, but then became stock-still. The same could not be said of her fidgety husband, who stood sandwiched between them.

“Not just Romeo,” she said.

William peered over his easel. “Ten more minutes should do it.”

Eliza tried to calm the fluttering in her stomach. Time was running out, and she hadn’t yet found the right words. The longer she delayed, the harder it became. If only she could predict how he would react.

There was only one way to find out. “I—”

“You didn’t warn me how long I’d have to pose motionless for this portrait,” Beau said, interrupting her.

“I thought you wouldn’t mind, as we were together.”

“You forget, I’m not supposed to do this. He leaned over and stole a kiss.

“It will take longer if you keep moving,” her brother said in a matter-of-fact tone, peering over his easel at them.

Beau sighed and resumed his stance. “Sorry.”

“At least I persuaded Will to paint us in front of the house this time.”