Page 48 of A Night of Passion with the Duke

“You’re welcome.”

Edward led her to a trinket shop and went inside to discuss something with the owner.

She peered at items from even medieval times in awe. She had a secret love of history, and now she felt as if she had traveled back in time.

She spotted a pretty silver necklace made of ornately twisted silver wire that had a perfectly cut sapphire pendant. There were matching earrings and a bracelet. She stepped closer, her hands skimming the velvet lining its display case.

“You have a good eye,” Edward said suddenly from behind her, startling her.

She yelped and then tried to steady her breathing. “Indeed?” she asked.

“Yes, Your Grace,” the owner chimed in.

“It is a beautiful piece.” She nodded.

“And it’s yours.” Edward smiled softly. “I just went in to finalize the purchase. I was hoping to surprise you, but it seems we have similar tastes.”

Arabella was speechless.

“Edward, it’s too much.” She shook her head. “I can’t accept it.”

“It is not even enough.” He smiled. “Tell her the story behind it, Titus.”

“That pendant was first commissioned by a Scottish laird for his bride. He said the stones reminded him of her eyes, as that had been the first thing he’d fallen in love with when he saw her.”

“As it was for me.” Edward nodded. “It’s a late wedding gift from me to you.”

Arabella wished she could deny it, but her heart fluttered at his words, even though she knew they weren’t true.

She nodded, unable to say anything. Not even when he’d bought her a slice of the most amazing apple pie she’d ever tasted or even when he’d gotten her chocolate.

She kept reminding herself that it was all going to end in a couple of months, but a large part of her had already warmed up so much to him that she feared she’d be hurt badly when the time finally came.

Sensing her mood, Edward asked if she wanted to head back, and she nodded.

“Should I get us horses?” he asked, concerned. “If you aren’t strong enough to make the walk back, it’s all right.”

She shook her head. “I need the exercise.”

“All right. I’ll have them deliver our purchases to the castle, so you can walk unencumbered.”

She nodded. His thoughtfulness warmed her.

She watched him speak with one of the townsmen and then walk up to her all tall, lithe and elegant. Women turned to stare at him as he walked, and men stood straighter as he passed them.

Tears welled up in her eyes, but she blinked them back.

He frowned. “Are you sure you’re all right to walk back home?”

Home.

Her tears spilled over, startling him.

He put his arms around her, pulling her into him, and led her to a bench just outside the village, not saying anything as she cried. She cried even harder because he was being so sweet.

Why did he have to be such a proper gentleman?

When her tears finally stopped, she pulled back, wiping her cheeks and eyes, unable to meet his eyes.

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