Page 88 of A Kiss to Stop a Wedding
The wedding had taken place two weeks ago, with only her aunt and uncle joining the Earl and Countess as witnesses.
‘It was very good of Rosina and Conham to allowus to be married at Dallamire,’ she said, ‘especially with such a new baby in the house. I enjoyed their company, but I confess I am now impatient to see my new home.’
‘And I am impatient to introduce my new bride to Bellemonte,’ said Matt, pulling her into his arms. ‘I know everyone will love you, as I do!’
She melted into his embrace for another kiss, which lasted until the carriage slowed and began to turn off the highway.
Matt raised his head. ‘Ah, we have arrived.’
Flora sat up quickly and straightened her bonnet.
‘Oh, dear,’ she muttered. ‘I must look thoroughly ravaged.’
Matt laughed. ‘You look ravishing!’
The carriage slowly moved around the square, passing the gardens where the black railings had been decorated with ribbons and bunches of flowers.
‘Oh, how pretty!’ exclaimed Flora. ‘Did you arrange this, Matt?’
‘I told them the date of our expected return, that was all.’
The chaise stopped outside the hotel, where several maids and footmen were hastily lining up along the path.
‘Welcome to your new home,’ said Matt, jumping down.
They had barely stepped through the gate when the manager hurried out to greet them.
‘Welcome home, sir, welcome, madam! I am sorry there aren’t more of our people here to greet you, but August is always a busy month and they cannot be spared.’
‘No need to explain, Mr Cripps, I am only too pleased to see Bellemonte is so full.’
Flora smiled at the assembled maids and footmen as she accompanied Matt into the hotel.
‘I see our baggage coach has arrived,’ he said, looking back. ‘Shall we let your maid and my man unpack everything before we go upstairs? We might take some refreshments in the morning room while we wait.’
Flora hesitated. ‘We have been sitting down for so long that what I should really like is to take a stroll in the gardens.’
‘A woman after my own heart,’ Matt declared. ‘How did you know that is just what I would like to do!’
She looked up at him with a twinkle in her eye. ‘I saw you looking longingly towards the gates when we arrived!’
* * *
It was deliciously cool under the trees. Matt felt a vast sense of pride as he walked along the winding paths with his new bride on his arm. They went up to the viewing terrace, from where it was easy to look down over the gardens and see how the new plantings were progressing, and he could point out the changes that had occurred since she had last seen the gardens.Flora was the perfect companion, attentive, interested, eager to discuss future plans and put forward her own suggestions.
* * *
The afternoon was well advanced by the time they strolled back down to the main path, which was noticeably quieter now.
Flora said, suddenly, ‘This is where we first kissed.’
‘Aye. That was when I realised how much I wanted you.’
‘And I knew I couldn’t have you,’ she replied, wistfully.
Matt stopped and drew her into his arms. ‘You have me now, my love.’
Flora turned her face up for him to kiss her, clinging tight as the now-familiar desire began to unfurl deep inside.
