Page 40 of Pursuing Lord Pascal
“It’s mine. The tenants left a month ago, and the new people don’t move in until June.” He clicked his tongue to the horses and steered them around the building to a neat stable block. “If we go to an inn, someone could see us. And at my townhouse, the servants might let slip that I entertained a lady.”
She began to relax, although her heart still banged against her ribs like a trapped bird trying to escape its cage. “You’ve thought about this.”
“I don’t take this privilege lightly.” They rolled into the shadowy, hay-scented interior with its rows of empty stalls. “I’ll never do anything to cause you harm.”
She looked around, puzzled, when no eager groom rushed to take the horses. “It’s like an enchanted castle in a fairytale. Where is everyone? Asleep for a hundred years because a princess pricked her finger on a spindle?”
He smiled. “I’ve given the staff the afternoon off.”
More thoughtfulness. Everything Gervaise did today betrayed meticulous care and consideration. She’d never felt so cherished. Sternly she reminded herself that she had no intention of losing her head over Gervaise Dacre.
But she feared it was already too late.
* * *
As they crunched across the gravel forecourt to the graceful set of steps leading up to the imposing door, Amy held hands with Gervaise. They climbed the wide stone stairs, and he released her to fish in his pocket for a large iron key that also seemed to come from a fairytale.
She stepped into an airy hall, with high windows and chessboard tiles on the floor. Vases of massed spring flowers perfumed the air. He’d turned the house into a bower of earthly delights.
“Oh, Gervaise, I’m speechless.” She paused a few paces inside the room to draw a deep breath. “And all for me?”
“All for you.” He closed the door after him, but remained beside it. Without shifting his gaze from her, he took off his hat and gloves and set them on a chair.
She removed her gloves and bonnet, placing them on a chest under the window. “You’ve been busy since yesterday.”
Gervaise made her feel so special. How on earth had she managed to hold out against him for over three weeks?
“I want you to smile when you look back on today.” He removed his voluminous driving coat, then came forward and helped her with the tight pelisse. “There’s champagne and a cold collation in the dining room. Are you hungry? I promised that I’d feed you when I invited you here.”
Emotion jammed her throat and roughened her laugh. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the trouble you’ve taken.”
He leaned one elegant hip against the chest and watched her steadily. She shivered with anticipation and pleasure. The desire in his eyes made her feel free and powerful and, for the first time in her life, truly beautiful.
“Try.”
She swept a dazzled gaze over the flower-filled room. “I was afraid I’d feel shabby. But standing here with you, it’s like we share a glorious secret.”
He smiled. “I’m glad.”
Amy realized she felt more than beautiful. She felt brave. She’d hesitated enough. It was time to take a chance on what her heart had wanted since her first glimpse of him, so many years ago.
Stepping toward the oak staircase that curved up to what she guessed were the bedrooms, she held out her hand. “I don’t want to wait anymore.” Her voice was still husky. “I’ve waited too long already. Take me upstairs.”
Joy transfigured his face. She realized that despite her spoken consent, and the kisses they’d shared, and her presence here now, he hadn’t been entirely sure of her.
In a few eager strides, he crossed the room and caught her up for another of those world-shaking kisses. She should be accustomed to them by now—but every time he kissed her, the earth set off on a drunken jig through the stars.
In one powerful movement, he swept her up into his arms and began to mount the stairs. Amy gasped and flung one arm around his powerful neck. “Gervaise, I can walk.”
His low laugh made her stomach clench with longing. “Why walk when you can fly?”
“You’re showing off,” she said, to hide how this madly romantic gesture made her pulse race.
“Of course I am. I’m seeking a certain lady’s approval.”
She laid her head on his shoulder as he rounded the first landing, seemingly unwinded. His elegance was misleading. The arms that held her with such ease were hard with muscle. And he was so delightfully warm. This was like curling up beside a roaring fire on a cold winter’s day.
“She already approves,” she murmured, placing her hand over the place where his heart thudded hard and steady. Perhaps she hadn’t been far wrong when she’d wondered if this house belonged in a fairytale. Right now she felt more like a magical princess than a mere mortal woman.
