Page 16 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“I will have no problem handing over my secrets to my wife for safe keeping.”
Elizabeth had a fluttering feeling in her chest. and she quickly changed the subject. “I have been prattling on about myself, but you have hardly told me anything. “Why…why did you think I could be your wife when we met again? And exactly when did you realize it?” For he had called upon her brother a couple times in the last few weeks.
Alexander’s eyes lit with an inner glow. Was it mischief?
“It was the day that I came upon you painting at Brampton Manor. I thought to court you during the next season.”
Elizabeth remembered the day well. When she saw him that day, she had felt something, fleetingly. But she did not dwell on it. “You decided I was no longer the pesky girl to be swatted away.”
Alexander’s gaze fell to her bodice and she flushed.
“Elizabeth, whatever makes you think that I have ever thought about you in that way?”
“I know, Alexander. Both you and Robert thought I was a nuisance. I suppose I do not blame you for it. You were much older than I and I was unfortunate enough to be that little girl. That little girl that thought she was equal to a boy. In her mind at least.”
“You were charming.”
Her chest warmed and she looked away from his gaze, feeling confused. Elizabeth moved the curtain to see their progress and watched the trees go by. They rode in companionable silence for a while. She had started to relax during the conversation and she felt some of the tension leave her body. Alexander was being very kind to her. She continued to gaze out the window, but she also watched him from the corner of her eyes. She cast him a furtive glance and he appeared to be resting.
Just who are you, Alexander?
* * *
Alexander was relievedthat their conversation was not strained. Elizabeth was showing a great deal of fortitude. It could not be easy for her. He found her beautiful and witty. She stirred his blood. Nevertheless, he did not forget that she said she was in love with Salisbury.
Love. There it was. That word.
When he was a young man of a score and one, he fancied himself in love with the beautiful red-haired Lady Alice. At the time Alexander felt there was no other woman in the world for him and she assured him she felt the same way. He remembered it, as if it was yesterday, her launch into society and the collective murmur of excitement. Her beauty was captivating, she was the belle of the ball, and like so many others he called upon her, and danced with her at the balls. She led him to believe that she cared for him and they had a future together. He was the happiest he had ever been until her engagement to the Duke of Lancashire was announced. It was a crushing blow like a kick in the gut. From then onward he decided that love was too fickle an emotion for him to give himself over to.
Well, not entirely. He had to assure himself that the lady he chose to be his wife was not so fickle. She needed to be of strong character. She had to believe in her convictions. Her words had to mean something. He would not care deeply for a lady only to have her change her mind about feelings capriciously or when a gentleman that was more appealing smiled at her.
Alexander leaned back against the squab of Moroccan leather. It was quite comfortable and he closed his eyes. Elizabeth had some of the qualities he wanted in a wife and it would take time for him to know if she possessed the rest. He would be a fool if he did not acknowledge it. He sensed she had a bit of a reckless edge that might someday prove her undoing. He must now be the one to prevent her from plunging headlong into another disaster. Alexander did not wish to be embroiled in another scandal.
Elizabeth had an air of self-confidence which he liked. He lifted the corners of his mouth into a smile. To think that she knew about penny fiction and went as far as to say she drew sketches for the dubious rag. Outrageous! She was probably oblivious to the real consequences of her folly.
There was one thing for certain. He still wanted her. He had her. Well, almost. Everything had turned out well for him although it certainly was not what Elizabeth planned. Earlier he noticed that she flushed and she could not meet his eyes sometimes. A smile easily slid across his lips at the memory. He noticed her awareness when he gazed at her curves, which held the power to entice and compel. When their gaze met her bright eyes glittered framed in her lovely face. He adored her mouth and he wondered what it would be like to kiss her lips. A rush of heat stormed through his body. He must stop thinking like this. Alexander had resolved to be patient with Elizabeth. He needed time to get to know her and by virtue of the same token she needed to know him. He would exercise forbearance.
It was all well and good to be decided. To resolve to do the right thing. Yet, it did little to lessen the stirring in his loins when he thought of claiming her mouth for a tender, teasing kiss. Alexander groaned inwardly. He pushed the thoughts from his mind.
Elizabeth was curious. He could feel her eyes on him. She studied him, yet she pretended not to. Alexander opened his eyes and her gaze quickly moved away. “Elizabeth, I have decided that we will not consummate our marriage until we get to Thornton Manor.”
Elizabeth’s gaze jerked up to meet his and she held his stare. Eyes wide. “I beg your pardon?”
“I am quite happy to wait until we are more comfortable with each other.” Alexander found his gaze wandering to her lips. Kissable lips. His heart pounded beneath his ribcage with enough disregard to betray his outward calm. He reached for her, his fingers playing gently over her hands. He was lost in the depths of her beautiful eyes.
Duty required marriage and producing an heir, but he did not want Elizabeth to think this was all he was concerned about. He found her attractive, yes, but he also wanted to build so much more with her. He wanted a countess who would be a source of comfort and one who wanted to be by his side. He had been successful at everything else that he had put his mind to. This would be no different.
Alexander had been sitting facing Elizabeth, but he moved to sit beside her. He leaned forward, raised his hand, and cupped her face. “I want you to know that we do not have to rush.”
“Will that not be a risk to our marriage?” Elizabeth furrowed her brows and he removed his hand. It felt warm.
“My dear, Elizabeth. You can be safe in the knowledge that all of thehaut tonalready knows that we were at the inn. It matters not that we have not shared a bed. This is temporary. At least until we have arrived at Thornton Manor.”
Elizabeth’s expression shifted as she contemplated his explanation.
She could not possibly think that he did not want her. He resolved to control himself because he wanted her to feel hope. Hope for them. Hope that they can have a good marriage. This could not be achieved in haste for it was only yesterday she wanted to marry another man. Elizabeth swallowed and he was sure he saw the pulse beating in her neck. His mouth watered with the desire to press his lips there. To taste her smooth creamy skin. He swallowed and met her gaze before he made a silent promise.
Soon Elizabeth … soon I will pull you in my arms and make you mine.
