Page 37 of A Scandal Before Christmas
Sometime later,Theodore stirred.
Rising from the bed, he located a soft cloth, dipped it in cool water, and set about cleansing the blood and fluid from Lauren’s thighs. She squirmed a bit, embarrassed by the attention, but a few soothing words settled her. Relaxing against the pillows, she allowed him to do as he wished, and when he was done, she watched as he tossed the cloth into the fire so it would burn away.
Once back at her side, he gathered her close, tucking her beneath his arm, her head under his chin. When her arm wrapped around his waist, he felt his heart swell until he thought it might burst from his chest.
“I remember the first moment I saw you.” The rumble of his words stirred her silky brown hair, and he tucked a stray strand of it behind her delicate ear. “I did not even know your name, had not the faintest idea who your family was, but I said to myself, that is the girl I will marry. I fell in love with you that very moment.”
Lauren snuggled closer. “At the Clarita Musicale.”
“Yes. You were standing on the garden terrace. It was before Lady Monica began playing, and you were consoling a child. Lady Monica’s little sister, I believe it was.”
“Lillith. She’d dropped her doll, and the porcelain head broke on the tiles. Poor dear was inconsolable.” Lauren frowned at the remembrance. “Lady Monica accused her of dropping the doll on purpose to gain attention. Said she was a baby for bringing the doll to a musicale in the first place. Then Lady Monica stomped her foot and stormed off, calling for a servant to clean up the mess while poor little Lillith stood there, bewildered and embarrassed.”
“You hurried over to her, bent down, and spoke gently to her while picking up the pieces before a servant came. By the end, you had coaxed a smile from her and dried her tears. Then you didn’t even blink an eye when the girl insisted on sitting beside you with Lady Monica glaring at you the entire time she played her piece.”
“You remember all of that?” Lauren leaned back, looking at him in surprise.
“Of course, I do. I told you I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. It stands to reason I would remember every detail of the occasion. You wore a powder blue gown with white lace trim, and when we were introduced, I thought your eyes were the shade of moonstones. Grey and silver bright. You were the most gorgeous creature I’d ever laid eyes upon. Still are.”
“I barely recall our meeting,” Lauren teased.
“Liar,” Theodore breathed against her hair. “You could not hide your interest in me, either.”
“It’s true. When you began your pursuit of me, I was so happy.” She hugged him tightly. “I’m sorry we wasted so much time apart. But never again.”
Theodore pulled her up until she was sprawled across his chest and they were eye to eye. “Never again,” he agreed, burying his hands in her hair and cradling her face. “Nothing will keep us apart from this moment on. I plan on marrying you as quickly as possible to make sure that is a reality.”
Chapter 19
“We shall wed in the chapel at Hawthorne Greene,” Theodore told Lauren in the early morning hours as he delivered her safely to her room under the cover of darkness. “I’ll leave today for London, collect my mother and yours, provided she is well enough to travel, and secure a special license enabling us to wed. There are also a few legalities I must handle with my barrister and your own.”
Lauren stood on tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. “I still don’t understand why I can’t go with you.”
Theodore grinned and tweaked her nose. “Reputations, love. I’m desperately trying to keep yours lily-white. Trust me on this.”
“I do trust you, Theo, and I love you.”
“Then be ready to say ‘I do’ when I see you in Kent.”
* * *
That afternoon,Settleton was abuzz over the news the Earl of Hawthorne and Lady Lauren Kendall had renewed their engagement and would be married within days.
“I’m so happy for you both, darling,” Penelope embraced Lauren, “and so happy you gave Hawthorne another chance.”
Lady Emma hugged her tight next. “This is so exciting. Although we’ve only just become friends, I’m honored you extended an invitation to visit you and Lord Hawthorne after you are settled. It is a kindness I never expected.”
“As was your kindness to me,” Lauren murmured.
“Scandal is not a game one should play unwittingly.” Emma laughed. “I learned my lesson.”
“As did I.” Lauren’s brow rose as Melanie approached the small group of women. The girl had taken the news quite sullenly. Even now, a distinct scowl marred her pretty face.
“I heard something earlier, Lady Lauren, and I hope you forgive my curiosity, but several gentlemen were discussing your impending nuptials.”
Lauren stiffened. “Oh? I can’t imagine they would find the subject to be very interesting.”
“The need for haste is a peculiar development. But what is a Christmas house party without a bit of scandal attached?” Perching on the settee, Melanie fluffed her skirts. “It’s said Hawthorne will purchase that new cotton factory in Leeds now that he will have the benefit of your considerable inheritance. He’s had his eye on it for some time, but Lord Eastwood’s interest has grown recently as well. Perhaps they’ll enter a bidding war. Wouldn’t that be exciting?”
