Page 142 of Rakes & Reticules
“I shall give you my proxy,” Samuel said.
Richard nodded. “Since we are in agreement upon the matter, I shall use it wisely.”
Seeing the two men she loved conversing in such an amicable manner had Hazel smiling from ear-to-ear. Not wanting to be left out, she leaned slightly forward and asked, “Brother, are you certain you can’t stay longer?”
While Samuel and Richard shared a side glance and smirks that the pair of them appeared to understand, Hazel was at a complete loss as to what they found so amusing about her question.
Her brother cleared his throat and replied, “Since our departure was rather hasty, there are a number of matters that are awaiting my attention. You need not worry though, I shall make the appropriate apologies on your behalf to your friends for not including them on this momentous day.”
She wanted to plant her hands on her hips, but with one hand bound to her husband all she could do to express her displeasure was to scowl at Richard. “There is no need to apologize to Daphne, I’m certain she will not mind in the least.”
“Well you do know her best.” Her brother held out a chair for her and then pulled out the one next to hers for Samuel and said, “Brother.”
Richard’s acknowledgement of Samuel as family altered her entire mood from annoyance back to fondness. Blast her brother for knowing how to manage her so well. She turned away to hide her burning cheeks from her brother’s sight only to find Samuel paying close attention to her exchange with Richard. Head cocked to one side, she said, “Shall we dine?”
As if he was attempting not to grin, Samuel’s lips twitched ever so slightly, resulting in a brief yet charming lopsided smile. “If you wish.”
What she really wanted was to be rid of her brother before he exposed any more secrets as to how best to deal with her.
Hmm… repeating Samuel’s response over once more in her mind she took advantage of the fact her husband always did his best to make her wishes come true. “It seems I’ve lost my appetite.”
Oddly, Samuel and Richard exchanged a glance similar to the one they shared earlier. Her brother didn’t mask his smirk and said, “If that is the case I shall leave you two be. I’d like to reach the next coaching inn before sunset.“ Richard placed a chaste kiss upon her cheek and added, “No need to see me off.”
For the first time, Hazel wasn’t scared of Richard leaving her. She painted a bright smile and replied, “Safe travels.”
Moments later when Richard was no longer in sight, she found herself once again being held close by her husband. And once again he provided comfort without question or request. Samuel would always and forever be there for her. She tilted her head back and professed, “I love you.”
Without hesitation Samuel kissed her forehead and returned the sentiment, “And I love you.”
The End.
