Page 141 of Rakes & Reticules
He rose and picked her up by the waist and twirled her about until they were both dizzy. When Samuel set her back down on the ground he cupped her face and kissed her—soundly. Whether it was from spinning about or from his kiss, Hazel found herself weak at the knees. As if sensing her dilemma, Samuel scooped her up into his arms and carried her toward his awaiting coach.
“Are you taking me home?” she asked.
“Not unless that is your preferred destination. I was rather hoping you’d agree to journey up north to Gretna Green so you can become the Viscountess of Thornsbee post haste. I hate to admit it, but at present I’m not on the best of terms with the Archbishop, so obtaining a special license is simply not feasible, and I certainly don’t want to delay wedding you until all the banns have been read.”
She rested her head against his shoulder. “I hear Gretna Green is beautiful this time of year.”
Samuel chuckled and said, “It is indeed.”
The Thornsbee footman held open the coach door for them and rather than setting her down, Samuel stepped up into the coach and settled her upon his lap on the forward facing bench seat. She’d never felt more safe and secure. Slightly overwhelmed, she buried her face into his shoulder and took in a deep breath.
“Are you all right?” He gently stroked her back as if it was the most natural thing to do.
How could she not love this man? He was kind, intelligent and patient. She murmured into his coat, “Hmm. I’m fine…I’m exactly where I want to be.”
Exhausted, she closed her eyes and let the gentle sway of the coach as they made their way through the streets of London lull her to sleep.
CHAPTERNINE
Samuel paced in front of the blacksmith’s anvil, worried he’d made a mistake by not sending word to Richard as soon as they had set off for Gretna Green. He’d waited until they had left the outskirts of London before ordering a footman back to town to inform Bixley of Hazel’s whereabouts and destination. Her brother should have caught up with them. Samuel had set a leisurely pace, but the blasted man had yet to appear. What if the news of Hazel dashing off to get married gave the young and hale earl an apoplexy?
Marrying Hazel without Bixley’s blessing still remained a point of contention for Samuel. He would have preferred to have at the very least a conversation with Bixley man-to-man before he and Hazel tied the knot.
Pocket watch in hand, Samuel glanced down to check on the time once more. Hazel would be down any moment. Still unaccustomed to the fluttering in his stomach that occurred every time he thought of Hazel, he pressed a hand over his waistband and inhaled slowly. The terror of failing the woman you love could very well be one of the reasons gentlemen of the ton didn’t marry for powerful emotion, instead choosing a wife for either political or financial reasons. Despite his fears, Samuel couldn’t envision marrying anyone but Hazel.
Another shallow breath, another heartbeat passed before the sound of booted footsteps on the stone path behind him had Samuel swiveling around. On the arm of her brother, Hazel stalled Samuel’s heart with her beauty.
As brother and sister approached, Hazel spoke first. “Sorry to have kept you waiting, my lord.”
He didn’t miss Bixley’s scowl, but Samuel couldn’t help but return Hazel’s unrestrained smile. “No need to apologize. I’m glad to see you—the both of you.”
Bixley stepped in front of Hazel, cutting her off. “A word, Thornsbee, before the smithy arrives.”
Samuel nodded and followed Bixley.
They hadn’t taken but two steps before Bixley looked back over his shoulder and peered around Samuel to address Hazel. “Dear sister mine… you promised me two minutes and I intend to use all one hundred and twenty seconds, so stay put until we return.” Bixley continued forward until they were no longer within hearing if they whispered.
As Samuel expected, Bixley lowered his voice and said softly, “Hazel informed me she was under no duress or coercion when she agreed to traverse across England to marry you, which I can share with you was a huge relief. However, I also know she set her sights on marrying you last Season, and knowing how stubborn she can be, I’ll ask you the same questions I asked her. Were you by any chance blackmailed? Did she kidnap you? Do you really wish to wed Hazel?”
He couldn’t help but chuckle but when Bixley’s scowl darkened, he quickly shed all levity and replied, “Yes, your sister is rather tenacious; however, I can confirm that I’m marrying Hazel of my own accord.”
“You promise to care and love her, and only her?”
He took a moment to mull over Bixley’s question and then answered, “I solemnly swear, although in reality I can’t promise she won’t shed a tear or two over the years. Life is full of challenges.”
Bixley’s shoulders relaxed and the man’s fierce scowl disappeared. “I’m glad to hear you are mature enough to know this and not to make promises you can’t keep.” Bixley extended his hand and said, “I grant you and Hazel my blessing.”
Samuel shook Bixley’s hand. “My thanks for coming and for your blessing.”
Bixley’s cheeks pinkened and then he said, “To be honest, I’ve been tailing you both ever since you left the park. Hazel’s safety and well being has always been a priority for me, but after observing your actions over the past five days and the pains you took to see to Hazel’s care, I’m confident I’ll be leaving her in good hands.”
All Samuel could do was smile and shake his head. He could only hope if he had a son and daughter that they would share a bond similar to the one Hazel possessed with Bixley. Samuel threw his arm over Bixley’s shoulders and said, “I’m ready to wed.”
Bixley finally smiled and replied, “Better you than me.”
* * *
Hands bound,Hazel walked back inside the inn with her husband to partake in a light meal with Richard before her brother set off to return to London. Handfasting and the signing of the wedding certificate was a simple affair and, as far as Hazel was concerned, absolutely perfect. She peeked up at Samuel who was deep in a conversation with her brother about the latest bill to be discussed in the House of Lords this season.
