Page 75 of Lady of Providence
"I am the lucky one, love," he said, placing a kiss on her lips, one that was gentle, stirring, and felt like a caress more than anything else. How she had denied him for so long, she had no idea, though she knew that, in the end, their timing could not have been better.
“I do know one thing for certain," he said as he pulled back from her, a smile crossing his lips one more.
"Which is?"
"I will never be bored with a woman like you in my life."
“I am glad to hear it,” she smiled. “There will be much to manage, between the bank, your estates, Parliament, children..."
His eyes gleamed at her last word as he nodded.
"I believe that if there were ever two people who were capable of accomplishing all, it would be the two of us, would it not?"
"I hope so."
"I know so."
They smiled at one another, but when she saw mischief begin to dance within his blue eyes, Elizabeth became suspicious.
"You don't have another scheme brewing, do you?"
"Who me?" He asked in mock outrage.
"Gabriel..."
"I have nothing planned. Although..."
"Out with it."
"You know my friend, Mr. Redmond?”
"David Redmond?" Elizabeth raised an eyebrow. "An affable gentleman, but quite the rake, I do believe."
"He's misunderstood."
"Has he, or has he not found his way into the beds of many of the available women of theton— and some who are not so available?" she asked with an arched eyebrow.
"Perhaps you do understand some of his actions, though not his character in particular."
"Go on, tell me what you are thinking."
"Only that, perhaps, Redmond is trying to fill a void — an emptiness in his life. He doesn't know what he is missing — a good woman, like you."
"I don't believe this is a matter in which you should become involved."
"Well, there is your friend, Miss Jones—"
"No!" she exclaimed sitting up now. "Sarah is the gentlest, kindest soul that I have ever met. A man like Mr. Redmond would break her heart."
"But if he were only to find the right woman, as I did—"
Elizabeth continued to shake her head, and finally, Gabriel sighed.
"Very well. I will leave it be."
"It is, however, a lovely thought, Gabriel, to look out for your friend. In addition to the fact that you are attributing your happiness to us."
"Of course," he smiled. "Not long ago, it would have been hard to convince me that the purpose I was searching for was the right woman to love."
