Page 118 of Marigold and the Marquess
“Even have sex with me now in the carriage?”
She sprang up as though someone had lit a fire under her sweet derriere. She frowned at him, and kept frowning at him. “Really?”
Graelem’s warnings came to mind. “Just teasing, love. Oh, ha, ha. Just a jest. Wouldn’t think of it. I’d probably get sores on my arse from the scratched leather.”
“Are you blaming me now for scuffing up your leather seats with the crate that contained my skull and bones?”
“What? No? Most of the scratches were already there.”
Her chest puffed as she emitted a huff. “Most?”
Lord above.
Why had he started this conversation?
“No, none. I mean none of it is your fault. It is all mine.” He sighed. “Marigold, go back to sleep.”
She nestled back against him and yawned. “Honestly, Leo. You sound awfully muddled. Did you have too much to drink? Well, it was a very long day for both of us. But…whatever.”
Bollocks.
Was it starting already?
Were they falling into old married habits?
He moaned.
Marigold began to giggle. “Graelem gave you his words-to-look-out-for speech, didn’t he? Laurel said he would. Good grief, Leo. You should have seen the look on your face.”
He stared at her and chuckled. “Wicked woman! You had me going.”
But did this mean Marigold would consider an indiscreet liaison with him in a carriage? Or not?
He was afraid to ask.
Nor would he ever, since he had no intention of sleeping in the kennels with Mallow. Not that the dog actually slept in a kennel. The little beast slept at the foot of their bed or by their fireplace on a plump pillow made specially for him.
He had dogs at his country estate, but none were spoiled as Mallow was. Marigold adored her little spaniel and Leo adored Marigold, so he was not about to contradict her wishes. He watched her as her eyes fluttered shut once again, and she soon fell asleep against his chest.
The past few days of danger and excitement had finally caught up to her. She remained in a deep slumber and did not stir when their carriage drew up in front of their home. Rather than rouse her, Leo carried her inside and up the stairs to their bedchamber.
She was so exhausted, she did not even wake when he undressed her. Her maid, Jenny, had set out her nightclothes. Marigold muttered unintelligibly as he shifted her out of her clothes and then tried to ease the nightgown over her head.
When he was done, he stripped out of his own clothes, then took all into his bedchamber to be left for Ethan and Jenny to attend to in the morning. He returned to Marigold’s bed, as he always did, for as much as she liked curling up against him, he liked it more and needed the comforting feel of her body burrowing into him.
He sank onto the bed beside her and took a moment to watch her innocent face that was so beautiful by candlelight.
He’d spent four years in darkness questioning his fate. Why me? What have I done to deserve such torment?
Now, looking upon this sparkling light that was Marigold, he also questioned his fate. Why me? What have I done to deserve such happiness?
CHAPTER 20
Chipping Way, London
Six Years Later
MARIGOLD STARED ATher husband as he prepared for today’s investiture ceremony for their new king, William IV. Leo had been installed as a Knight of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle six years ago, and he certainly looked the part of a valiant knight now. Big, brawny, and magnificent. A warrior capable of defending Crown and country, although most of those granted knighthood had no military background.
