Page 51 of Marigold and the Marquess
Leo groaned. “Marigold–”
“I’m going with you, Leo. We are safer together than apart. Besides, we have not been married even a full day yet. Do I not get at least one day with you before I return to the Huntsford Academy and you do whatever takes up a marquess’s time in the conduct of his business affairs?”
“All right, you win. It is a good thing I am still in your thrall from last night’s exertions. Seems I cannot summon up the will to protest. But to be precise, the Crown agents are running the investigation. This Bow Street man is to be hired to protect you. Yes, I’ll also have him send men into the seedier parts of town on the chance they’ll dig up something the Crown agents will find helpful. But mostly, he is to keep close watch over you.” He donned his breeches while she opened the door.
Mallow trotted in and immediately hopped onto Marigold’s bed, settling comfortably in the center of it.
Leo laughed as he nudged Mallow to the foot of the bed. “Oh, no. You will not get away with claiming the entire bed, you little imp. I’ll be sneezing dog hairs all night if you lie down on these sheets.”
Mallow accepted the demotion without protest, seeming to recognize Leo as the dominant male in their relationship. He rolled onto his back and allowed Leo to scratch his belly.
Marigold curled up beside Leo, resting her head against his shoulder because she felt such a compelling need to touch him.
When Mallow began to whine, they quietly made their way downstairs. Leo opened the parlor doors that led onto his terrace. Mallow shot past them and disappeared into the garden, running behind some yew bushes to attend to nature’s call.
Leo wrapped his arms around Marigold while they stood in silence and waited for Mallow to finish his necessities.
Marigold’s gaze wandered over his garden. It was remarkably beautiful in its design. More of a country garden with its wild sweeps of color, of yellows and whites, and a few pinks that were common this early in the season. These spring blooms attracted butterflies and bees that were already actively flitting about.
Morning dew glistened on the grass.
The gazebo off in the far corner was shrouded in a light mist that would burn off as the sun rose.
Birdsong filled the air.
“Are you happy, Marigold?” Leo asked.
“Yes, can you doubt it?” She looked up at him, her heart aching because she was so filled with love for this man and he was so desperately tormented. He seemed at peace in this moment, but she knew it would not last. “What about you, Leo? I think this question is more pertinent to you.”
He nodded.
This was all the response she got, but she did not press him. He had endured evils that would break most men. If he was happy for the moment, it would be enough for now.
“Come, love. Let’s go back inside. The staff will soon rise and we are barefoot and half dressed. Hardly presentable.” He gave a soft whistle and Mallow scampered back to him.
Leo knelt and gave Mallow a good scratch behind the ears, then rose and motioned for the now happy spaniel to follow them inside.
Marigold paused in the doorway, enjoying this early morning hour when the world seemed peaceful and silent.
There was a refreshing chill to the air.
Their resident birds now tweeted noisily in the treetops.
“Leo…” She wanted to tell him how perfect last night had been for her and the same for this moment, as well. But she did not know where to start, and could not get the words out while her heart was in a jumble.
“I know, love.” He wrapped his hand around hers and led her upstairs.
Mallow’s little paws clicked on the marble floor as he pattered across the entry hall ahead of them and then started up the stairs. His breath came in soft pants and his tail wagged as he beat them onto the landing.
Leo was still holding her hand.
He had said nothing as they returned to her bedchamber. But the moment they were inside, he shut the door, lifted her into his arms, and then had them both naked and tumbling onto the mattress while he kissed her with enough heat to scorch the entire city of London.
Mallow barked to regain their attention.
Leo nudged him aside. “Get your own girl, Mallow. Marigold is mine.”
Marigold’s heart hitched.
