Page 121 of The Make-Believe Marriage
Had she not given him enough challenges in a month of marriage to last a lifetime?
His hand brushed lightly over her bare shoulder as he helped her to undress now that they were back in their shared quarters. “You look beautiful, Syd. That rose color is nice on you. I should have mentioned it earlier, but I was too steamed.”
She sighed. “Octavian…”
“Do not ask me again if I am sure of my choice, Syd. Every moment, every incident, only confirms I have made the right decision.”
She turned to face him. “We are going to have some serious battles coming up. I’m glad to have a big fellow like you to watch my back. But are you certain?”
“Never a doubt. Always at your service, ma’am.”
Later that night, after settling in bed together, Octavian grew pensive. “We need a place of our own, Syd,” he said, taking her into his arms. “Time to establish some roots.”
She nodded. “I agree.”
“We should start looking tomorrow.”
She nodded again. “Yes, that is a fine idea.”
“A big house with a large nursery to accommodate our children.”
“Perfect. I already have decorating ideas in mind.”
“I would like our home to be close to this house. Ambrose and I have always been close. Julius, too. I like the idea of their being able to pop in whenever they wish.”
“Absolutely.”
He chuckled. “You are being quite agreeable. What have you done to my Syd?”
“She is right here beside you, where she always wishes to be. I love you, Octavian.”
He kissed her on the brow. “Back at you, minx.”
Syd fell asleep contentedly in her husband’s arms, but she wondered what tomorrow would bring. She did not think either Lady Harcourt or the horrible Clementine were done with them yet.
What would they try next?
CHAPTER 22
THE SCANDAL HITthe front pages of every gossip rag in Town the following day.
There was no way to escape the embarrassment, especially now that they were about to enter Lord Winstone’s elegant townhouse on the night of his ball. The Winstones had spared no expense to make this the affair of the year. Scented wax candles shone amid crystal chandeliers in a grand display of light as they walked in and advanced in queue.
Everything glittered and sparkled.
Champagne was plentiful.
One had only to glance around to see that no expense was spared.
Syd kept on the lookout for her mother or Lady Clementine. If there was to be a battle tonight, she wished to get a sense of where her opponents were positioned on this dazzling battlefield.
In truth, Syd did not want to engage in any battles.
However, she was never one to shrink from a fight.
She also had an army of friends to guard her back.
Not that she would ever impose on them.
