Page 84 of Beneath the Beastly Duke's Mask
“No more Lord Kersey and jealous servants,” she said.
She happily bit into a piece of toast, feeling as light as a feather. They could live a simple life, far away from prying eyes, and people wishing for their downfall.
“But there might be a new Lord Kersey, and Mirabel no longer works at Euston,” Nicholas pointed out.
“A good outcome for all,” said Arabella, adding another slice of toast to her plate. “He was rather problematic and didn't seem to care about the responsibilities of his title. Hopefully, the new one won't give the duke trouble.” She stood up, topping up Nicholas's teacup when she realized it was empty. Being a wife certainly came naturally to her. “I hear Mirabel hasn't had such a wonderful time, either,” she commented.
“Who did she upset this time?” Nicholas asked, not sounding surprised.
"Jane said she attempted to seduce her mistress's son, so she was fired, and no one else would hire her. She's working at an inn on the outskirts of the county."
“At least she still has a job,” he replied. “Although I wonder how long that will last until she gets into trouble again.”
“I give her a few weeks,” said Arabella. “But let's not think about them today. This is our happy day.”
Nicholas looked around the room, smiling. "Yes, it is," he said. "I'm the happiest man alive, and it's all thanks to you."
“I could say the same for you,” she said. Everyone seemed preoccupied, so Arabella decided it was the best time to sneak away for a little while. “Come, I'd like to show you the surprise now,” she said, taking his hand. “We'll return soon.”
“Well, I won't say no,” said Nicholas, getting to his feet. “Lead the way, wife.”
They left Aunt Violet's house and entered a carriage waiting for them. The trip wasn't too long as the farm was relatively close. They stopped on the edge of the property, pausing as Nicholas looked around.
“This is familiar to me,” he said. “I believe this used to be our family's farm. It was sold bit by bit until only a portion of it remained.”
Arabella nodded. “Yes, it was your family's farm, and now it is ours,” she said. “I bought it for us—all of it. Not one portion of it is missing.”
After Arabella learned from Aunt Violet that their family farm was up for sale, she immediately spoke to the owners and settled on a fair amount.
“This is ours?” he asked in disbelief. “The farm is ours?”
“Yes, it belongs to us,” she told him, taking the deed from her coat. “This is our proof. You finally have your dream, my love.”
Nicholas shook his head, his eyes wet with tears. “You are my dream, Arabella. Only you. This is just the icing on the cake. How can I ever thank you?”
“Well,” she said, blushing slightly. “I've yet to have my first kiss,” she pointed out. “I'm not sure if that is normal for new brides.”
Arabella sucked in her breath as Nicholas unexpectedly picked her up until she was at eye level. "That I can do with pleasure," he said. "It has been on my mind for months, to be honest, but I didn't want to rush you."
Arabella put her arms around his neck, her blush deepening. “I'm ready now,” she said.
Nicholas smiled as his head lowered before he captured her lips with his own, causing heat to erupt from the center of her. The feeling was unlike anything she had ever experienced before. Nicholas eventually pulled back and stared into her eyes, saying nothing. He didn't have to say a word because she could see how much he loved her. She hoped he could see the same in her eyes.
“I have a surprise of my own,” he revealed rather sheepishly. “I wanted us to discuss it after our honeymoon, but perhaps this is a good time.”
“What is it?”
“It seems the old duke,” he began. “No, my father,” he corrected, smiling. “He took into account that a relative might claim the dukedom. He left me an inheritance not attached to the dukedom, so it belongs to me alone—us. Truman gave me a letter from the duke and proof of the inheritance earlier today. Oddly, I wasn't aware of this, but the documents do not lie.”
“That's wonderful!” Arabella cried. “This proves how much you were loved, Nicholas. I have even more respect for the duke and duchess now.” Her smile dipped slightly. “This surprise seems to pale a little in comparison.”
“Never!” Nicholas exclaimed, his arms tightening around her. “This is precisely what I have always wanted. My inheritance from the duke will simply make our lives more comfortable. I have been given land and a substantial amount of money—it's almost too much, really.”
“Nonsense,” Arabella countered. “You deserve it all. You fulfilled your promise to your father and now you get to live the lifeyouwant.”
“Most importantly,” he said, kissing her nose. “I get to do it with you. That is the best part of everything that has happened.” He kissed her gently on the lips. “I love you, Mrs. Smith.”
“And I love you, Mr. Smith,” she said, her heart bursting with emotion.
Smiling, she pulled him down for another kiss, suddenly insatiable. Arabella didn't think she would ever get enough of him, which was probably how it was meant to be.
THE END?
