Page 86 of The Dreaming Beauty
He took her hand and twirled her, reminding her of the happiest memory she had with her mother. Her dress wrapped around her legs, and her heart laughed when her mouth could not. She was too mesmerized by Marcus to make a sound.
When he pulled her back to him, she came to a stop, her hands falling against his chest, her heart pounding as his arms encircled her back.
“Marry me, my darling angel.”
His gaze caressed her face, and she knew there was only one answer.
“I suppose youhaveseen me in my nightdress.”
His lips—the ones so near her own—dipped closer to hers, his warm breath teasing her. “And youhaveslept in my bed.”
She grinned. “And... we are friends, though you deny it.”
“We are that and soon to be more, I hope.”
“So?” she teased.
“So?”
She lost herself in his eyes, the love there shining brighter than the candles. “So if you want to marry me, you had better kiss me.”
His hand slid to her neck, his fingers soft as they traced their way up to her ear. She closed her eyes as he obeyed her wish, kissing her sweetly, deeply.
Just as he’d wished, for that long heavenly moment, time stood still.
Chapter 37
Marcus was happy. Truly, profoundlyhappy. Once more he swooped Tansy up into his arms and carefully stepped over the candles. “Come, let’s go tell your aunts the good news.”
“My aunts? But shouldn’t we let them sleep?”
“Aster is already awake.”
“She is Aster now? And how do you know she is awake?”
“Because she received a letter from me as well, and I requested she chaperone us from the window.”
“You did not!” Her small fist hit his shoulder. “I am mortified.”
He set her down and linked his hand with hers. “Don’t be. There will no doubt be some secrets that are kept between a man and wife, but for now, I want everything to be transparent.”
She sighed through her smile. “I cannot fault you for that.”
“Good.” He leaned over and kissed the side of her mouth, and together they made their way to the front of the house.
The door flung open, and Aster and Iris tumbled out.
“Is it official, then?” Iris asked. “Are you to be married?”
Tansy laughed and nodded. Marcus curled her hand to his chest, so proud to have her by his side. She would be the prettiest and kindest bride Westmorland had ever seen.
Aster beamed with happiness, her eyes bunching together until they nearly disappeared under her broad smile. “Come in and let’s celebrate!”
“You go ahead. I need to retrieve something.” Marcus reluctantly released Tansy and jogged to his horse. Out of his saddlebags he produced a handkerchief filled with sweets. When he returned to the drawing room, it was lit bright with candles. He opened his handkerchief on the small tea table, revealing Tansy’s favorite scones. “Your reward, my lady, for forgiving me so quickly.”
“Marcus, you are going to spoil me.” Her lips, dark pink from their kissing, spread into a beautiful smile. He would spoil her forever if it meant seeing her smile. She selected a scone and so did her aunts.
Just then a cry sounded from above them, followed by a series of jumping and then running down the corridor and the stairs. Daisy burst into the room in her nightdress. “Mr. Taylor? What is going on here? Never mind. You will never guess what I just saw. Fairies! Truly! I looked out the window, and there were lights under the willows. They’ve finally come to claim our circle. Quick! We must go see it right away.” She clasped Tansy’s hand, forcing her to set down her scone.
