Page 90 of The Duke of Daring (The Untouchables)
She stepped to the side as he loaded his pistol on the table. She watched his hands work and wondered if it was odd that she could’ve stood there and stared at him all day.
He lifted the weapon and took aim. His ball hit the target next to the one she’d knocked down, but he only grazed it.
He lowered his arm and let his shoulders slump. “You trounced me again. Clearly it’s the shooter, not the weapon.”
She’d beat him the other day using his Purdey, but today she had her new Manton—his wedding gift to her along with her mother’s jewelry, which he hadn’t sold but had only had appraised so that he could settle on a sum. She grinned at him, unable to contain her joy. “I didn’t win by much.”
He arched a brow at her. “I will demand a rematch.”
Lucy caressed her pistol. “I’ll look forward to it.” She laughed as she set the weapon on the table.
He shook his head again and swooped down to kiss her. “Perhaps I was foolish to marry such a strong woman.”
She pulled back in mock affront. “Perhaps I was the fool if you can’t see how lucky you are.”
He snaked his arms around her and held her against him. “I see quite well, thank you. Although not as well as you if that target is to be believed.”
“Oh, now it’s my eyesight that’s to be given credit?”
“You talk too much,” he growled before kissing her soundly.
Lucy sighed into his mouth, loving this man and feeling luckier than anyone had a right to be.
A fat drop of rain found its way to her cheek, splashing against her and making her jump.
Andrew blinked. “What? I was only teasing.”
She pointed up. “It’s starting to rain.”
He tilted his head back and grabbed her hand. “It’s about to pour, I fear.”
She snatched up her pistol, and they took off running for the house. By the time they reached the terrace, they were quite wet but laughing.
Mrs. Alder greeted them, looking in horror as they dripped on the carpet. “Why are you laughing?”
Andrew sent Lucy a provocative glance. “Why not?”
Why not indeed. Lucy’s body heated at the promise in that brief look he’d sent her. “I think I need to go upstairs and change.”
“Yes, me too.” Andrew squeezed her hand as they made to move past Mrs. Alder.
The housekeeper chuckled. “Go on, then.” She smiled to herself and hummed.
She and her husband and the rest of the staff had been overjoyed at their marriage a fortnight ago. It had happened quickly after the Duke of Kendal had helped Andrew procure a special license. All their friends had come to their wedding breakfast, but no one had been happier than Grandmama. She’d said she’d always known that Lucy would break the husband curse and marry a man who was both worthy and reliable. That she was also benefiting from Lucy’s match—by way of a lovely town house in the heart of Bath—was an unexpected boon. Lucy was grateful to see Grandmama settled and happy.
Tindall met them as they entered their bedchamber. “My lord, I understand you were caught in a downpour.”
Andrew gestured toward his damp clothing. “Yes, as you can see.”
“I’ll just lay out a fresh set of clothes.” He turned to Lucy. “I believe Judith is already doing the same for you.”
Lucy looked at Andrew and sighed. “Such brilliant efficiency. I’m almost afraid to tell them we won’t be needing their services just now.”
“I’m not,” Andrew said. He glanced at Tindall but didn’t really take his attention from Lucy. “Please excuse us, Tindall.”
“Just so, my lord.” The valet departed quickly.
“Thank God I convinced him to decline Clare’s offer,” Andrew said as he sent his hat sailing into the corner.
