Page 93 of The Duke of Kisses
Jacob lifted Fanny and helped David settle her in front of him. His arms came around her to pick up the reins. It wasn’t the most comfortable position, but at least she was in the embrace of the man she loved.
“Thank you, Jacob.”
“You have a place at Huntwell, if you want it,” David said. Fanny’s heart swelled with love.
His cheeks flushed a light pink. “I’d like that, my lord.”
“I’m going to be your brother-in-law. Call me David.” He turned the horse and led them away from the lodge.
“I’m afraid I don’t ever want to come back here,” Fanny said, closing her eyes as she leaned against him.
“Good, because I’m going to burn it down.”
“I’m so sorry about your uncle.” She felt ill again, but tamped the sick feeling down. Maybe someday she’d be able to think of him without wanting to vomit. Today was not that day. “I didn’t mean to kill him.”
“I know, love. Please don’t think about it. Or him. I’m so sorry this happened. I never imagined he could do something so horrific.”
They were quiet a moment before she found a bit of happiness. “I’m so happy to hear that your aunt and my great-uncle loved each other. How did you find out?”
“Your father brought a letter written by your great-uncle. In it, he explained how he and my aunt fell in love and eloped to Scotland. He worked at a coaching inn, and it truly sounded as if they would have led a happy life together if she hadn’t died birthing their babe.”
Fanny heard the sorrow in his voice and felt it in her own heart. “Is that why my father and brother are here?”
“Yes. Your father found the letter and wanted to show me the proof of what had happened. But I had already interviewed a few retainers who were at Huntwell thirty years ago. The head groom knew your great-uncle well. He was quite a popular fellow on the estate—especially with the ladies.”
This made her smile. “Was he?”
“Until he fell in love, according to Scully— my head groom. And since he saw Snowden and my aunt kissing in the stable, I think it’s safe to conclude she was the recipient of his affection.” He kissed Fanny’s head, which was nestled beneath his chin. “Just as you are mine.”
“Only our ending will be much happier than theirs.” She felt sad for them but also hopeful for the future stretching before her and David.
By God, he hoped so. He kissed her again. “Yes, it will.”
* * *
Weary in body and soul, David eyed the bed in his room at Stour’s Edge. After yesterday’s events at the lodge, West had invited him to stay for as long as he liked. It had been late afternoon before they’d returned to Stour’s Edge and well into evening before the physician had tended Fanny. She’d required a row of neat stitches to seal her wound, and was so far recovering well. They were to watch for fever, and David prayed she wouldn’t develop an infection as his father had done. He didn’t think he could survive it.
He didn’t think he’d want to.
The sheer terror he’d experienced when he’d seen her bleeding had been the single worst thing he’d ever known. How had he ever thought he could marry someone else?
It didn’t bear consideration.
David opened his door and peered into the sitting room to which his and Fanny’s room adjoined. As expected, it was empty. Still, he’d had to look.
He made his way to Fanny’s room and slowly opened the door. Scanning the interior, he saw Barker sitting beside her bed. It was late, and the maid was reading by the light of a single candle.
She looked up as he walked inside. Stifling a yawn, she rose. “Are you here to take a watch?” she asked.
No one cared if he and Fanny were alone together. For one, she wasn’t in any state to partake in impropriety. For another thing, they were as good as wed.
“Yes, I’ll stay all night. Get some rest.”
She nodded. “Thank you, my lord.” She left, closing the door with a soft snick.
David stared at Fanny for a few moments before removing his dressing gown and sliding into the bed next to her. He turned to his side and put his arm around her waist.
She snuggled into him and sighed. “I’m glad you’re back. I missed you today.”
