Page 59 of Romancing the Heiress
He turned to the crowd, his arm around Leah, and lifted his glass. “A toast to all of you for coming to celebrate with us. Marrywell is our heart and our home. We are thrilled to share this special day with each of you. Thank you.”
“And we’re honored to celebrate with you,” the mayor called out. He’d been an immediate and staunch supporter of charging admission to summer events. He’d also suggested things for which Phin ought to charge during the matchmaking festival, such as entrance fees to the bowling tournament and the brewer’s field. Unsurprisingly to Leah, Marywellers were eager to support the gardens and their upkeep. It was a special place that had given them all so much.
As they sipped their champagne, Leah’s father stood to make his own toast. Then Sadie made one. Then Leah’s brother. It went on for some time until Phin called a halt after Jacob asked for a glass of wine so thathecould make a toast.
The celebration lasted well into the late afternoon, at which point Sadie urged Leah and Phin to leave. “No one expects you to stay,” she said, practically pushing them on the path toward Radford Grange.
“If you insist,” Phin said, giving Leah a pointed leer.
Leah rolled her eyes, then embraced her friend. “Thank you for everything. I’m sorry you have to leave the day after tomorrow, but I understand that Law needs to get back to London.”
Phin hugged Sadie next. “We’ll see you soon.”
Leah and Phin were, in fact, due to visit London in a fortnight so Phin could experience the many parks and gardens. Tom would oversee things at Radford Grange and the botanical gardens in Phin’s absence.
“Now, go.” Sadie shooed them away.
Grabbing Leah’s hand, Phin practically ran toward the path. Leah laughed. “Slow down. Unless you’re in a terrible hurry to get home.”
“I am, in fact. If we’re quick, we’ll have the house to ourselves for a short while.” He swept her with a thoroughly debauched perusal. “Except, I thought we might stop at the castle folly.”
Leah couldn’t think of anything better. “It is on the way…”
He grinned. “So it is. Shall we race to the folly?”
“Phin, we are no longer seven years old. And I am wearing a very costly gown.” They’d purchased it when they’d gone to London to secure her inheritance.
Mr. Knott had been thrilled to meet Leah, having feared that she was lost and would never know of Lady Norcott’s kindness. They’d explained everything to Mr. Knott, who’d been horrified by Mrs. Selkirk’s behavior. He’d apologized profusely, but Leah had assured him that they did not fault him for what happened.
After much deliberation, Leah had decided not to seek prosecution for Mrs. Selkirk’s crimes. Genevieve had become betrothed to Mr. Fearnehough, and they were due to be wed in mid-June. Leah hadn’t wanted the poor girl to marry under a scandal. Anyway, there was no way Mrs. Selkirk could hurt Leah or affect her happiness in any way.
Leah had collected her inheritance, including a great deal of furniture and other household belongings, which were making their way to Marrywell. They’d brought some back with them and would fetch the rest, which were being stored by Mr. Knott, when they returned next month.
“If we can’t race, can we at least walk more quickly?” Phin asked, his voice turning husky.
“Yes.” Leah quickened her pace until it was almost a run. She was glad she’d swapped her slippers for walking boots after church.
When they reached the folly, she was breathing heavily, her body warm. But she suspected part of that was due to her growing arousal. They’d discussed using the folly for an illicit rendezvous, but the opportunity hadn’t yet presented itself. Today seemed the perfect time.
Phin swept her into his arms and carried her through the archway into the small faux courtyard. He set her down, and she immediately turned into him, clasping his neck and nape and pressing her mouth to his. The kiss was hot and fierce, a promise of what was to come.
“I wish we had a blanket,” she murmured between kisses.
“I may have stashed one or two in the chest I moved to the upstairs chamber.”
Leah pulled back. “You did what?”
“I brought a chest. It has candles, two blankets, if I’m being accurate, and two pillows.”
She laughed. “Did you plan for us to sleep here?”
“Well, I did also install a somewhat wide chaise. If we snuggle close, we can fit side by side.”
Narrowing her eyes at him, she indulged in all sorts of ideas. “Do we easily fit if one of us is on top of the other?”
“Most definitely.” He gave her a wicked grin. “Do you want to see?”
As answer, she turned and dashed into the tower, then raced up the stairs. She stood just past the top of the stairs, very near where they’d first kissed, and stared at what he’d done. There was a chaise and a chest, as well as a small table and two chairs. The space was filled.
