The Accidental Duke (The Mad Matchmaking Men of Waterloo Book 1) by Devlin, Barbara (love letters to the dead .TXT) 📕

the corners of his eyes declared his unrest, and she tugged at him. “But we gained an ally, which I will explain when we are alone.”

“Who said we are going to be alone?” Before she could answer, he came to a halt and sighed. “Miss Wallace, how are you this evening?”

“Lord Rockingham, Lady Arabella.” Patience dipped her chin. “What is the plan, or do you have one, because I gather you seek an unimpeded audience?” Leaning forward, she whispered, “Lady Ainsworth charged me with your guardianship, and I would not fail in my duty, but neither would I interfere in your liaison.”

“Good evening, Miss Wallace.” On cue, Greyson appeared to the left. After a crisp bow, he extended a hand. “May I have this dance?”

“Of course, Lord Greyson.” Patience grinned and partnered the veteran soldier. “Well, I suppose that solves my quandary.”

“All right, my lord, where shall we rendezvous?” Arabella glanced at her brave soldier and hoped he would not be offended by recent developments, which she enacted on his behalf, and she needed to reveal her intentions. “The study or the garden?”

“The garden.” Anthony led her toward the terrace doors. When he spotted His Grace and her father, her fiancé started and ducked behind a large bust of Sir Isaac Newton, which decorated a dark corner. “Bloody hell, if they find us, we are doomed.”

“Then let us hide.” They crouched in the shadows, and Arabella studied Anthony’s profile, until he met her gaze. In close proximity, she inhaled his signature sandalwood scent and stifled a gasp, when he rubbed his nose to hers, and she ached to kiss him as she admired his beautiful mouth. “Are they gone?”

“Well, you certainly will not find them where you look.” At his quip, she frowned, and he snickered. “Hurry, let us make our escape, because I am just as anxious to enjoy your unreserved company.”

“Is it my fault I treasure your affection?” She twined her fingers in his, and they slinked along the wall. When she spied his mother, she pulled him behind a heavy velvet drape. “In light of my relative youth and inexperience, one might argue you took liberties, sir.”

“Do you pose a complaint?” With the edge of the material drawn back, he checked the vicinity. “We remain undetected, but we must move quickly.”

“No, I do not complain.” Holding tight to his grip, she followed him, and they rushed to shelter behind the next drape. Just then, she noticed her mother, with Patience in tow, all but running toward the terrace. “Oh, no. We are discovered.”

“Ye of little faith.” Anthony pulled Arabella behind another drape. “Watch and learn, my dear, because the Mad Matchmakers know of my aim and will not fail us.”

To her delight, Anthony’s fellow Waterloo veterans surrounded Mama and Patience. While Greyson begged Mama for a dance, Beaulieu simply dragged Patience into the rotation.

“I will owe Patience an apology for that.” Arabella bit her bottom lip and snorted with mirth. “But I wager Mama has never been favored with so much attention, and she laughs, my lord.”

“Good. Now, let us away.” In that instant, Anthony yanked hard, and they sprinted to the double doors, crossed the threshold, and burst into the garden. “If memory serves, there is an ideally placed gazebo that will suit our purpose.”

“And how do you know of this gazebo?” Pebbles crunched beneath her feet, as they navigated the path that wound through the rose bushes, and in silence she reviewed her hastily composed arguments to defend her actions. “Or do I want to know the answer to my question?”

“Jealous?” Anthony chuckled.

“Don’t be ridiculous.” Yet, his characterization stated her emotions to perfection, much to her dismay, because she considered herself immune to such flightiness. “Who was she?”

“Does it matter, when she does not signify, because I am marrying you?” In the dark confines of the tiny structure, he pulled her close, held her tight about the waist, and kissed her. A tender and sweet expression, which ended far too soon for her liking. “I have been thinking of this moment, all day.”

“Have you?” With a sigh of contentment, she rested her head to his chest, as he stroked the back of her neck, and it was time to speak her mind. “My lord, there is something I wish to tell you.”

“How curious, because there are things I would say to you.” Caressing the flesh at her nape, he nuzzled her. “Ladies first.”

“Oh, no, after you.” She swallowed hard, because her courage faltered, given she had never made such an important declaration, and she remained uncertain of his response, regarding the appointment she scheduled with a friend, a medical professional with ample experience treating wounded warriors. Would he welcome or reject her scheme to help him deal with the past? “I insist.”

“All right.” Shifting, he eased back and cupped her chin. “I spoke with my father, and all is well between us, so we have naught to worry about, from him.” Anthony paused, as he caressed her cheek with his thumb. “You know, this is one of those instances when I truly regret that I have but one arm, because I would hold you, forever, if I could. But I want you to know that I want to wed you. Indeed, I cannot see myself, or my future, without you. I want to build a life, for us. I want to create a family, and spend my days in peace, fretting over naught more than crying babies, scraped knees, and our children’s education.”

“More’s the pity.” Grasping his wrist, she pressed her lips to his palm and then held his hand to her bosom. “Because I feel the same.”

“Do you, little one?” Even in the dim light, Arabella detected a wistful tone to his voice. “Is it possible our desires are so fortuitously aligned?”

“Yes.” On tiptoes, she kissed him. It was a quick affectation meant to reassure him. “I want to be your wife, to face the world at your side, and to make a home