Wyndleyford House

September 1818

 

“Do finish up, Olivia darling. We’ll be late.”

Allen lounged against the bedpost, looking irresistibly dashing as he watched Olivia’s last minute fussing. His pristine cravat was tied in another new, complicated knot, and his waistcoat matched his green eyes to perfection. However, it was the gleam of male satisfaction in his jungle gaze that sent her pulse cavorting again.

“It’s not my fault you decided to exercise your husbandly rights just as I exited my bath.”

Olivia gave him a playful pout as she deliberately applied perfume to her cleavage. That quite drove him mad. She touched the emeralds at her throat. He had placed them there just before they’d spent a blissful half an hour abed. “My toilette would have been completed long ago.”

“I didn’t hear you complaining overly much.” Allen straightened and after adjusting his jacket sleeves, crossed the room, his long-legged strides covering the distance in short order. He bent and kissed her bare shoulder. “I knew the Wimpleton emeralds would look exquisite on you.”

“They are stunning. Thank you.” She turned her head up for a kiss. The scorching meeting of their mouths had her considering an even tardier arrival to her new in-laws anniversary celebration. “I’m honored to wear them to the festivities tonight.”

“It’s our anniversary too, love. One month today, Mrs. Wimpleton. Slowest three months of my life, waiting to make you my bride.”

She grinned. “I told you it was dangerous to let my aunt and your mother help plan our wedding. I about tripped over my dress when I saw Prinny sitting in a front pew.”

“You and I both. I’d never seen a man attired completely in that shade of pink before. Looked rather like an enormous, glittery salmon.” Allen withdrew a bracelet from his pocket then lifted her hand.

“More?” Olivia shook her head. “It’s magnificent but, you know, I’m not a woman who requires jewels. I have all I ever wanted.”

He settled it around her wrist and set the clasp. “Would you deny me my pleasure?”

Quirking her brow, she gave him an impish smile. “When have I ever denied you your pleasure?”

With a mock growl, he pulled her to her feet. Swinging her into his embrace, he plundered her mouth.

A scratching at the door interrupted the kiss. “Sir, madam, everyone has arrived.”

“I suppose we must put in an appearance.” Allen sighed and leaned away, acting put-upon.

Giggling, Olivia collected her shawl and fan. “Of course we must. Your sister and my brother are below with their spouses. Your parents must host more balls. Three weddings came about as a result of that one in May.”

“I do believe that rout set a record.” He chuckled and scratched his nose. At the door he caught her arm. “Have I told you that I love you today, Mrs. Wimpleton?”

She touched his face. “Yes, but I shall never tire of hearing it.”

He dropped a kiss onto her forehead. “And I promise I shall never tire of saying it.”