Julian bent and placed the half empty bottle of champagne on the sand, twisting it so that it sat upright and none of the precious bubbles were lost.
Caroline stood on the water’s edge, staring out to sea. He placed his arms around her and kissed the back of her neck. She lay against him and they stood for a time, silently watching the boats out in the harbor.
The Count of Lienz’s yacht had already been far out to sea by the time the newlyweds made their way down to the beach. When it finally disappeared from view, Caroline gave a soft sigh of relief. Lienz was a long way from London, and she would count that blessing every day.
“So now what are we to do?” she asked.
Julian nipped the top of her ear with his teeth and murmured, “Well, my beautiful bride, we do have a hotel room at our disposal. And I am sure the others can find something to amuse themselves with while you and I discuss the matter of your role as Countess Newhall.”
She turned and placed a soft, inviting kiss on her husband’s lips. “Well then, husband of mine, let us take our champagne and adjourn to the hotel. Though I promise that once I have you all to myself, there will only be one topic of discussion.”
Julian pulled Caroline into his arms and kissed her deeply. Her body was warmed by the morning sun, and she luxuriated in his embrace. His love had given her the strength to leave her cold and lonely existence.
She was the Ice Queen no more.