The Marriage Lesson (35 page)

“I knew it.” He grinned triumphantly.

“However, what I really need much more than a practical man”—she paused—“is someone to share my adventures with.”

He studied her for a moment. “Will they kill me?”

She shook her head. “Probably not.”

“Very well.” He smiled slowly. “Then, once more, my love, will you marry me?”

“Probably.”

He lifted a brow.

She laughed and gazed up at him. “Yes, I will marry you.”

His lips met hers and she kissed him with all the love within her, knowing, at last, it was returned. He tasted of brandy and promises and all the adventures of tomorrow. She drew back and gazed up at him. “This changes nothing, you know. Wed or not, I still want adventures in my life.”

“Well, I did promise.” He grinned wickedly. “And it’s not too soon to begin.” He scooped her into his arms and carried her toward the coach. “Gentlemen, I thank you for your assistance, but I believe I can handle things from here.”

“Damned fine plan.” Beaumont grinned.

“And not bad poetry,” Pennington said.

“I gather this means she’s going to marry him?” Berkley said in an aside to Pennington.

“As soon as possible,” Thomas said.

She laughed. “What are you planning now, Thomas?”

“The infamous highwayman is going to take you into the coach and have his way with you.”

“Ah, well, if he must.” She nuzzled his ear. “I have always wanted a man of adventure.”

And the rocking of the coach all the way home had nothing to do with the quality of the roads and everything to do with lessons learned and adventures just begun.

. . . and yes, dear cousin, I have at last accepted Lord W’s offer of marriage. It came with a declaration from his heart.

It is, as I’d always hoped, a life filled with adventures. Yet, I have found there is more excitement to be had within the embrace of one man’s arms than in an entire world. It was a lesson I had to learn. A lesson of life. A lesson of love.

And in the end, a marriage lesson.

The Absolutely True Adventures of a Country Miss in London