The Rakehell Regency Romance Collection Volume 2(201)

Parks and Monroe packed up their things from both houses, and departed Ellesmere Manor for a time, with assurances that they would not miss Christmas with Will and his wife for the world.



"I don't know how much leave we can get, but if we go check on things and work very hard, we'll be back some time around the twentieth, if that's all right with you," Parks said.



"You know you're welcome here any time. You are truly my brother, in life as in arms."



The reserved Monroe shook hands and said a short farewell, but Parks gave Will a huge bear hug, then embraced Elizabeth, Vevina and Stewart and the children with tears in his eyes, and departed without his usual flamboyance.



"He's changing already," Will sighed.



"No, just growing up, Brother," Vevina said with a smile. "Just as you have. Nothing like the arrogance of youth. But it all gets tempered by life's hard lessons in the end."



"I don't think I was ever that arrogant," Will said with a shake of his head.



"Oh, you were. Yours was genuine. His is put on. He has a lot to live up to."



"He will."



She nodded. "Thanks to you."



Will looked doubtful, but his sister kissed him and then his wife took his hand and squeezed it.



"And now, if you'll forgive us," Stewart said, "we're going home to the Castle and leaving you two alone for a couple of weeks. I think you can be trusted not to overdo things or get into any scrapes. I for one am getting a bit tired of having to knock on every door in the house to make sure it's safe to enter. I know you were in the Army for a long time, lad, but surely you remember what a bedroom is for?"



Will grinned at his brother-in-law. "That's the pot calling the kettle black. Why, I caught you and Viv in the-"



"Yes, er, thank you, young man. Hide and seek with the children, you know, and we got a bit tired whilst waiting."



"Anyone would think you were in the cavalry then, for the officers frequently resemble their horses."



Vevina and Stewart looked at him blankly.



"You know, they sleep standing up."



They slapped him playfully. With warm hugs all around, they promised to come around at the end of the week to make more arrangements for Christmas in three weeks' time.



Then the Joyces stepped back in through the front door and closed it.



"Alone at last," Will sighed.



"Are you sure that-"



"Yes. I love every single one of them, but I can't think of anything better than having you all to myself."



He moved to pick her up into his arms, but she shook her head. "I need ten minutes."



Will felt a pang of fear streak through him.



She stroke his cheek reassuringly. "Trust me. No trellises this time."



"All right. If this is anything like the surprise you gave me the other night, it'll be worth it."



She bestowed a warm kiss upon him, and went up to see all of her arrangements had been carried out. Once in her room she viewed the food and wine, the banked-up fire, the flowers, with a smile. She tested the pallet that had been made up in front of the hearth, and surveyed the little bottles of oil.



Then she divested herself of her gown and put on a diaphanous wrapper and brushed out her hair. She left only a few candles burning around the room, and ran the water in the tub.



Will tapped on the door and entered. His breath caught in his throat as he saw Elizabeth's pale flesh shimmering under the transparent silk.



"Like the first day I ever saw you on the beach," he whispered in reverent awe.



With a sweep of her hand she indicated the food. "And like our true wedding night. Apart from the rabbit stew, of course. But it wouldn't be such a delicacy if it were cold, and I have a few other things on the menu."



He gave her a broad answering grin. "Whatever you heart desires, darling."



Then he approached almost shyly and took both her small delicate hands in his own huge warm ones.



"In case I've never said it, or not said it often enough, Elizabeth, I have never loved and will never love anyone as much as I love you. Except possibly all the children we'll be blessed with."



She blushed, and he stroked her cheek.



"I'm sorry, I don't mean to worry you," he apologised.



"Not worried, no. It was a powerful image. And a true one. You've seen it too, haven't you?"



"I have. From the very start, when we awakened upon the capstone of the dolmen. I've even heard its little heart beat, I'm sure. Oh darling, don't look so worried. I love you, and this makes our happiness complete."



"Yes, but children are hostages to fortune."