'I'd say...how wonderful. I want to see the sun setting on the Ganges, bathing it in a golden haze.' She was gently mocking. 'So long as I see it with you.'
'Impudence.' He grinned. 'But I don't think I said the Ganges, just one of the tributaries, and I promise I'll be there with you. And it's just for a few days. When I left they made me promise I would take my wife there one day. And, since I didn't imagine I would ever marry, it was easy enough to make that promise. But... you're sure you don't mind?'
'I'm quite sure. Rather the reverse, in fact.' 'Good. You see, I still haven't quite recovered from the shock of your refusal first time round. You've no idea what it did to my ego.'
'Mmm, strange-I've never noticed the least thing lacking in your ego.' She giggled when he made a threatening move, uncurled herself from the bed and strolled across the expanse of pale carpet to study her reflection, blushing at the skimpiness of the garment she was wearing.
'What-----' her face was burning '-do you think of this...? Do you prefer it to the wedding-dress?' Their eyes met in the mirror as he came to stand behind her; he was smiling and it was hard not to respond.
'Well.' His fingers touched the narrow strap, skimmed over the lacy top. 'I suppose each has its place.' He appeared to consider. Tut it this way; if you had come up the aisle dressed as you are right now, I should have been surprised, maybe even a little bit... embarrassed.'
'Would you, now?' She turned and was immediately imprisoned. 'And if I had found you waiting for me dressed like that, do you know what I would have done?' All at once her control lapsed; she was smiling, then they were both laughing and he was carrying her back to the bed.
'Go on,' he challenged, his mouth very close to hers. 'Tell me what you would have done. Surprise me.'
'I think...' She raked her fingers through his hair. 'I think I might have done something very much like... this.' Her lips parted, her breath mingling with his.
'Right there?' It was a moment later, and he sounded as if he had been running. 'In front of the congregation?'
'No.' She shook her head and the dark, silky mass of hair spread out over the pillow. 'No, I should have asked the archdeacon if he would excuse us for just a few moments.'
'Not enough.' He slipped one arm beneath her, raising her body towards his. 'Not nearly enough. You see... it's going to take the rest of our lives.'