will come round when she sees how I love you.’
‘Do you, Ralph? Do you truly love me?’
He met her glance with a glinting smile. ‘Can you doubt it?’
She shook her head. When he was so close, holding her like this, she did not doubt it at all.
‘Then unless you have any objections we will announce our betrothal after the play, and then in a week or so I shall take you to London to inform your family. Would you wish to be married there, or shall we give my tenants the privilege of seeing you become my bride at the parish church in Adversane? It is your choice, although Hopkins will be most disappointed if he is not to perform the ceremony—’
‘Stop, stop.’ Laughing, she put a hand up to his lips. ‘This is all too much, my—Ralph. We can decide upon such details later.’
He kissed her fingers. ‘You are right. One thing at a time.’ He raised his head, listening. ‘And if I am not mistaken, Byrne has brought in the tea tray. I suppose we must go and join the others.’
After another swift kiss he took her inside. She knew her eyes were shining with pleasure and her happiness was not in the least dimmed by the arctic glare Lady Preston cast in her direction, nor by Judith Cottingham’s frowning look.
She helped Mrs Dean to serve the tea, then took her own cup to a quiet corner, content to be alone with her own thoughts. However, she was soon joined by Adam Cottingham. She managed to greet him with a smile.
‘You are to be congratulated,’ he remarked, sitting down beside her. ‘I do not know when I last saw Adversane so happy.’
Lucy looked across the room to where Ralph was talking with his brothers-in-law.
‘Do you think that is because of me, Mr Cottingham?’
‘Undoubtedly.’
‘Then I, too, am content.’
Adam put his cup down, frowning. ‘You should not be.’ He directed a solemn look at her. ‘I would beg you to have a care, Miss Halbrook.’
‘You have said as much before, sir, but I believe you are mistaken.’
‘You do not understand. I cannot speak here. Meet me at nine o’clock tomorrow morning. In the shrubbery, where we will not be overheard.’
She sat up very straight.
‘I do not think that is wise, sir. I beg you will say what you have to here, now.’
He gave a quick shake of his head.
‘I cannot, Adversane is watching us. But believe me when I say that you need to know this.’ He rose. ‘Tomorrow morning, Miss Halbrook.’
She watched him walk away and half expected Ralph to ask her what they had been talking of, but the party was breaking up. Adam collected his wife and retired, followed shortly by Caroline and Lord Wetherell. Lady Preston declared loudly that Charlotte needed to rest.
‘The next few days are important if you are to look your best for Midsummer’s Eve.’ She turned to her husband. ‘And you, sir, you will need some sleep if you are to walk to Druids Rock to see the sunrise.’
Sir James chuckled. ‘Well, I did think I might sit in the library and read by the light of one of Adversane’s new-fangled lamps. After all, it is hardly worth going to bed—the nights are so short.’
‘By all means, if that is what you wish,’ said Ralph mildly.
Lady Preston was adamant, however, and carried both her daughter and her husband away.
Sir Timothy grinned.
‘We know who rules the roost in that household! If you do not object, Adversane, I shall step out onto the terrace to smoke a cigar before I retire.’ He held out his hand to his wife. ‘Are you coming, Meg?’
She went willingly, leaving only Lucy, Ralph and Ariadne in the drawing room. Mrs Dean rose, smothering a yawn.
‘I shall go to bed, too,’ she said. ‘Shall you come with me, Lucy?’
Lucy began to follow her to the door, until Ralph detained her.
‘You go on up, Cousin. I will escort Lucy upstairs in a moment.’ Ralph added, when she hesitated. ‘It is customary to allow engaged couples a little time alone.’
Ariadne’s eyes narrowed.
‘And that is a crow I meant to pick with you, Adversane. About your betrothal. When did—?’
‘Yes, yes, but not tonight, it is far too late to explain it all.’ Ralph shepherded his cousin to the door. ‘Goodnight, Ariadne.’
When at last she had retired, he closed the door and stood for a moment with his back to it, regarding Lucy.
‘I thought I should never get you to myself.’
He took her hand and pulled her down beside him on one of the sofas. Lucy made a half-hearted protest, reminding him that Sir Timothy and Lady Finch were still on the terrace.
‘What of it?’ he muttered. ‘They will not come in for a while yet.’
He began nibbling her ear, causing such pleasurable sensations to course through her body that she forgot everything but the sheer pleasure of being in his arms. Her bones were liquefying, even before he moved his attention to her mouth. She returned his kiss, running her hands through his hair and turning her body into his, pressing against him as the familiar longing raged through her blood.
‘Enough,’ he muttered at last. ‘Enough, or I shall have to take you all over again.’
Reluctantly, she let him pull her to her feet.
‘I fear I must be sadly wanton,’ she said, sighing, ‘for there is nothing I would like more.’
‘Not until I have made an honest woman of you.’ He drew her into his arms, and they shared another long, lingering kiss. ‘But, by heaven, I am tempted to purchase a special licence to do it!’
A gurgle of laughter escaped her as she relished her power over him. They went out of the drawing room and up the grand staircase hand in hand.
‘I have business in Halifax tomorrow morning with Colne. Come with us,’ he urged her. ‘It should not take long, and the scenery is magnificent. You might bring your sketchpad.’
‘I should love to come with you, but Mrs Sutton is bringing the scarlet gown.’ She stopped. ‘I could send her word not to come.’
Even in the dim light she saw the shadow cross his face.
‘No, you need the gown for Midsummer’s Eve, so you must see Mrs Sutton tomorrow. I shall take you to Halifax another time.’
They were on the stairs, and she stepped up onto the next tread so that her eyes were level with his.
‘But why, Ralph?
