Matthew smiled. “Are we to move fast or slow?”
“Slow. I want to savour the moment.”
He held her close, hummed a sweet tune as they moved in perpetual circles around the room. Priscilla placed her head on his chest, inhaled the unique scent that made her knees weak.
“I love you,” he whispered into her hair.
“I love you.”
They tried to ignore the loud rap on the door, but the caller grew more persistent.
“We should answer it,” he said as they came to a halt. “No doubt there is trouble downstairs. And the sooner we get rid of them, the sooner we can enjoy the rest of the evening.”
The thought of joining him in bed sent shocks of desire shooting to her core. “Then what are you waiting for?”
He chuckled, marched over to the door and yanked it open. “What is it, Hopkins?”
“Forgive me, sir,” Hopkins said.
“Are the drunken fools refusing to leave? Did you not ring the damn handbell?”
“If you don’t come down, fists will be flying. Lawson is at the end of his tether, and I fear he’s liable to do some lord harm and hang for the privilege.”
“Bloody hell.” Matthew pushed his hand through his hair. He turned to face her. “I should go down. Lock the door behind me, and the one in the dressing room too.”
“Mr Mullworth re
gained consciousness when we loaded him into the carriage,” Hopkins added. “He asked me to convey his apologies.”
“The bastard can go to hell,” Matthew snapped.
Hopkins inclined his head. “That’s what I told him, sir. Oh, and Lord Boden said to tell you he intends to make sure Miss Pearce leaves for France on the first available crossing.”
Priscilla breathed a sigh of relief. The woman was intent on causing trouble. “Thank goodness, although it beggars the question why Lord Boden would want to help us.”
A sly grin touched Matthew’s lips. “When I come back, remind me to tell you about Lord Boden’s new hobby.”
Curiosity flared. “You can’t leave without giving me a clue.”
“Let us just say that Boden’s wants and desires are not as straightforward as they seem. I shall leave you to ponder the comment.”
A string of vile curses echoed up the stairs.
Hopkins rushed to look over the balustrade. “Damn it, Pike. Put the man down and let him walk out.”
Priscilla rushed to Matthew’s side. “Go, before all the staff find themselves dangling from the hangman’s noose.”
He kissed her roughly on the lips. “Lock the door.” He took two steps forward, hurried back to her side and kissed her again. “Have I told you I love you?”
Priscilla smiled. “Three times.”
“I promise to say it at least another ten times before the night is out.” Without another word, he raced down the stairs.
“What’s going on Chandler?” a loud voice rumbled from the hallway. “Is there a fire?”
Priscilla closed the door and turned the key. She touched her forehead to the wooden panel, closed her eyes and let happiness consume her.
Matthew loved her.