“Do you mean the night I lured a licentious rake from the tavern or the night you wanted to kill me?”
“Neither of those,” he said thoughtfully. “I speak of another place, another lifetime. I feel as though I have travelled this path with you before. This is not the first time we have been hopelessly in love. I feel as though this was destined to be.”
Ivana smiled. She, too, felt infinitely part of something much bigger than anything either of them could comprehend. “I have always felt that way. I have no doubt we would have found each other eventually.”
“Having witnessed how all our lives have changed in the last few months, I truly believe that now.” He sighed. “I just wish my brothers did not live so far away.”
Her heart ached for him. “I know. Despite the distance, we must hope that they will come and visit.”
“I have been thinking that perhaps we could go to London. Not now, of course, but in the future. I know our affliction would make the journey difficult, but Elliot and Alexander managed it without incident.”
Ivana did not want to disappoint him. “Perhaps, but we must accept that it might not be possible.”
“No one knows what the future holds. You told me that.” Leo stopped walking and turned to face her. He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it tenderly, his heated gaze locking with hers. “I am not a man who gives up easily.”
His rich tone caused a tingle down the length of her spine. The rain trickled down their faces; their clothes clung to their skin, but she had not a single care in the world. Her heart was full, her soul sated. Her one true love stood with her, and she would do anything to make him happy.
“I don’t doubt that when you set your mind to something you will not stop until you succeed,” she said. “And you know I will support you in whatever you decide to do.” She glanced up at the canopy of trees, at the thick black clouds peeking through gaps in the foliage, and smiled. “But now it seems that the stars have chosen to shine brightly down upon us.”
A sinful smile touched his lips, but he did not look to the heavens. “Standing beneath such a brilliant blanket can mean only one thing. We might not have played cards in the tavern or supped on Herr Bruhn’s ale, but I think I can manage the other activity you suggested.”
“You do not mind loving me in the rain?”
He glanced back over his shoulder at the sturdy tree trunk. “I’m surprised you even need to ask.”
Epilogue
London, 1822
“Good Lord. How much longer must we stay here?” Alexander complained, exhaling loudly.
Elliot chuckled as he scanned the crowded ballroom. “Have you forgotten that this is your house? As you’re the host and are supposed to be celebrating Aunt Beatrice’s return from India, I estimate all night.”
“Bloody hell,” Alexander muttered. “Remind me to be a little firmer with Evelyn in future.”
Elliot shrugged. “Well, there is one consolation.”
“What is it? I cannot think of any reward great enough to compensate for an evening spent having meaningless conversations with dim-wits.”
“Is not Evelyn’s gratitude reward in itself? I would wager you’re not half as annoyed as you make yourself out to be.”
The corners of Alexander’s mouth twitched in amusement. “Evelyn finds it immensely satisfying to know she has the power to soothe my tortured soul.”
Elliot scanned the sea of heads gracing the dance floor. “I would have a care. That is the second dance she has shared with Mr. Hartwood’s nephew.” Elliot enjoyed teasing his friend. “Perhaps the gentleman is as besotted as you are.”
; Alexander’s expression darkened. “It will be the last dance he shares with anyone if he so much as looks at her in an inappropriate way.”
Elliot spotted Grace waltzing with Lord Walton. A dazzling smile illuminated her face; a few fiery red curls brushed against the smooth column of her neck. Damn. Would there ever be a day when he would not be consumed with thoughts of bedding his own wife?
“I’m afraid we’ve no option but to dance with our wives,” Elliot said feeling a desperate need to hold Grace in his arms. “I once overheard a gentleman telling his partner that dancing is a prelude to seduction. I suggest you use the opportunity to brush up your skills.”
Alexander raised an arrogant brow. “There is nothing wrong with—”
A commotion at the far end of the room captured their attention, the excited chatter audible above the music filling the air.
Elliot tutted. “There is always someone who deliberately arrives late in a bid to command attention.” He patted Alexander on the upper arm. “As the host, you should go and greet them.”