Instantly he sobered. “Very well, you have my full attention, sweetheart.”
“I want to continue managing the academy.”
“I see no reason why you cannot, as long as you make time for our wedding and a wedding trip afterward.”
Arabella smiled in relief. She had worried about Marcus’s response, yet she should have known he would be amenable to letting her continue her avocation.
“I should have ample time for a wedding after school lets out in two weeks,” she replied. “The summer term begins in mid-June, and since most of our pupils will be going home, I won’t be teaching any classes. Jane Caruthers will handle the majority of the work.”
“Then we shouldn’t have a problem. It will be at least a month before we can hold the ceremony. We could be married by special license, but I prefer to have the banns called. I don’t want it to seem as if we are rushing.” He kissed the tip of her nose. “And I want a large wedding. We can be married in the Chiswick church and invite several hundred guests.”
Her look turned dubious. “I doubt the church is large enough.”
“Then we’ll invite half the ton to a wedding breakfast at Danvers Hall afterward. I intend to put my countess on display, since it will help pave your acceptance into society.”
Arabella nodded, seeing the wisdom of his plan. An invitation to celebrate the nuptials of the Earl and Countess of Danvers would go far in winning over even her haughtiest detractors. Yet that was as far as she wanted to acquiesce to the high-browed notions of society.
“I would like my mother to attend our wedding and any succeeding festivities,” Arabella said, knowing that the scandalous former Lady Loring would likely be shunned by the ton’s highest sticklers. “And Fanny Irwin as well. Fanny may be a renowned Cyprian, but she is a dear friend and I won’t turn my back on her simply because I am marrying an earl.”
“Certainly they may attend. And my sister Eleanor would doubtless enjoy helping with plans for a breakfast. As for our wedding trip, I want to take you to my family seat in Devonshire for a few weeks. The Hall will afford us too little privacy with your sisters present. I want you all to myself for a while.”
Arabella’s smile was soft with pleasure. “I would like that.” Remembering the duke and marquess, however, she glanced at the closed door. “Do you think your two friends will come
to accept me as your wife?”
“Yes, of course. They will eventually grow to love you. Meanwhile, they’ll be infinitely glad that we finally came to a resolution. I nearly took off Heath’s head this morning during our fencing practice because I was seething with frustration.”
“His grace won’t be overjoyed about our marriage.”
“Drew is just cynical about love because he’s never experienced it before. Heath is more adventurous, so he’s more willing to concede that I might love you witless. But he doesn’t want to see me turned into a tame milksop. I think he worries that you will lead me around by my bridle.”
Arabella laughed. “I don’t intend to bridle you, any more than I intend to wear a bridle.”
“Which is exactly how it should be between us.”
As Marcus gazed down at her, the passion she saw in the endless blue depths dazzled her, but it was the love shining there that made her heart sing. Then he kissed her again and made her heart race as he reached up to pull the pins from her hair.
“I thought you didn’t intend to dishevel my hair,” Arabella murmured.
“I changed my mind.” His slow, very male smile held the wonderfully wicked charm that had won her heart during his admittedly unwanted courtship. “If I can’t have you again until a full month from now, then I mean to make the most of our time here together, Hobbs or no Hobbs.”
She laughed again, her breath whispering against his lips as she gave herself up to Marcus’s incredible passion.
Epilogue
How glad I am that Marcus wagered for my heart and won. I wish you could find the same bliss in love, Fanny.
– Arabella to Fanny
I have never met the man who could make me blissful in love. But I am overjoyed for you, dear Arabella. I will dance at your wedding, if you are not afraid that I will scandalize the company.
– Fanny to Arabella
Danvers Hall, June 1817
When Arabella sank into a chair and sighed happily, Roslyn smiled with love and satisfaction. “You made an exquisite bride today, dearest. Being in love becomes you.”
“You do look positively beautiful, Belle,” Lily seconded.