Part 34 (2/2)

And, perhaps for the first time in his life, he looked forward to what the future would bring. Indeed, he welcomed it. In all truth, he'd never really cared before, for every day had always held the same monotony.

But now every day was different.

Up from Thurston Hall last week for a day of business, it was Sebastian who had chanced to mention the father of one of his friends had pa.s.sed on. His friend had decided to sell his father's small country estate, furnis.h.i.+ngs and all. That had given Justin the idea: With precise clarity, he recalled Arabella's wistfulness at Thurston Hall the evening he'd kissed her; how she'd confided that as a child she'd never really had a home, not really. Because for all the starkness of his youth - of his entire life - the security of a home was the one thing he'd always had. Indeed, perhaps it was something he'd taken for granted, never really considering the absence of one.

But he did then. Or perhaps it was their talk of children, a prospect which was still rather daunting. He knew why, of course. Rake that he had been for so many years, he'd never considered his future would include marriage, let alone children. But, he realized dryly, it was also no doubt inevitable, considering the way his desire for his lovely wife burned stronger every day*

Children, he thought again. When the time came, he would be ready. More than ready. He was changing, he decided in amazement. Being with Arabella made everything different. With her at his side, he felt invincible.

His mind returned to the house. As soon as Sebastian had left, he'd made inquiries at once.

He'd taken a day to see the estate for himself. The first thing that struck him was the small cherry tree that stood just outside the drawing room window. He'd chuckled, remembering Arabella's confession about the way she'd shocked her mother by climbing trees when she was young.

From there, it all just seemed to fall into place. And difficult as it was to pinpoint, everything about it just seemed right. It was all so perfect*

Ah, but he couldn't wait to see the expression on Arabella's face when he told her. Antic.i.p.ation warmed his veins. She would look at him in that wide-eyed way she had, launch herself into his arms, and kiss him in wild, sweet abandon - which was exactly the way he would take her that night, he decided with relish.

He grinned outright.

Upon his return to Berkeley Square, it happened that Arabella was outside and was just about to climb the steps to the door when he leaped from the curricle. Spying him, she waited at the bottom step.

He bent and kissed her lightly on the lips, feeling as if he might burst inside. ”Just the person I wanted to see,” he said lightly.

”And you, sir, are just the person I wanted to see. I've just come from Georgiana's -”

”Well, at least you weren't out shopping,” he teased.

She frowned good-naturedly. ”Oh, come. I believe I have yet to spend any of your money.”

”Nor have I been besieged by requests to redecorate. How fortuitous that I chose such a thrifty bride and need not worry that I'm on my way to the poor farm.”

”Why would I want to redecorate? This house is perfect just the way it is.”

It pleased Justin to hear her say that. ”However,” she continued, ”at any rate, I have some news you might be interested in hearing.”

”And I have some news for you, too. But ladies first.”

”Thank you. Now, as I was saying, my visit to Georgiana proved to be rather enlightening.”

Justin offered a hand to escort her up the stairs. ”In what way?”

”While I was there, Georgiana had a most unexpected visitor. And you'll never guess who

it was.”

Justin glanced down at her. She was practically beaming. ”You're right,” he said dryly. ”I shan't.”

She wrinkled her nose prettily. ”You're no fun,” she protested.

”Sweetheart, I can see you're just dying to tell me, so why don't you?”

”Very well, then. It was Walter. And when I left, they appeared to be getting on quite cozily. Her

mother also confided this is the third time this week Walter has come to call on her.”

Justin stopped short. ”Georgiana and Walter?”

”It would appear so.”

Justin didn't mean to smile so broadly - it just happened.

Arabella laughed at his expression.

”Perhaps theirs will be the next London wedding.”

”I shouldn't be at all surprised,” she agreed, tucking her fingers into the curve of

his elbow.Their eyes caught and held for an immeasurable moment. Justin took a deep breath, all at once rocked tothe depths of his soul. Her eyes were a soft clear blue, s.h.i.+ning like the sky above. She looked so happy,so unutterably content, even radiant. He was half-afraid to give voice to the thought that spun through hismind for fear it would evaporate. Was it possible? he marveled. Did he make her happy? That he mightwas a thought that nearly sent him cras.h.i.+ng to his knees.

G.o.d, but she was lovely. A warm breeze teased a few errant curls at her temple. A tinge of rose bloomed on her cheeks. Her lips carried the faintest hint of a smile. And knowing she was his kindled potent, primitive urges. Desire flamed in his veins. He experienced a sudden urge to carry her upstairs, close the door, and make love to her until they were both exhausted.

His hand came out to smother hers, there where it rested on his sleeve. He was about to put forth that very proposition when Arthur opened the door and they stepped inside. Then Arthur was hovering at his elbow with the day's post and invitations. When he turned around, he saw that she'd disappeared up the stairs.

Which was all well and good, Justin decided, since she was exactly where he wanted her*

The bra.s.s knocker sounded at the front door. Arthur opened it and Gideon stepped inside.

Justin raised his brows. ”Back from Paris already, I see.”

”My good man, it's been over a month. And pray forgive my dropping in so unexpectedly,

but I'd thought to see you at White's.”

”I'm afraid I haven't been there in several weeks.”

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