Page 91 of To Have & To Hold

“Everyone is watching,” she laughed.

“My love,” Nathaniel turned to face her fully, his hand grazing her jaw as he leaned close to whisper in her ear. “If I truly wanted to kiss you, all the watchful eyes of England could not keep my lips from yours.”

He felt a slight shiver run through her as he pressed his hand against the small of her back. “But at the moment,” he continued. “I would simply like to dance with my wife.”

Emilia smiled and nodded. “I would like that very much.”

Nathaniel took his hand in hers as he led her to the center of the room. The music slowed as the musicians began to play the first few notes of a waltz.

Nathaniel chuckled, “Why do I have the feeling Charlotte had something to do with this particular selection.”

Emilia blushed. “I requested that a waltz be played this evening,” she admitted with a tilt of her head. “I know they are not traditional in London ballrooms, but nothing about this night is traditional.” Her voice lowered as she stepped into his hold. “I was hoping for a moment like this with you.”

Nathaniel placed his hand on her waist and took her other hand in his, pulling her closer than the dance required.

He dipped his head so only she could hear him. “You are my wife Emilia, you need only ask.”

He was rewarded with another flush of her cheeks as he led them around the floor.

∞∞∞

Her feet stayed in time with the music, but Emilia’s heart beat a rhythm all its own. She could feel the fluttering of Nathaniel’s pulse in his wrist against her own.

“I believe this is our first dance,” his low voice brushed over her.

Emilia hummed in response. So many things about their marriage was unusual, but she would not change a singlemoment, for each one led her to where she was now, in Nathaniel’s arms.

As the music slowed to a stop, Nathaniel released his hold, bowing low in front of her. His eyes locked on hers as he straightened and her stomach dipped at the heat she felt from his gaze. She had never dared to dream of being loved like this—so fully and completely, with a love that did not overlook her brokenness and scars, but that helped sooth and heal each one.

“I have something for you.” Nathaniel took her hand again, pulling her towards the open doors and onto the lawn. The grounds were filled with guests. Groups of people conversed and laughed under the stars and twinkling lights.

Nathaniel passed them all, leading her towards the garden path. They walked further and further into the garden until the lights from the ballroom could no longer be seen.

“Where are you taking me?” Emilia laughed, quickening her step to match the duke’s.

“Unfortunately, there is no hedge maze on the grounds,” he teased. “But I know somewhere that is equally as private.”

They turned the corner and entered a walled area of the garden near the south terrace. Trellises filled with blooming roses climbed up the walls. The space was illuminated by flickering firelight from the library windows above them, and a trail of lanterns that led to a stone bench in the middle of the courtyard.

Tears stung Emilia’s eyes as she wrapped herself around Nathaniel’s arm, pressing in close to his side. “Did you plan this?”

A rare blush stained his cheeks as he nodded. “I noticed yesterday that the roses were finally in bloom, and I hoped you had not yet had a chance to see them.”

Emilia shook her head as the tears streamed down her face. “They are beautiful.”

“Absolutely breathtaking.”

Emilia felt his breath against her cheek and turned to find him intently watching her. Her heart beat quickened as he reached up to cup her cheek. She closed her eyes, waiting for his lips to meet hers, but instead all she felt was his hand brush against her neck as he lowered it to the necklace that lay on her chest. He slowly turned the dark green gem between his fingers, watching as the candlelight reflected off its surface.

“Sophie said the color makes my eyes look like emeralds,” she whispered, her throat tight.

“Sophie is right.” Nathaniel smiled, looking up at her again. “Though, I think I have something that may suit you better.”

He held out his hand, and revealed a small box. Emilia looked up at him in question. He lifted the lid, revealing a dainty, heart shaped gold pendant. Emilia’s heart stuck in her throat and she stumbled back a step in surprise.

“My locket.” Her voice came out strangled and broken.

“I found it buried in the sand that morning after you ran away,” Nathaniel explained, his own words heavy with emotion.