Page 84 of Love with a Notorious Rake

“Charmer. When will you depart? Dawn? Later?”

“You mean when will we depart.”

Cristyn sat upright, holding the sheet against her. “We?”

“I never asked, did I? I merely assumed. I wish for you to travel with me to Wollstonecraft Hall. Obviously, we will not depart until we have seen to every detail. I need to see Samuel, for there is much to address. There are certain people at the mill I want looked after. Miller, Tessie and her family, the children. Then there are Carter and Lottie.”

“I cannot go anywhere without speaking to my father. Besides, regardless of what we’ve shared privately in this room, I cannot travel with you to your home. What will it say publicly? There is a societal difference in our stations.”

Damn, he was making these plans and had not even explained how Cristyn would factor into them. “When I said I want you at my side forever, I meant us, married. Partners in life—and love. I would not dream of making any decisions without you. Ever. As for different stations, neither I nor my family holds with such strictures.”

“Others will,” she whispered.

“Hang them all.” He took her hand. “Will you marry this newly molded man? Riordan told me what he said to Garrett, that love means taking a chance. Will you take a chance on me?”

She nodded, and gave him a brilliant smile. “I will marry you.”

“Then we can make a slight detour to Standon. As you said, the baby is already born. Rushing there is not going to change the outcome. We will speak to your father, and if you both wish for me to travel on alone, I will. Whatever you wish.”

“I agree.”

“Now, regarding Lottie and Carter.”

She laced her fingers through his. “I heard what you said to them. You were wonderful. A true prince, as Lottie said. I agree wholeheartedly with the plan.”

“A ready-made family, my love. It will be a challenge.”

“We will meet it—and any other challenges—together.”

Aidan pulled her into his arms and kissed her fiercely.

Happy birthday, indeed.

* * * *

It took several hours to prepare for their departure. Cristyn packed her small trunk and spoke with Mrs. Trubshaw, who said she would gladly look after the children until their return. They spoke with Carter and Lottie, to say their goodbyes and explain how the four of them would soon be a family. Lottie threw her arms around Aidan’s neck.

Carter, however, stood stiff, not saying a word. Aidan seemed to understand, and said, “It’s all right, lad, to show how you feel. A man secure in his own skin will allow his feelings to show.” Aidan looked up at her and smiled. His father’s words. Carter sniffled and leaned against Aidan, as if needing the support.

Next they spoke to Paris. “I will admit I had concerns, but I am glad you are traveling to Standon to speak with Gethin,” Paris said to Aidan. “Now that I know the particulars, may I say I admire how you have handled this situation at the mill? I wish you both a lifetime of happiness.” He held out his hand and Aidan shook it.

Aidan moved to Delaney’s bedside and slipped money into his hand. He was sitting upright; his arm and part of his face were heavily bandaged. “For services rendered, as agreed. And thank you, for pushing me out of harm’s way.”

Delaney snorted. “We couldn’t muss that pretty face, could we?”

Aidan chuckled. “I will return in a few weeks. I may be reopening the cotton mill—there could be a job in it for you, like an overseer. If you’re staying in the area, that is.”

Delaney and Paris exchanged knowing looks. “Aye, I’ll be staying.”

It was close to two in the afternoon before they were underway. Together in the carriage, they talked, kissed, cuddled, spoke of the future. Aidan told her of the progressive school his brother wished to build. “Perhaps we could propose a live-in portion for the school, for a small number of orphans we wish to sponsor.”

“What a lovely idea! You are thinking of the children from the mill, aren’t you?”

“I am. I’m aware I cannot rescue every child in dire circumstances, but I will be rescuing them. I also thought perhaps we could include a free medical clinic on the property of the school, one you could oversee. It would be a shocking waste for you not to ply your medicinal skills. Of course, we will have to discuss this with the family—”

Cristyn kissed him. How she loved him. While she was more than ready to become a wife and mother, she had wondered if she would be able to keep a hand in medicine. After all, one day she would be wife to a viscount. Then an earl. Heavens, she would be countess! How wonderful she would be marrying into a family with her same views.

But first, they must see her father.