Maid for Scandal (7 page)

“What could I say? You had your reasons for your charade. It was not my place to press you for them. And... I was selfish.”

She tilted her head. In the half-light she could just make out the rueful smile she’d seen before on his face.

“Selfish?”

“If I pretended you were not a lady of refinement, then I could continue meeting you.” One hand came up to cup her cheek. “I could kiss you, without restraint or consequence. I didn’t want to lose you, Anna.”

A thrill went through her. When he dropped his hand from her face, she took his fingers in hers.

“You let me think that you were simply a groom, in order to continue our acquaintance. But why were you so often at the Wildering’s?”

“Giles Wildering wanted to buy Windsor. I was not wholly in accord with the idea, so decided to keep an eye on matters.”

No doubt Giles had thought that such a big black horse would enhance his manliness. “I heard that you changed your mind about the purchase.”

“Almost immediately. You are the only reason I didn’t turn back with Windsor at once. When you were gone, there was no reason to linger.”

“Are you… angry with me?”

“Why?” His hand tightened around hers.

“I deceived you.”

He gave a quiet laugh. “Not very well.”

“I thought I would never see you again.” Her heart was sore with joy.

“Ah, Anna.”

He stepped forward, and somehow she was in his arms again. It felt like home.

“You won’t tell, will you?” she asked. “Anyone?”

“All your secrets are safe with me. I only ask one thing.”

“A kiss?” She pressed hopefully against him.

“A lifetime of kisses. Anna Harcourt, I won’t lose you again. Will you allow me to call upon you?”

Her battered heart was suddenly, gloriously, whole again. The happiness that had been missing now sparked through her entire body, leaving her breathless. Her spirit was light as air. Lighter.

“Yes, Jonathan. Oh, most certainly yes!”

He dipped his head then, and their lips met in a kiss full of promise and desire. Giddy with happiness, Anna held on to him. There was nothing but this perfect moment, stretching into the future.

The sweet night wind. The taste of her beloved. The brilliant, whirling stars.

###

Want to know more about Anthea? Visit
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