Elaine Lowe Match Made by Moonlight (pdf)

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not find a better match.
He recovered sufficiently to try to retrace the thread of their conversation. Bington.
Poor Mr. Bington. What is going on with Bington?
She tried to erase the happy smile from her face but she couldn t. Mr. Bington
happened to make a proposal when I was in a very unsettled state.
You thought I was Harold and heir to an earldom? he asked, still worried that he
would somehow disappoint her by being only Mr. Kelsey, an ex-soldier with no current
avocation.
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She rolled her eyes. No, I thought you were married.
Ah. He was relieved, although guilty that he would even suspect such
superficiality from this amazing woman. So, you accepted Bington because you were
angry at me?
She narrowed her eyes. I was not that unsettled.
He took that as a challenge and prowled toward her once again. Oh, so I don t
unsettle you, then?
She bit the corner of her lip and backed away toward the headboard at his advance.
You know that s not what I meant.
He ignored her capitulation and kissed her breathless anyway. It was infinitely
harder to abandon her lips this time. Her cheeks were flushed and as she opened her
eyes as he drew back, her eyes were darkened to an emerald green, the pupils huge. She
desired him as much as he desired her and that knowledge took all of his willpower to
fight to maintain control.
He pressed a chaste kiss to her nose. What did you mean, dearest?
She exhaled, trying to gather her thoughts again. I never really accepted him at
all.
But&
She held a finger to his lips and he nipped at it, causing her to shiver. I-I made an
error in phrasing and he jumped to the conclusion that I had agreed.
And you didn t disabuse him of this notion? he asked incredulously.
I did not get a chance, she retorted. You and your sister caught us together and
others were hot on your heels with their congratulations. After that I was so
discombobulated and disheartened that I had no idea what to do. I have no wish to hurt
Mr. Bington but no wish to marry him either. Heavens, I have tried for the last month to
engage his affections to my best friend, Isabella Eversmith.
Sir Frances daughter?
Yes? What of it?
It was she who Lady Patricia first recommended to me as a fine candidate for a
wife. Especially if I had a yearning for politics.
And do you?
No, I do not consider Isabella Eversmith that was the redheaded chit, yes? I do
not consider Miss Eversmith to be a good candidate for a wife. I have someone else in
mind. He hugged her close and she nestled in his arms with ease, as though she had
always belonged there.
No. I meant, do you have a yearning for politics? I would like to know. I mean, I
have no idea of your plans, your likes, your favorite food, where would you want to
take up residence? That was the key question but she went on, covering up her
nervousness with inanity. Do you have a pet? I despair of being able to answer the
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Match Made by Moonlight
smallest question about you once we are en& She stopped suddenly, appalled at her
presumption of their engagement.
He smiled in response. I have no desire for politics. I am not sure of my plans,
other than perhaps something involving study or medicine. He paused. It was a good
question actually, one he should give more consideration, once his every thought was
not taken up by the woman in his arms. He continued, I have a great liking for one
Miss Marianna Sanderton. My favorite food is treacle tart, at least according to Cook at
Kelsey House, but it is really fresh blackberries warm from the sun that we used to pick
at Stinton Hall in the summer.
We have blackberries at Gladstone Abbey, she said shyly.
Then I shall like it there exceedingly. As far as my future residence, I am very
flexible, as long as the location includes two important things.
What?
My wife and her happiness. She beamed and gave him a quick kiss. He continued
on his list. I currently have no pets, excepting a fine, dependable gray mare. I did have
a terrier as a child, who nipped at my brother s ankles, much to my delight. Does that
answer your questions?
She nodded. Although there are a thousand more.
I would say the same for myself. Do you have a pet? Do you like treacle tart? What
potions do you brew in that stillroom of yours, the one with the three lovely children?
They are not potions! My remedies are greatly appreciated&
They talked on for hours, trading quips and kisses and learning as much as they
could about each other. Desire still flared occasionally and never fully died away but
they were comfortable in their companionship and eager for more than just physical
contact. Eventually sleep found them both. Anna nestled on his shoulder, Brandon s
arms wrapped around her, holding her against him and a smile on both their faces.
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Chapter Sixteen
Waking alone was more painful than Anna could have imagined. Still, she smiled at
the memory of the feel of his arms around her and hoped that she would soon fall
asleep in such a manner in truth rather than in fantasy. Although she had tossed and
turned before succumbing to sleep the night before and the night before that she had
barely slept at all, she felt refreshed and invigorated and ready to meet whatever [ Pobierz całość w formacie PDF ]

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