“Oh, Eleanor,” he groaned, and Eleanor felt her body stir as she never had before. What was this feeling? Quivering with pent-up desire, she pressed herself as closely as she could to his muscular body. She wanted to melt into him, be one with him, never leave him.
“Hugh,” she breathed. Now, now, at last, she had a glimmer of what glorious, rich feelings a marriage might bring to her. What pleasures could she experience that this embrace only hinted at? She almost blushed to think.
Hugh slid one hand to the small of her back, and brushed the curls back from her forehead with the other. His blue eyes seemed to look into her very soul. “Aye, we must wait, but I shall not wait long to claim you for my own,” he said. “I shall ask your Strathcombe priest to marry us, and soon, I will claim you as my wedded wife. Love should be a wondrous thing, and I will prove my love to you as you have never had it proven before, tenderly and gently.”
“Love?” Eleanor repeated, in a daze.
“Aye,” Hugh said, gently. “I do love you—your stubbornness, your loyalty, your trust in others.”
“And I do love you, as well,” Eleanor said softly, looking deeply into his eyes, “for your courage, your steadfastness, and your mettle.” Her eyes twinkled mischievously. “Although, your disdain for women is something I hope to change in you, as well.”
“’Tis already done, my love,” Hugh said, clasping her firmly in a strong embrace.
“It will be my deepest pleasure to trust you, then, sire,” Eleanor said, a smile curving her lips as she looked into his blue, intense eyes. “And I will love to trust you often—as often as you desire.”
“As you will,” Hugh answered gently, “and I do trust you with all my heart.”
“Therefore, give your heart absolutely and graciously, for something given with a good grace should be greatly cherished.”
- Le Roman de la Rose, 13th c.
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