“That’ll be a good thing. I don’t like Fivetrees just layin’ there. Next yer know it’ll be fallin’ down in pieces.” She glanced at Adalyn. “Young Miss Fairhurst doing all right then, is she?”
“From what I hear, yes,” answered Adalyn. “She is making new friends in London thanks to Sir Laurence and Lady Sydenham. And something called the Wednesday Club, although I’m not sure what that is.”
“As long as she’s safe,” said the woman who mothered half the county. “And ‘ere comes yer young man.”
Daniel walked across the grass, his gaze on Adalyn.
Seeing him draw near sent a pleasurable shimmer of recognition up her spine as her body responded to the man she had chosen as her lifetime mate.
Nobody seemed surprised when she announced that she and Daniel were going to become more than mistress and estate manager, although there was a moment of silence as her butler, her footman and her chef absorbed the information.
But within seconds, Giles had smiled and nodded, giving his implicit approval.
Then Jeremy and Evan had gathered around and hugged them both.
And now it was accepted; everyone knew that the Mistress of Wolfbridge had found her chosen gentleman, and—like other Ladies of Wolfbridge had done before her—would tie the knot soon.
Adalyn rose and held out her hands, knowing Daniel would take them in his.
“How is everyone doing?” She asked the words as he neared, waiting for the warmth of his palms to caress her fingers.
“They have had a wonderful afternoon, my dear, and ask that I convey their thanks.” He touched her then, a firm grasp and a tiny tickle of his little finger beneath her overturned palm.
She sucked in a breath and smiled at him. “I’m glad. How much longer should I stay?”
“Yer both should leave now.” Mrs B. hauled herself to her feet and gazed at them. “Yer’ve worked ‘ard this day so others can rest. Now it’s yer turn. Go on with yer now.” And she shooed them away as if they were chickens.
Daniel nodded. “I couldn’t agree more, Mrs B. The Lady of Wolfbridge should now leave the field to the dancers and musicians. We can watch and listen from indoors while you unwind.” He tucked Adalyn’s arm within his and led her toward the house.
Once they were alone, Daniel leaned in and whispered “I want you naked, my love. I want to see the sunset shining on your skin…”
“Daniel,” she sighed, as things liquified low in her belly. “Hush.” Then she looked up at him. “I want that too.”
“And after I’ve made you scream…”
“Yes?” Her gaze held his.
“Then my love, we have to talk. There are matters you need to know.”
Chapter One
Adalyn sighed with exhaustion as her husband-to-be eased away from her weary body.
“Tired?” he asked.
“Happy,” she answered. “But yes, tired as well. Planning this festival, putting all the details in place…honestly, it’s been a challenge.” She turned on her side to look at him. “But one I’ve enjoyed.”
His hands roamed over her bare skin, loving touches that made her smile. “And this has been the absolute best part.”
Daniel smiled. “Well, my love, I’m glad to hear it, because I agree. Of course last night was wonderful too. And the night before that, and before breakfast on Wednesday…”
She laughed. “Hush, sir. I shall be covered in blushes if you persist.” She tugged up the covers, since the light was fading and it would soon become cool. “So, Mr Fitzroy. You said you had something you wished to talk about. Now would be a very good time, don’t you think?”
“I do.” It was his turn to sigh. “But it’s not easy, Adalyn. I must speak of my past.”
She put out a hand, resting it on his face. “You don’t have to, Daniel. Truly you don’t.”
“I know. But I would not feel right marrying you unless all lay bare between us. I’ve never lied to you, love, but there are things I’ve kept hidden. And they must not come between us. So best I tell you all, now, and then we can move on.”
Knowing he spoke the truth, Adalyn nodded. “No matter what you say, Daniel, it will not affect my love for you. That is unshakeable.”
He covered her hand with his. “I’m counting on that.”
Adalyn snuggled against him and put her head on his shoulder, laying one arm across his chest. She often fell asleep in this exact spot, taking shameless advantage of her position as Lady of Wolfbridge to summon her lover to her bed. She had reached the point that sleeping without him was an impossibility and gave thanks that their wedding lay scant weeks away now. She was his wife in all but name, and couldn’t wait to formally become Mrs Daniel Fitzroy.
“I have never told you of my past,” he began. “Only Giles knows the truth of it.”
She stayed silent, knowing he must speak what was in his heart and praying she was strong enough to share whatever burdens he might still be carrying.
“I was born to the owner of a small estate in Staffordshire. Nordean Swale. It was a respectable holding—not one that had any kind of title to it, but a tidily sized property and it had been in the Fitzroy family for several generations. Smaller than Wolfbridge, but able to provide for itself and a few farms, much as we do here.”
“Go on,” Adalyn encouraged quietly.
“My mother sacrificed her life for mine.” His words were soft, sad. “I never knew her, except from one painting of her.”
“I’m sorry, Daniel.” She dropped a tender kiss on his chest.
“As am I. She was lovely.” He shrugged. “However, my father still lived. Sadly,
