He cocked an eyebrow. “Not the first time?”
“No. You were stuffy and condemning. You suggested I was a poor rider who had recklessly put Pearl over that hedge.”
“I quickly realized how wrong I was when I saw how skillful you were on Pearl. But the first time for me was when you wore those breeches.”
Maddie laughed. “I noticed you were a little distracted.”
“Shameless. You had little idea of the effect they had on me.” He shook his head with a grin. “Will you promise to wear them at Pembury?”
Her eyes danced. “I might if you behave yourself.”
Hart’s eyes smoldered. “I might.”
He smiled as he settled her closer. “I fell madly in love when I found you sitting on the ground having fallen off Pearl. It took me too long to realize it. But learning of that cut strap and the urgency to rescue you from your uncle clouded my mind, and I never realized my true intention. While I worked to save you, I didn’t realize the extent of my feelings. I wanted so much to marry you, I was afraid you might refuse me after I put the proposal in less than romantic terms. Forgive me?”
“I did long ago.” She touched the hair at his nape with her gloved fingers. “I can’t remember when I didn’t love you. I think I must have always.”
They suddenly became aware the music had stopped, and the dancers left the floor. Those around the edge of the dance floor watched with amusement.
Hart leaned down to press a brief kiss on Maddie’s lips then took her hand to lead her from the floor.
“Bravo!” came a cry from an elderly man in the crowd. Even the old dowagers who were sticklers for convention smiled their approval.
“A love match,” another man said in fake disgust as they passed. “I hope it doesn’t become too fashionable. Society will become very dull indeed.”
*
Maddie felt suchjoy tonight, surrounded by their good friends. Before she’d given much thought to it, she’d promised to hold a house party at Pembury before Christmas. She then panicked, thinking of the state of the old mansion, but she’d come to realize how strong and capable she was.
When at the end of the week, they arrived at Pembury, Maddie looked around in amazement at the freshly painted reception rooms and the fashionably decorated bedchambers. The drawing room was almost unrecognizable from when she’d visited here with her uncle. The exquisite old furniture buffed to a high shine, the air scented with beeswax.
Maddie met the staff and was pleased to see some of her uncle’s servants had been hired.
Hart had to deal with estate matters, but came to find her where she examined the glorious crimson damask curtains at the dining room windows. “Are you pleased with the improvements?”
“It has been done in the very best taste. Remarkable, when there was no lady in the house to advise them.”
“Many letters passed between my steward and Diane. I think it’s a triumph.”
“It is. I must write to Diane and ask her down.”
“Yes, she will be eager to see it. Will you join me for a ride this afternoon?”
“I am going to see Pearl in a moment.” She put a hand on his arm. “Before you go, I forgot to tell you about Jane and Henry.”
“What about them?”
“They are married.”
“What? When?”
“The same as us at the Marriage House.”
Hart’s eyebrows rose. “They kept that a close secret.”
“I have known for a little while, but yes, they did. Jane is pregnant, Hart. I would like to find suitable accommodation for them.”
Hart thought for a moment. “I can offer them a small cottage on the grounds. But it would be impossible for Jane to remain your maid.”