Dunford swept his employer an exquisite bow. ‘Your Grace, I could not lay out your dress uniform for this evening because your bedchamber is occupied. I have been polishing your boots in the kitchens. Thekitchens.’
Samuel could hear the indignation in his servant’s tone and forced himself not to smile. ‘Dunford, I apologise. I will be returning Lady Pelford to her mother’s house this very afternoon. I will call for you when I am ready to dress for dinner. I shall be attending Lady Richmond’s party this evening.’
The valet swept another perfect bow. ‘Of course, Your Grace.’
Samuel opened the door to his room to find Frederica yawning. He shut the door and then rushed over to her. She placed her arms around his neck and pulled him down to the bed, covering his neck and face with kisses.
‘Frederica, I am to fight tomorrow.’
She wrapped her arms around his back, pressing all ten fingers against him. ‘Hold me.’
His heart pounded as he kissed her hair, her ear, and her neck. ‘I would hold you for ever if I could.’
Frederica kissed his shoulder that she was leaning her head on. ‘Youwillhold me for ever. That is an order. I am a duchess now and you have to do what I say.’
‘Yes, Duchess.’
Bending his head, he kissed her with all the passion in his soul. Knowing that he might never see her again. Hoping to have a lifetime with her. Wishing for more hours in this day. Realising there was no greater pleasure than holding her in his arms. Knowing that she was his.
Out of breath, he leaned his forehead against hers. ‘I am to attend the Duchess of Richmond’s ball tonight. The Duke of Wellington insists that all members of his staff attend. I wish—I would rather spend the evening with you. Please forgive me, but I must take you now to your mother’s house. We have run out of time.’
Frederica nodded her head against his. It took all of his willpower to sit up and stop holding her. She meant more to him than anything in the waking world.
Clutching her right side, she tried to sit up but was unable to. Gently, Samuel took her by the shoulders and helped her to a sitting position. He picked up her newly pressed, but still ugly, gown and eased it over her head, not bothering with a corset. He buttoned up the back, before sliding on her stockings and newly polished boots.
She giggled softly. ‘You remind me of a prince in a fairy-tale story—Cinderella.’
Looping the lace, he smirked. ‘My dear wife, your boot looks absolutely nothing like a glass slipper.’
Frederica gave him a playful push on the shoulder. ‘In some renditions, her slipper is made of fur.’
Shaking his head, he tied the other lace and held out his hands to her. She allowed him to pull her to her feet and steal another kiss. Each one could be their last.
Frederica picked up her straw bonnet that was smashed beyond recognition. ‘Perhaps you ought to take me out the rear entrance. I daresay I look a fright. Poor Miss Wade. She will be mortified on my behalf.’
He took her elbow. ‘She can commiserate with Dunford.’
She laughed as he led her out the door and asked for a servant to call him a carriage. Since the back door led to an alley, they were forced to walk out the front entrance in all their rumpled glory. Samuel found that he did not care. What did wrinkles matter when there was a war to be fought? And a brave and beautiful wife at his side?
He directed the driver to number fourteen Rue de Lombard. Frederica snuggled up next to him, her head resting on his shoulder. Their legs touched. Their arms were entangled and yet it still was not enough for him. He needed to be nearer to her. He could never be close enough.
The carriage stopped abruptly and Samuel cursed underneath his breath. The ride had been entirely too short. He stepped out of the carriage and then helped Frederica out. Holding hands, they walked up to the door of her mother’s rented house and he knocked on it. She leaned against him as if standing was too great a task. He hoped that her wound had not begun to bleed again. He regretted having to move her again so soon after their long ride. But she would be safest and best cared for at her mother’s house.
Frederica stiffened and stepped away from him, dropping his hand. ‘Goodbye, Samuel. I would rather you did not come in. I do not think I could bear to say goodbye to you again.’
His own throat seemed to have closed. He could not manage even the smallest syllable of farewell. Samuel nodded and turned to go. But something pricked from behind his eyes and he knew that he could not leave without saying the words that had been on the tip of his tongue for days.
Pivoting on his toes, he glanced back at her. ‘I—I love you.’
Her hazel eyes widened and she opened her mouth, but before she could speak, the butler opened the door.
‘My lady! Wade, come at once. Lawson, go and fetch Her Grace and tell her that her daughter is home.’
Mr Harper put his arm around Frederica’s shoulders and ushered her through the door without another word.
Samuel’s heart fell to his feet. He hoped that his wife loved him more than hated him in this moment. For there was no more hate in his heart.
Love had taken its place.