on the dance floor, Weston proved to be the ultimate partner. Soon, Elise soared high again as they moved in the ancient rhythm as old as time. The sensations built within her again and as she toppled into the abyss, he cried out hoarsely.
Her name. Hers. In that moment, she knew she was his and he was hers and nothing would ever change that.
He collapsed atop her, breathing hard, and she held on to him tightly, never wanting to let go. Weston rolled to his side, still inside her, and kissed her.
“I love you, Elise. I love what my life will now be like with you and Claire in it. I love that I’ve found my best friend in my duchess. I love that we’ll have children together and be parents. I may never be happier than I am in this moment.”
“I love you, Weston. Love for you is spilling from me. I know it will continue to grow. You’re wrong about this being your happiest moment. I believe every day when we awaken, we will be happier and more in love than the day before.”
“You’re right.” He kissed her. “I know to listen to you. You are a woman of substance.” He stroked her back.
“I am a woman in love,” she said, confidence brimming within her. “With the most wonderful man in the world.”
“When will you marry me, Elise?”
“Now?” she laughed. “Though I doubt we could find a clergyman to do so. Especially with us in a state of undress.”
“I will wait if you want a ceremony at St. George’s Chapel. We can have all of Polite Society attend it.”
“I only want a few people at our wedding. Something simple. And soon.”
“Sam offered to host the wedding breakfast. We could wed at her and George’s townhouse.”
“Let’s do so. What about the day after tomorrow? Tomorrow is already here and I need to tell Claire about us.”
“She’ll be pleased,” he said with confidence.
“She likes you a great deal.”
“She will come to love me. Just like her mama.” Weston kissed her. “I hope we just made a baby.”
Elise laughed. “Actually, I do, too.”
He relaxed his hold on her and climbed from the bed. “I suppose I should return you to the Ruthersbys’ place.”
She frowned. “I told you I am supposed to leave for Briarwood in the morning.”
“What?”
She explained how put out Lady Ruthersby was and that she’d ordered for Elise and Claire to be taken from town and returned to the country.
“I don’t want you or Claire under their roof any longer,” he said and began dressing. “You’ll leave there tonight. I’ll take you and Claire to Sam’s.”
“In the middle of the night?”
“I don’t like them. I don’t trust them. I know it will disrupt Claire’s sleep but I insist.”
Weston helped her to dress and they went downstairs where his butler awaited.
“I need a favor from you, Caldwell,” he instructed. “Lady Ruthersby and her daughter are moving to my sister’s now. For a night. Then they will come here. She is to be my duchess.” He thought a moment. “In fact, we should bring their trunks here. I wish for you and Mrs. Caldwell to accompany us now to the Ruthersby townhouse. Mrs. Caldwell may pack for Lady Ruthersby and you and the coachman can bring the trunks downstairs. Have a wagon hitched for the luggage. You can drive it.”
“Shall I also send a footman with word to Her Grace to be expecting you?”
He chuckled. “You think of everything. Yes, do so.”
He turned to Elise. “I can have whatever gown you wish sent over for the wedding.” Looking back to his butler, he added, “And don’t forget Miss Molly and Ralph Rabbit. They are Lady Claire’s favorite doll and stuffed animal. You must pack them before anything else.”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Caldwell said with enthusiasm. “I shall rouse Mrs. Caldwell now and have your coach readied and horses attached to the wagon.” The butler left.
Within minutes, both carriage and wagon stood in the street and Mrs. Caldwell had joined them.
“Let’s go get Claire,” Weston said.
As Elise entered the vehicle, she decided she’d fallen even more in love with her fiancé.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Weston took Elise’s hand as they went to Ruthersby’s front door. It was half-past three in the morning. He assumed the earl and countess would have arrived home recently from the evening’s ball but hoped he wouldn’t have to see them. He rapped on the door and a sleepy footman answered, his eyes bugging out.
“Your Grace!” Nothing else came out of the