To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower #6) - Tamara Gill Page 0,27
affection.
"Ye know what this calls for," Julia said, not letting either of them go. "We need to go shopping for your wedding night. A lovely nightgown is required for these Englishmen with a profile and jaw, such as Lord Hastings has. You need to shock his stockings off when he sees you for the first time alone in a bedchamber."
Butterflies took flight in her stomach at the thought of being alone with Sebastian in such a way. She supposed that would happen soon, and a new wardrobe would be required. As the new wife of an earl, she had to look her best. She had waited years to be married and to be able to wear whatever she wished. Rich, dark colors that suited her red hair and pale skin.
Sebastian leaned against the wall at the Season's latest event. A day after proposing to Elizabeth, and he could not keep his gaze from following her about the room as she waltzed with Lord Fairfax. There was something different about her tonight. Her smile was brighter, her eyes more alive, and as for her dress, well, he did not think he'd seen anyone more beautiful in his life.
He reminded himself their marriage, was a means to an end. A way in which he could gain control of his ancestral home his brother lost. To Elizabeth, however, he had started to think that she cared for him more than he deserved.
He didn't like to deceive her. It wasn't her fault his brother had been an ass and lost their estate in a game of cards, but neither should Elizabeth's brother been so quick to take advantage of his stupid sibling.
A quiet voice told him Laird Mackintosh was free of any misconduct just as much as his sister.
He rolled his shoulders, his eyes narrowed when Lord Fairfax's arm slid low on Elizabeth's back, and she was forced to reach around and lift it away from her derriçĞre.
Her gaze met his over the gentleman's shoulder, and she threw him a wink. Sebastian choked on his whisky, receiving a whack across his back from Rawden for his effort.
"Whoa, Hastings. We don't need you to choke to death before you make that delectable Scottish morsel your wife. I'm assuming by your glower that you've laid claim and asked her to be your bride as planned."
He nodded once, clearing his throat. "I have, and she said yes. As for Lord Fairfax, if his hand moves lower again on her person, I will be forced to break his arm before the waltz ends."
Rawden chuckled, a knowing light in his eyes. "Talking of women, I must say Lady Julia is driving me to distraction. Since our return to town, she has refused me each time I've asked her to dance or stroll about a ballroom. I think she is testing me in some way."
"Or she is trying to let you know in the nicest possible way that she is not interested in you."
Rawden looked at him as if he'd sprouted two heads. "Don't be absurd, man. How could she not! I'm the second son of a duke. An alliance with my family would benefit anyone."
"Except she's an heiress with her own estate here in Scotland. She no sooner needs to marry you than Lady Elizabeth needs to marry me. I, however," he said, throwing his friend a smug glance, "just happen to be more fortunate than you in that I have secured my bride's affections."
"She isn't your bride yet," Rawden reminded him, gesturing to the two women as they were reacquainted after Elizabeth's dance. "What are you going to do if her brother refuses your suit?"
Sebastian had been thinking about the issue, which was foremost in his mind. If Elizabeth heard of his brother's gambling problem that led to his ancestral home being lost to a game of cards and that the house in question was now her dowry, she would run for the Highlands and never marry him.
"I'm thinking of eloping with her. Now that she has agreed to be my wife, and she's of age, I do not see the impediment. We could return to Moy Castle, inform her brother of her married state, and deal with the fallout then. I will be sure to consummate the marriage before then."
Sebastian took a deep, calming breath as the idea of having Elizabeth beside him, under him, on top of him sent a lick of heat up his spine. It would be no chore to make the fiery redheaded