Redemption of a Fallen Woman Page 0,87

most likely and, of course, his brother hadn't intended to get killed. Jamie went his own way and once his mind was made up he remained resolute. If Alicia had won his heart he would have married her even if Napoleon's entire army had tried to prevent it.

Harry could not blame his brother for following the dictates of his heart. Had he not done the same with Belen? A doctor's daughter, no matter how attractive and well-educated, would never be considered a suitable wife for the son of a duke - even a younger son. Not that he'd cared a jot for that. He smiled ruefully to himself. It seemed he'd had even more in common with Jamie than either of them had known. And now there was Elena. Her breeding was impeccable, her lineage every bit as good as his, but she was still a foreigner. His family were just going to have to get used to the idea for she had found a place in his heart that no one else could fill. He didn't know exactly how or when that had happened, only the truth of it.

Now that his quest was finally over he could put his mind entirely on their future. There were so many things to be discussed. Elena had never been asked what she wanted. Forced into marriage, she had followed him uncomplainingly, made light of discomforts and dangers, and been supportive in every way possible. It was high time that he began to put her first, to treat her as the lady she was.

On his return to the inn he found her in their chamber. She had been reading a newspaper but, hearing him enter, rose eagerly to greet him. He possessed himself of her hands and kissed them. Then he sat down, drawing her with him onto the window seat, and related the substance of his conversation with Xavier Sanchez.

Elena smiled tremulously. 'Oh, Harry, at last. I'm so pleased for you.'

There could be no doubting the sincerity in her tone or the expression in her eyes. Both warmed him inexpressibly.

'I am pleased for both of us,' he replied, 'since now we can put this business behind us and get on with our lives.'

'I want that very much.'

'So do I.' He paused. 'I'd like you to be present when Sanchez brings the papers tomorrow.'

It took her by surprise but it was not displeasing. 'Of course, if you wish it.'

'I do wish it. After all that you have endured I think it only right you should be there to witness the success of the mission.'

Her heart gave a queer little leap. 'Thank you. I'd like that very much.'

In truth it was a courtesy that she had not expected. In her experience women were not generally consulted on such matters, much less admitted to a man's confidence. Once again she acknowledged that Harry was not as other men. Since she had met him she had been compelled to reappraise the norm in regard to a woman's role, and it only increased her esteem for him.

'As to the rest,' he went on, 'shall you like living in England, Elena? We must go there for a while at least. Quite apart from the legal matters to be dealt with my relatives are entitled to know of our marriage and will be agog to meet you. But, after that, there is no absolute necessity to remain if you dislike the idea.'

Her eyes widened a little. 'Why should I dislike it?'

'I don't know. I hope you will not but...'

'But what?'

'It seems to me that no one has ever asked you what you would like.'

'Then I will tell you.' Her gaze met and held his. 'I would like us to have a proper home, and a family. Whether that home is in England or the outer reaches of Mongolia doesn't matter to me, as long as we can build a future together.'

The grey eyes warmed. 'We will build a future together, Elena, and we most certainly will have a proper home, although you may be relieved to learn that Mongolia doesn't figure in the equation.'

'In truth that is something of a relief.'

He grinned. 'As to the rest...I hope for that too, and promise to do my best to help bring it about.'

'I mean to hold you to your promise, my lord.'

Harry crossed the room and locked the door. Then he rejoined her. His expression sent a delicious shiver down her spine.

'A promise should always be kept and as soon as