laced his fingers through hers. “I will speak to Arthur and Harry about us marrying.”
She looked alarmed. “You are going to ask their permission? I am afraid Arthur might prove resistant. Ever since Gilford passed, he is quite protective of me.”
“Not their permission,” he reassured her. “But they are a part of you. Which means they will be a part of me. Of us. We will be a family. Along with any other children you might bear.”
A dreamy look crossed her face. “Oh, Rhys, I do want more children. I was made to be a mother.”
“I hope I can give you a dozen more,” he teased. “Or perhaps half a dozen.”
Dalinda laughed. “As long as one or two are girls. I love my boys but I would love to see a girl with your dark hair and piercing, green eyes.”
He kissed her. “We will need to start working on it immediately. How soon will you marry me, Your Grace?”
Radiance filled her face. “As soon as possible.” Dalinda chuckled. “I don’t know if I can wait the three weeks for the banns to be read.”
“Then it will be a bishop’s or special license for us. Can you wait at least until we get to Torville Manor so that Dez and Anna might be present at the ceremony?”
“I suppose so.” Mischief lit her eyes. “Of course, that’s only two weeks. Do you think I could come to your bed during that time? While I can wait a while for our vows, I am not certain I can wait on that.”
Rhys kissed her soundly. “I knew I was marrying the right woman.”
“I am definitely marrying the right man,” she replied. “You are dedicated to your people. You are loyal. Intelligent. Handsome as sin.”
“You think so?” He waggled his brows at her and she laughed in delight.
“I know so.” She kissed him again, marveling that this man was going to be all hers.
“Well, you are beautiful and nurturing and the wisest person I know.” He grew serious. “I must speak of my finances, though, Dalinda. You are not wedding a wealthy duke as you did before. I do not have endless estates at my disposal. My income is limited to a few investments and my share of the crops grown by my tenants. You’ll never go hungry—but I cannot shower you with jewels or other magnificent gifts.”
“You think that is important to me?” she asked. “I would wed you if you were poorer than a church mouse, Rhys. I want to marry you because I love you. Not for what you can give me.”
He stroked her cheek. “I can give you love in abundance. Of that I am certain.”
He kissed her slowly, reveling in the fact she wanted him, despite the fact he was no highborn duke with limitless wealth.
Dalinda broke the kiss. “Once we wed, money will never be a problem. Everything I have will be yours.”
Rhys frowned. “Exactly what do you have? I know you own Laurelwood outright.”
“Yes, Laurelwood is mine. It brings in a very steady income. Gilford also left money for the boys’ education and to help them establish themselves in society. They will come into their inheritance when they each turn twenty-five. The will stipulated that I would keep all the jewels given to me during our marriage. I own several racehorses. A trading ship. I also have ample money.”
She named a figure and his eyes widened. “You have that much?” He was astounded that her wealth exceeded his tenfold.
“We have that,” she emphasized, her fingers running through his hair. “When we wed, everything I have legally will become yours.”
“It will be ours,” he said firmly. “You will always have a say in our financial affairs. You have experience far beyond mine where that is concerned.” Rhys paused. “I have need of your counsel, Dalinda. Things are in a quandary regarding the soldiers General Shepherd has sent to me.” He sighed. “I need you to help make it work because it certainly isn’t being run well now.”
“Tell me,” she urged, snuggling close to him, his bergamot and musk scent surrounding her.
He explained the current arrangement and the unfortunate lack of a doctor and nurses. How Callow was ready to abandon him entirely and Cook and his washerwoman might not be far behind. Frustration poured from him but her hand in his assured him they would find the answers together.
“First, I think new men arriving should be placed upon cots in the ballroom,” she said. “It will be easier to