Georgianna: The Last Real Duchess (The Real Duchesses of London) by Lavinia Kent

would have come – perhaps not soon, but I would have come. It took me awhile to come around to the idea of marriage – but I do know what I want now, and you are it."
    Rising to standing, Annie began to pace about the room, her earlier restlessness returning. "I do not know if I believe that."
    "But you do not disbelieve it?"
    "I just don't know.” She paced some more. "Perhaps Elizabeth is right and I need to make you prove yourself. I need something so that I can believe you, trust you. I do know I don't want a marriage without trust."
    He rose and came to stand beside her. "What does that mean?"
    "Maybe I should set you tasks and see if you can complete them? Or maybe you should bring me gifts, tokens of your affection. How did you make me love you the first time?"
    His face said, "bloody hell," even if he kept his lips tight pressed. Was it really such a difficult question she had asked? Annie had to admit that she was not quite sure of the answer. Moving to the window she stared out. The last reds of the sunset still marked the sky, the branches of the oaks moving in a gentle breeze. Fireflies danced across the lawn.
    Turning, she held out her hand. "Walk with me."
    "What? Why?" He took a step toward her, but did not reach for her hand.
    "Consider it your first task. A walk as the sun fades from the world and the stars appear. Do you remember that first summer how I would sneak out just to stare up at the sky?"
    Now, he did take her fingertips within his own. "I thought you were sneaking out to meet me. Your father would not have approved. You were still engaged to my brother."
    A sad smile curved about her lips. "I did want to see you, but it was also the magic of a summer night. I am not sure I've walked out at night since Robbie was born."
    He grasped her fingers more tightly, bringing them to his arm. "Then let us walk. That is one task I can complete for my lady, my Annie.” Her name trailed off his lips, soft, slow, seductive.
    They slipped through the door onto the terrace, the scent of roses filling the air. The night lay about them in ever increasing darkness. There was the slightest of chills and Annie wondered if she should send Richard for her shawl – yet another task he could complete. But, no, this was an adventure. One did not need a shawl for an adventure.
    Wordlessly they walked down the graveled path toward the lake. Shadows slid across their path as the breeze rustled through the trees. An owl cried once and then was silent.
    Annie slowed, pulling Richard to a halt. She leaned her head back and stared up at the heavens. "There are moments when I feel so small."
    Richard didn't answer, and when she glanced back at him she saw his eyes were focused on her face. "You are more beautiful than the stars," he said.
    She laughed, for what else was there to do. "Are you trying to be a poet now? I don't think you've ever compared me to the stars before. I think you once blushed and told me that I was pretty. Now, I am more beautiful than the stars?"
    "Don't laugh. I was a boy then – and I am now a man. I speak only the truth."
    "If there was enough light you would see me blush brighter than an apple."
    "Why should you blush at the truth?"
    "Enough.” She stepped away from him and again looked to the sky. "If you say another word I will decide you speak nothing but rubbish. Besides I need more than words. Words are easy. Actions are more difficult – even the simple action of walking with your wife. You would not always have agreed to it and have rarely been around even if you had wanted to."
    Richard moved to stand behind her, resting his hands lightly on her hips. "So it is action that you want?” He leaned closer pressing his hips against her. It was a small gesture, but his meaning was unmistakable."
    She should have pulled away, but instead she let her head fall against his chest. "Not this type of action. I want you spend time with me, me and Robbie."
    "That I can do." He pulled her tighter, the