Epilogue

“L eft, then right. Left, right…yes that’s it. Find the rhythm that works for you.” Lucy laid a hand on Hart’s back. “Slow, let your shoulder warm up.” She smoothed her hand down over the firm muscles as they shifted underneath warm skin. Her husband stood with his feet positioned in warrior stance, in just his trousers. His shirt lay discarded on the settee.

“You are distracting me,” Hart grumbled. But the staff he was working through the air in graceful arcs never stopped moving. He was a natural at manipulating the quarterstaff. Not that she was surprised. If he put his mind to it Hart could master just about anything. “We can switch activities if you are wanting to touch me,” he teased.

“Not a chance. Always trying to cry off your exercises.” Lucy tutted. She stepped back and crossed to the wall where her staff was propped. Grabbing it up she went to stand a short distance in front of Hart with her back to him. She widened her stance and raised the staff in front of her. “Alright, follow me. First, attack right. Then slide the left hand down and thrust.”

She demonstrated once through and then turned to watch Hart copy the motion. He looked magnificent wielding the staff. His brows lowered in concentration and his chest was beginning to glisten with sweat. Her whole body heated as she watched a drop of sweat slide down the center of his chest. Lucy quickly turned to face to the front before she took him up on his suggestion to switch activities.

“Next, let’s add the additional block. After the thrust, take a step back into ready position. Keep your posture straight. And swing the staff around to counter your opponent’s downward blow. All your power should be in your arms, your knees should be soft to absorb the blow.”

She ran through the three movements altogether, ending in a crouch. Then suddenly a strong arm snaked around her waist from behind and lifted her off her feet. Her staff clattered to the floor as she shrieked. “Hart!”

His warm breath tickled her ear. “Come now, you can’t expect me to pay attention when your arse looks so lovely in these trousers. You are far too tempting, sweetness.” His staff fell to the floor with a thunk.

Lucy laid her head back against his shoulder. “You are incorrigible.” She sighed contentedly as he began to nibble on her neck. Hart carried her over to the settee and pulled her onto his lap. “These exercises are meant to increase the range of motion in your shoulder. They are good for you,” she admonished.

“You are good for me.” He brushed his lips against hers.

Wrapping her arms around his neck she indulged her husband. Truth was she still couldn’t get enough of his affection. She soaked up every kiss, every touch, still hardly believing that this man was hers to keep.

“I’m yours. I adore you my fierce warrior. You’ll never be rid of me now.” He murmured.

As usual his kisses scrambled her wits so easily she said even her inner thoughts out loud. No matter. Gone were the days when she had to keep her feeling to herself. Lucy brushed back his hair from his brow, he needed another trim. “I never will want to be rid of you. I love you.”

A knock sounded. Lucy slid off his lap to go answer it. Townson stood on the other side when she cracked the door open.

“Your Grace, a note arrived for you. From Lady Amberley.”

“Thank you, Townson.” Lucy accepted the note. After closing the door, she unfolded the missive and read it. Oh dear.

My father announced that Ambassador Bellamy has offered for me. My brother protested on my behalf as the ambassador is three times my age. Father has reluctantly given me until Christmastide to find another offer. I need your help. Care to start some rumors? I am done being invisible.

Adeline

*

In book two of The Lost Lords series, Naval Commander Malcolm Iveson returns to London with a new assignment to discover missing artifacts smuggled into England. Falling head over heels for the daughter of his main suspect is not the plan! At the mercy of her cruel father, wallflower Adeline Amberly is trying desperately to find a way to save her family from scandal. Malcolm kidnaps his damsel in distress to keep her safe but will his desire for her overpower his duty to do his job and force him to set a new course for his life?

Scandal, Secrets and The Marquess is coming soon!