CHAPTER 9

JUST AS HE PROMISED , Andrew visited Artemis' home the next morning. But first, he had to take care of some business. He had his solicitor draw all the paperwork and asked him to accompany him. He met with Artemis' father and settled all the financial agreements.

He conveyed to them, in no uncertain terms, that he had no interest in her dowry and that it should all be placed in a trust for Artemis to use at her discretion. He also provided a generous settlement for her.

After that, her father, satisfied with the extremely generous terms, took Andrew to the drawing room to see his intended. She was already there, sitting with her mother. But she looked up with eagerness as soon as he entered. Damn, but she was beautiful. He couldn't wait for the day to make her his wife. To finally make love to her completely...

He cut off the thought lest he embarrass himself in front of his future mother-in-law. Approaching the ladies, he bowed and placed kisses on their hands. Very proper. Except for the energy dancing between Artemis and himself whenever they looked at each other.

"Mama, do you think we could take a turn in the garden?"

"I'm not sure after the improprieties I observed yesterday—"

"You can watch us from here. We will remain within your sight the entire time. Please."

"Fine. But have the maid fetch your parasol, or you'll get freckles. Your complexion is very delicate."

"Of course, mama."

Five minutes later, as they walked side by side through the garden, she whispered naughtily.

"Actually, the parasol is a brilliant idea. We could talk more privately and even snatch a kiss right under her eyes," she said with a saucy wink.

He laughed as happiness swelled through him. He loved her naughtiness. The fire of desire in her that burned almost as hot as his for her.

"Let's do it. Let's elope," she said, catching him by surprise.

"But yesterday you were not sure—"

"I know. But I've thought about it, and I've changed my mind. There's no point in waiting."

"What made you change your mind?" he asked. He shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth, but needing to understand everything was his downfall sometimes.

"My mother."

"I beg your pardon?" That was unexpected.

"I've realized that she will always be hovering. We won't have a minute of solitude. Especially after she caught us kissing last night. Now she's insisting on a July wedding, to have time to prepare a monstrous celebration at the very height of the Season. I can't stand several more weeks and months of this."

"Don't you want a society wedding? A lavish breakfast to celebrate our nuptials?"

"No. I just want to be married to you."

The simple admission was a honeyed balm to his heart. "Oh, darling. That is what I want the most in this world as well." And he stole a kiss behind her parasol, because his chest was bursting with happiness and he couldn't help himself.

"You must know," he continued, catching his breath after the swift kiss that left him wanting more. "That I have just finalized the marriage settlements with your father. I told him I don't want your dowry, and that he should put it in a trust for your use alone. I will also contribute a sum to that trust. My solicitor delivered all the paperwork to your father's solicitor. You shall always have financial freedom in our marriage."

The look of adoration she gave him almost made him fall to his knees. And that was before she launched herself at him and kissed him right in the mouth. His arms went around her of their own accord, and he kissed her back with all his suppressed desire and infinite love.

"Artemis!" The indignant voice of her mother broke their haze of lust again.

They broke apart, but right before letting her go, he whispered against her lips. "Three days."

It was a promise. He would obtain that license and marry her in three days. Even if he had to force the hand of the Archbishop of Canterbury.