Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
It was the closest I dared come to a declaration.
“Then perhaps we should return to the town house and skip the last stop I had planned.”
The lightness in his tone suggested he was teasing me.
“What is the last stop?” I ventured, curious.
He grinned. “It is a surprise, Maddie mine.”
Each shop we had visited thus far had been chosen by him. Some of them, he had informed me, with the help of Lady Beckett. For, as Alexander had confided, he hadn’t an inkling which mantua-maker to choose. We had paid a call upon Lady Beckett and her husband the day before, and I had been grateful to see familiar faces amidst the bustle of London.
“I suppose I shouldn’t ruin your surprise,” I told him, curious about where else he could have planned to take me. “Although I am already extraordinarily spoiled.”
“You deserve it, wife.”
“I don’t know if I deserve it, but I shall accept it just the same.”
He smiled, looking pleased. He cocked his head, studying me, then spoke.
“Maddie mine, I want to tell you something.”
ALEXANDER
The impulsive journey I had brought Maddie on was going splendidly. Watching her take in London was a treat. She loved the same things I did. Had the same dislikes.
Spoiling her was a joy beyond compare. She was as astounded and grateful by a small bowl of cream ice as she was the lavish gifts I bestowed upon her. When the jeweler laid the trays before her of the items I had picked out, she had stared at them, bewitched and shocked, for a full five minutes. When I slipped the ring I had chosen to add to the simple gold band I had placed on her finger on our wedding day, she gasped. It was delicate and lovely—much like my wife, the tiny sapphires twinkling in the lights.
“I wanted to add to my token,” I explained.
She gazed up at me with such adoration, my breath caught.
“Nothing you give me is a token, my husband. Everything has great meaning to me.”
Unable to control myself, I bent forward and kissed her.
I watched, fascinated, as she tried on the pieces I had selected for her to choose from. I could tell which pieces pleased her simply by the expression on her countenance. When she was in utter delight, her lips curled up without her knowing. Her beautiful eyes brightened. When something did not suit, although she smiled, it was different.
At my behest, the jeweler brought in more pieces and, finally, she sat back.
“If I may,” she murmured, “I should love the sapphire and pearl set.”
I glanced at the tray holding the necklace with a matching set of earrings and a bracelet.
“And the ring, Maddie mine? You liked that as well.”
“If it is not too much.”
I chuckled as I slid the chosen items, plus all the other pieces I knew she loved and I preferred, toward the man waiting anxiously to find out how much I was spending.
“All these, if you please. Have them delivered to my town house. My man will attend them.”
I felt Maddie’s shock as he hurried away, pleased beyond his expectations.
“Alexander,” she protested. “It is too much. One set will do me.”
“No, it will not. I am buying you everything, Maddie. We will not take the coral or the jade, as they did not please you. But everything else is yours as my wedding gift to you.”
Her thanks was beyond enthused, both in the way she kissed me before the jeweler returned and later that day in our home.
The memories of that passion still roamed freely in my head. I had never experienced the rush of sensations I felt with my wife. How her smile brought me happiness. Her laughter made my chest lighter. Her mere presence calmed something in me I never knew was lacking. She had become more than I ever imagined another human being could be.
The feel of her hand on my arm brought me out of my musings. I shook my head to clear it, seeing her looking anxious after I spoke.
She drew herself up. “Is it bad news, Alexander? Have I done—”
I shook my head, taking her hands. “Nothing. You have done nothing, my love. Do not fall back into fear with me.”
I waited as she took a deep breath, calming herself. “No. I will never fear you.”
“Good.” I regarded her fondly. “Never is good.” I leaned forward, keeping my voice low.
“I spoke with my solicitor yesterday and made some arrangements.”
“For?”
“I have established a trust for you. It will be added to annually for as long as I live.”
“Whatever for?”
“For you. Money of your own. I want you to have it. To use as you wish.”
She blinked, no doubt feeling stunned and overcome by my statement.
“Alexander,” she whispered. “You already provide for me so generously.”
I leaned closer, shaking my head. “You had years of nothing, my wife. Of being denied. I wish for you to have everything. I have the means to provide that.”