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hunger that she melted into him. My beautiful, lovely woman&
I love you so& Marietta lifted her eyes to look at him, melting with desire. She felt the
press of his aroused manhood as he held her crushed to him, her heart racing as hot liquid
desire built in her. She wanted him, needed him more than words could express. He was
her life, her love her destined lover. I can hardly wait for tomorrow&
Nor I, my love but we shall, now that I have waited so long& He slipped the shoulder
of her gown down, kissing her soft flesh. You are so beautiful and you are mine.
For ever, she murmured, moving her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck. I
thought when they condemned me as a witch and a murderess that my life was over, but
now I have so much to look forward to.
Anton caressed the sweet curve of her breast. I envy the babe that sucked at these sweet
jewels, and I hope that your son will have a brother or sister one day.
I long to hold your babe in my arms. Marietta pressed against him, her need to lie with
him as great as his to take her. Are you sure that you wish to wait one more night?
Temptress! Anton smacked her rump. Off with you now. This time I shall let you go,
but watch how you tease me in future.
Marietta laughed and ran from him. All the shadows of the past seemed to have faded
away. There had been no sign of Miguel, at least as far as she knew. The Earl was of the
opinion that he had taken himself off back to France to lick his wounds. Perhaps Miguel
had decided that honour was satisfied and returned to Spain.
She could only hope that it was so&
You make a beautiful bride, Marietta, Lady Melford told her. She handed her a small
silver casket. I brought this with me just in case. Anton was my first male grandchild,
and I saved this for his wife.
Marietta gasped as she opened the casket and saw the beautiful cross set with cabochon
rubies and pearls.
This is lovely! I have my own silver cross, but this is magnificent. How can I thank you
for such a gift?
Be a good wife to Anton. Melissa smiled. I know that you will and I wish you both
happiness.
Marietta thanked her, then kissed her cheek. You are so good to me She broke off as
the door opened and a young girl entered. Marietta had recently employed her to help
Rosalind with nursing her son. Eleanor& is something wrong?
No, my lady. Lily is to take Mistress Madeline to church and Rosalind told me to ask if
you wished for your son to be present in the church when you are wed?
Marietta hesitated. I am not sure. He may cry if his gums hurt, for his teeth are coming
through& but I suppose you may take him home if he starts to fret. She smiled. Yes,
bring him to the church. He should be there.
Children often cry in church, Lady Melford said as the door closed behind the girl. But
I agree that your son should be there to see you wed. She looked thoughtful. The girl is
very young to have charge of the boy. Have you long employed her?
I took her on when Anton was ill. She is from the village. Her brother works for Sir
Harry, and she asked Claire for work. Claire thought that I might like her to help with my
son. She seems a pleasant, careful girl, and I have been satisfied with her work, but of
course Rosalind is always there to keep an eye on things. And there is Lily too. She has
had the care of Madeline, and must continue to look after her because it would upset the
child to part from her nurse. I want us all to be happy together. Marietta smiled. Anton
is so good with the children. He says that I am a good mother but he is gentle and patient
and they both love him.
Anton turned his head to look as Marietta walked up the aisle towards him. He caught his
breath as she halted at his side and turned to smile at him. She was so beautiful! Almost
regal as she walked, her head held proudly. He could hardly believe that so much
happiness was his. After Isabella s death he had felt that his heart was dead, but Marietta
had wakened it, bringing him back from the dark place that had claimed him.
A ray of weak sunshine had managed to break through the clouds, piercing the stained
glass window high above to shower the stone flags with a rainbow of colour. As she took
her place at his side, Anton looked tenderly on his bride. For a while he had wondered if
this day would ever come, fearing more mischief from Miguel, but nothing had been seen
of him.
From somewhere in the church he heard the high, thin wail of a child, and then the sound
of movement. Marietta turned her head for a moment to look. He raised his brows as she
brought her gaze back to meet his, but she shook her head and smiled.
Anton reached out to take her hand as the priest began the marriage ceremony. Marietta
would be his wife, and tonight he would claim her for his own&
The bells were ringing joyfully as they came out of church. Marietta stood on the steps
with her husband and smiled as the cheers of village people greeted them. Children came
forward with tokens of friendship and small gifts for the bride, which she accepted
gracefully.
Are you happy, my love? Anton s voice brought her thoughts back to him. She laughed
as he drew her to him and kissed her, in full view of their friends and family. It is too
late to change your mind now, for you are mine my wife.
For a moment she saw jealousy and possession in his eyes, and understood his mind. He
could not quite rid himself of the fear that she might betray him, as Isabella had.
It is all I have ever wanted to be, she told him, her eyes meeting his. I love you, Anton.
I shall never look at another man.
We should go, for they will be ready to begin the feasting. He took her hand and they
ran down the steps together, laughing as they were deluged with dried rose petals and
rosemary. Come, for the sooner the feasting begins, the sooner it will be over.
A giggle of delight bubbled inside her as she saw his hot eyes. She had made him wait for
this day so much longer than he had wished, and she did not doubt that he would make
her pay for it that night.
The Great Hall was filled with people. The Earl and Lady Claire had invited all their
friends to this joyous occasion, and they were assembled to greet the bride and groom.
Marietta was feted by the other ladies, and given so many gifts and good wishes that she
felt she must be dreaming.
Were all these beautiful things for her? Anton s gifts had been lavish, and included a
wonderful string of huge creamy pearls that wound twice round her throat and fell to her
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