The Trouble with a Dare by Emma V Leech

Author:Emma V Leech [Leech, Emma V]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emma V Leech
Published: 2021-09-23T16:00:00+00:00

11th of September 1839, on the road between Tunbridge Wells and Thistley House Farm, Sussex.

Grace stared down at the little wrapped parcel in her lap and smiled. Though many of their purchases were to be delivered, and the rest stored safely in a box behind the seat used for luggage, she had refused to let go of this one.

Feeling eyes upon her, she glanced up to find Sterling watching her. He looked pleased.

“It made you happy, the gift I gave you?”

She nodded, struggling to put a name to what it was she felt, but happiness was certainly a large part of it. Unable to hold his gaze any longer, she looked away, smoothing her gloved hands over the carefully wrapped present. It was a keepsakes box, made of Tunbridge Ware, which the town was famous for. The box was decorated with tiny strips of different coloured wood to make up a picture, a little like the Romans had used their coloured tesserae to make beautiful mosaic floors. It was a masterpiece of delicate colour and technique, and when she had seen the picture he had commissioned for her, emotion had clogged her throat.

The sides of the box were decorated with minutely observed images of an English hedgerow through each season, with wild roses and ivy, brambles and berries. In the centre of the box, surrounded by a delicate pattern that made a frame about the image, was a tiny Jenny Wren. The little bird was perfect in every feather, it’s eye bright and alert, as if she might fly away at any moment. Grace had been enchanted, and more so for she realised it was very personal. On the few occasions he had given her an endearment, he had called her his little wren, and now that knowledge made her smile and feel warm inside.

It was not the only thing that warmed her.

When he had taken her in his arms and kissed her, the passion of it had stunned her, the way he had made her feel with just a kiss. He had not pressed for more, had never moved his hand farther than her hip, and yet she had burned beneath his touch. She could feel it still, the press of his lips upon hers and raised a hand to touch her mouth, wondering if the sensation had left a visible mark.

“I feel it too.”

His voice startled her out of her reverie, and she turned to look at him, finding his dark eyes fixed upon her mouth.

“Like you’ve branded me, marked me as yours.”

Her breath hitched, and for a moment she thought perhaps he would throw down the reins and haul her up against him, but he let out a ragged breath and forced his attention back to the road.

Good heavens.

Grace swallowed, uncertain of how she felt. Today had been wonderful, and all she had discovered of her husband told her he was a good, kind, and honest man in whom she could put her trust. She was not so certain of what she had discovered about herself.

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