St. Raven (46 page)

She met his serious eyes and teased him. “Oh, no, sir. You don’t get out of it like that now you’ve had your wicked way with me!”

He laughed and kissed her, then helped her pin up her hair with what few pins they could find.

Cressida settled her horns in place, happily watching him dress. She’d rather he stay naked, but she enjoyed watching him, no matter what he was doing.

It was real. He was hers. Life stretched before her like a universe of delights to discover. There would be hazards and discomforts, as there must be on any journey, but the pleasures would definitely be worth the pains.

He put his hat on and came to take her hand, a ring in his other. “Not the traditional betrothal ring, which is old-fashioned and which I have let Jean-Marie keep, but a modern version of it.”

He slid the ring onto her finger—a star sapphire in a lovely, delicate setting. Tears threatened, and she bit her lip to control them.

She noticed that it fit perfectly, which made her think. “This would have been loose on Miss Swinamer’s thin finger.”

He frowned. “You’re right. Poor Phoebe. I never truly gave up hope, and never would have done. She’s well out of this, though she may not believe it yet.” He kissed the ring. “I sent a message to Cary, asking him to forewarn her. He probably wants to shoot me.”

Cressida wouldn’t have believed that she could be more moved. “Tris Tregallows, you are a very good man.”

“Cressida Mandeville, I will be a better one with you at my side.” He took her hand and led her to the door. “Alas, now I must plunge you into the land of serpents and dragons.”

Cressida laughed. “Dragons, serpents, and cockadrills are nothing to a Mandeville! Especially, Your Grace, when she has such a very experienced guide.”