The Spinster and the Rake (21 page)
Read The Spinster and the Rake Online
Authors: Anne Stuart
After a long moment he spoke. “Is it to be Gretna Green or a special license?”
She pulled herself out of his arms. “You don’t really have to marry me, you know,” she said earnestly.
“I most certainly do. I intend to chain you to me through every stratagem known to man and law. You’ll marry me, my girl, whether you like it or not. There’ll be no more debauchery until we’re wed in the sight of God and man.”
“I would like it very much, thank you.” Her voice was deceptively meek. “Which would be faster? I’d really like to be debauched again.”
He laughed, cupping her face to kiss her. “I am owed a few favors. I could likely get a special license by this afternoon, and it would take us days to get to Scotland.” He pulled her back into the comforting haven of his arms. “Unless, of course, you’d prefer a formal wedding.”
“With Derwent to give me away and Letty and the others as my attendants?” she inquired with a laugh. “The idea tempts me, but I feel I must decline. Unless, of course, you have a sudden longing for a horde of Redferns on your doorstep?”
“Unless I get moving shortly, I am very likely to suffer that very fate.” He stayed right where he was, his arms tight around her slender body. “Do you mind very much if I turn over a new leaf?”
“What did you have in mind?”
“No gambling, or late hours, or city lights, or wenching.”
She struggled to sit up. “What, no wenching?” she exclaimed. “But what about me?”
“Only Gillian-wenching,” he promised. “And you must make similar promises.”
“That is quite easy. I promise not to gamble or to go wenching either.”
“No, my dear. You must wear your hair unbound, go without shoes, and be rude to all your family.”
“That, dear Ronan, should be extraordinarily easy.” She sank gratefully back into his arms.
The End
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Anne Stuart
Experience Anne’s other titles from Bell Bridge Books
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About the Author
Anne Stuart recently celebrated her forty years as a published author. She has won every major award in the romance field, and appeared on the bestseller list of the NYTimes, Publisher’s Weekly, and USA Today, as well as being featured in Vogue, People Magazine, and Entertainment Tonight. Anne lives by a lake in the hills of Northern Vermont with her fabulous husband.
