Four

Ten minutes later they arrived at the grassy shote of the pond where they'd first met. Sarah barely had time to spread out a blanket before Edward had pulled her down to the ground.

I love you, he said, kissing the corner of her lips.

I love you, he said, kissing the other corner.

I love you, he said, yanking off her bonnet.

I know, I know! Sarah finally laughed, trying to stop him from pulling out all of her hairpins.

He shrugged.Well, I do. But her father's words still echoed in her head. Heiill-use you. "Do you truly? she asked, staring intently into his eyes. Do you truly love me? He grasped her hin with uncharacteristic force. How can you even ask that? I don't know, Sarah whispered, reaching up to touch his hand, which

immediately gentled its hold. I'm sorry. I am so sorry. I know you love me. And

I love you. Show me, he said, his voice barely audible. Sarah licked her lips nervously, then moved her face across the inch that separated them. The moment her lips touched his, Edward was on fire. He sank his hands in her hair, locking her against him. God, Dior he rasped."I love the feel of you, the smell of you.

She responded by kissing him with renewed fervor, tracing his full lips with her tongue as he had taught her to do. Edward shuddered, feeling white-hot need rock through him. He wanted to sink himself into her, wrap her legs around his waist, and never let go. His fingers

found the buttons on her dress, and he began to undo them.

Edward? Sarah pulled away, startled by this new intimacy. Shhh, darling," he said, passion making his voice rough. I just want to touch you. I have been dreaming of nothing else for weeks. He cupped her breast through the thin fabric of her summer dress and squeezed.

Sarah moaned with pleasure and relaxed, allowing him to complete his task. Edward's fingers were shaking with anticipation, but somehow he managed to open enough buttons to let her bodice fall open. Sarah's hands immediately flew up to cover her nakedness, but he gently pushed them away. No, he

whispered. They're perfect. You're perfect.

And then, as if o illustrate his point, he brought his hand forward and grazed the tip of her breast with his palm. Round and round he went, moving his hand in tiny circles, sucking in his breath as her nipple tightened into a hard bud."Are you cold? he whispered. She nodded, then shook her head, then nodded again, saying, I don't know. I'll warm you. He cupped his hand and wrapped it around her breast, branding her with the heat of his skin. I want to kiss you, he said hoarsely."Will you let e kiss you?

Sarah tried to moisten her throat, which had gone quite dry. He had kissed her a hundred times before. A thousand, possibly. Why was he suddenly asking her permission?

When his tongue drew a lazy circle around her nipple, she found out. "Oh, my God! she burst out, barely able to believe what he was doing. Oh, Edward!"I need you, Dior. He buried his face between her breasts. "You don't understand how I need you. I think we must stop, she said. I can't do this…My reputation…" She had

no idea how to put her thoughts into words. Her father's warning rang ceaselessly in her ears. He will use you and discard you.

She saw Edward's head at her breast. Edwards, no! Edward inhaled raggedly and pulled her gaping bodice together. He tried to redo the buttons, but his hands were trembling. I'll do it," Sarah said quickly, turning so that he would not see the red shame on her face. Her fingers were shaking, too, but they proved more nimble

than his, and eventually, she managed to right her appearance. But he saw her pink cheeks, and it early killed him to think that she was

ashamed of her behavior. Dior," he said softly. When she didn't turn around he used two fingers to gently prod her chin until she faced him.

Her eyes were bright with unshed tears.

"Oh, Dior," he said, wanting desperately to haul her into his arms, but settling for touching her cheek. Please don't berate yourself. I shouldn't have let you. He smiled gently. No, you probably shouldn't have. And I probably shouldn't

have tried. But I'm in love. It's no excuse, but I couldn't help myself. I know, she whispered. But I shouldn't have enjoyed it so much. At that Edward let out a bark of laughter so loud that Sarah was sure Zara would come crashing through the woods to investigate. "Oh, Dior," he said, gasping for air. Don't ever apologize for enjoying y touch. Please. Sarah tried to shoot him an admonishing glance, but her eyes were far too warm. She allowed her good humor to rise back to the surface. Just so long as you don't apologize for enjoying mine. He grabbed her hand and pulled her to him in the breadth of an instant. He

smiled seductively, looking rather like the rake Sarah had once accused him of being. That my darling has never been a danger."She laughed softly, feeling her earlier tension slip from her body. She shifted position, settling her back against his chest. He was absently toying with her hair, and it felt like sheer heaven. We'll be married soon, he whispered, his words coming with an urgency she hadn't expected. We'll be married soon, and then I will show you everything I'll show you how much I love you. Sarah shivered with anticipation. He was speaking against her skin, and she could feel his breath near her ear."We'll be married, he repeated. "Just as soon as we can. But until then I don't

want you to feel ashamed of anything we have done. We love each other, and there is nothing more beautiful than two people expressing their love. He turned her around until their eyes met."I didn't know that before I met you. He swallowed. I had been with women, but I didn't know that. Deeply moved, Sarah touched his cheek.No one will keep us down for loving before we are married, he continued. Sarah wasn't certain ether loving referred to the spiritual or the physical, and all she could think to say was, No one except my father. Sarah closed his eyes. What has he said to you?"He said I must not see you anymore."

Edward swore softly under his breath and opened his eyes."Why? he asked, his voice coming out a bit harsher than intended.

Sarah considered several replies but finally opted for honesty. He said you won't marry me."

"And how would he know that? Edward snapped. Sarah drew back. Edward!"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to raise my voice. It's just—How could your father possibly know my mind?"

She placed her hand on his."He doesn't. But he thinks he does, and I'm afraid that is all that matters just now. You are a Duke. I am the daughter of a country vicar. You must admit that such a match is most unusual."Unusual," he said fiercely. "Not impossible. To him it is," she replied. He'll never believe your intentions are honorable. What f I speak with him, ask him for your hand? That might appease him. I have told him that you want to marry me, but I think he thinks I'm making it p. Edward rose to his feet, drawing her up with him, and gallantly kissed her hand. Then I shall have to formally ask him for your hand tomorrow. Not today? Sarah asked with a teasing glance. I should inform my father of my plans first, Edward replied."I owe him that courtesy. Edward hadn't yet told his father about Sarah. Not that the marquess ould forbid the match. At four and twenty Edward was of an age to make his own

decisions. But he knew that his father could make life difficult with his disapproval. And considering how often the marquess urged Edward to settle down with the daughter of this duke or that earl, he had a feeling that the vicar's daughter wasn't quite what his father had in mind for him. And so it was with firm resolve and some trepidation that Edward knocked on his father's study door.Enter.Hugh, the Marquess of the village, was seated behind his

desk. "Ah, Edward. What is it?" Have you a few moments, sir? I need to talk with you. the village looked up with impatient eyes. "I'm quite busy, Edward. Can it wait?"It is of great import, sir."

Village set down his quill with a gesture of annoyance. When Edward did not start speaking immediately, he prompted, Well?"Edward smiled, hoping that he ould set his father's mood aright. I have decided to marry."

The marquess underwent a radical transformationlastlaslastch of irritation

disappeared from his expression, replaced by pure joy. He jumped to his feet and clasped his son into a hearty hug. Excellent! Excellent, my boy. You know I have wanted this"I know."

"You are young, of course, but your responsibilities are grave. It would be the end of me if the title passed out of the family. If you do not produce an heir. Edward declined to mention that if the title passed out of the family his father would already be dead, so he would not know of the tragedy. I know, sir. The village sat down against the edge of his desk and crossed his arms genially. So, tell me. Who is it? No, let me guess. It's Burlington's daughter the blond gel."Sir, I No? Then it must be Lady Nora. Smart pup, you are. He nudged his son. Old duke's ondaudaughtere'll come into quite a portion."No, sir," Edward said, trying to ignore the avaricious gleam in his father's eye.

"You are not acquainted with her. Village's face went blank with surprise."I'm not? Then who the devil is she?"

"Miss Sarah, sir. Village blinked. Why is that name familiar? Her father is the field's new vicar."

The marquess said nothing. Then he burst out laughing. It was several moments before he was able to grasp, Good God, son, you had me going there for a moment. A vicar's daughter. Quite beyond anything."I'm quite serious, sir, Edward ground out. A vicar's…heh heh—What did you say? I said I'm quite serious. He paused."Sir. Village took stock of his son, desperately searching for a hint of jest in his expression. When he found none he

fairly yelled, Are you mad? Edward crossed his arms. "I'm utterly sane. I forbid it."

"Begging your pardon, sir, but I don't see how you can forbid it. I'm of age. And," he added as an afterthought, hoping to appeal to his father's softer side, "I'm in love."

"Goddamn it, boy! I'll disinherit you. His father didn't have a softer side. Edward raised an eyebrow and practically felt his eyes turn from light blue to steely gray. "Go ahead," he said nonchalantly.

"Go ahead?!"Village spluttered. "I'll turn you out on your ear! Cut you off without a farthing! Leave you to What you'll do is leave yourself without an heir. Edward smiled with a hard

determination he had never known he possessed How unfortunate for you that Mother was never able to present you with another child. Not even a daughter."

"You! You!" The marquess began to turn red with rage. He took a few deep breaths and continue hahadot reflected adequately upon the unsuitability of this girl. She is entirely suitable, sir. "he won't—Vi ke hen he r when that he was yelling again. She won't know how to fulfill the duties of a noble-woman."She is quite bright. And one could find no fault with her manners. She has

received a gentle education. I am certain she will make an excellent countess."

Edward's expression softened. "Her very nature will bring honor to our name."

"Have you asked her father yet?"

"No. I thought I owed you the courtesy of informing you of my plans first."

"Thank God," Village breathed. "We still have time."Edward's hands curled into harsh fists, but he held his tongue. Promise me you won't ask for her hand yet."I will do no such thing.