Chemistry of Magic: Unexpected Magic Book Five (Unexpected Magic #5)(74)
She folded up beside him, kissing his cheek, hiccupping on a sob. “I’ve been so frightened. I’m not ready to lose you yet either. I don’t think we’ve taken enough time to learn each other.”
“That’s it. We’ll get to know each other so well that we’ll hate each other before I die,” he crowed. “I can do that. Now, I want more than broth, please.” He hugged her tight and covered her hair with kisses.
Chapter 21
“I have brought samples of the wallpaper and fabric we’d like to use to repair the study.” The dowager Lady Dare presented the box of colorful paints, papers, and fabrics as if they were jewels.
Emilia smothered a laugh at Dare’s stunned confusion. He was up and around now, looking so much better, but it was hard to keep him from pacing the hall with the marquess. Restlessness was his nature, and he needed an outlet. His mother obviously knew that about him but didn’t quite comprehend his interests. Emilia didn’t think decorating would hold his attention long.
“The colors are interesting,” she said for him. “Such brilliant greens! Will you re-do the settee and pillows as well?”
While her mother-in-law chattered of her plans, Dare limped around the private parlor of their suite, his physical presence and energy nearly vibrating the small chamber. His leather trousers were loose enough to conceal his bandage. His valet had arrived with a trunk full of clothes, but Dare was still wearing unstarched linen and a loose tweed coat, all that this rural outpost required. He was shaved and his hair had been properly cut so he looked as healthy as any of the Ives men wandering in and out. Her heart swelled with joy just watching him—even knowing the pain he concealed.
He finally stopped behind Emilia to toy with her hair. Once, she might have been annoyed that he loomed over her, but no longer. Having him almost healthy and strong was worth all his masculine intimidating tactics.
“I thought you were looking for a new house,” Dare said in irritation. “Why should I decorate for Peter? Give the sample box to him.”
To everyone’s surprise, Dare’s cousin had accompanied his mother and sisters to Wystan. Had he known at the time, her husband would probably have recovered just to taunt his heir.
Once he’d proved he wasn’t on his death bed, Dare had sent Peter into Harrogate with Lord Erran. Concerned there might be forged deeds floating about, Erran was still tracking down Weathersby’s investors. Since Peter knew businessmen in Harrogate, Dare had thought he might be useful, but Emilia knew that mostly he wanted to drive his annoying insect of a cousin out of the house.
“We don’t intend to move until we must,” Lady Dare said, essentially refusing to admit he would die. “It’s our home.”
“Fine then, re-do the whole house, if it makes you happy,” he told her. “I’ll talk to the bankers about increasing your household allowance.”
His mother beamed as if he’d bestowed the moon and stars upon her. “You are such a dear boy! I thought we should update the salon for Isolde’s come-out next year. I’ll leave these with you so you can tell me which you prefer.”
She hurried off to pass the good word to her daughters—just as Dare had planned, Emilia knew. Her husband was a conniving sort. She tilted her head to look up at him as he stalked the room. “She is so beautifully easy to please. How on earth did she have a son like you?”
“Bad luck, I’d say.” He placed his hands on her shoulders and kissed the top of her head and brow. “How long must we stay here? Now that the negotiations on the railroad are completed, I would like to return to my workshop.”
“The duke has promised to visit here soon to tell me what he thinks of the pharmacopeia. We’re hoping he’ll arrive in time for the birth of Ashford’s heir. Might we stay a little longer?”
“So Wystan magic can create an heir for me?” he asked jestingly.
“You need to rest more and you know it,” she said in disapproval. “You are only just now out of bed and aren’t able to stand long on that leg, much less engage in vigorous activity.”
Their lovemaking had been limited to hands and mouths while Dare recovered. She still held hope of Wystan magic though—when the time was right, and he was strong.
“I think we can do just as successfully at home, but I know you wish to meet the duke,” he acknowledged, sliding his hand down to her breast. “Shall we practice magic tonight?
She grew warm just thinking of it. “Perhaps, if you rest yourself today instead of pacing like a caged tiger. Why don’t you use one of the spare rooms here for your experiments? They may not have custom-made glassware, but surely they have plenty of everything that might substitute.”
“I was testing arsenic compounds, looking for a means of showing visible evidence of its presence. I need a source of heat, various minerals to combine it with, and of course, products containing arsenic.”
“I thought the problem was that almost everything contains arsenic? The castle is full of lamps of all sizes to provide a flame. Borrow glasses from the kitchen. What minerals do you require? Could you ask Ashford? He controls mines all over this area. He might know where you can obtain what you need. Besides, it would give him something to do besides shouting at the servants.”
Which he was doing now, apparently. They could hear the marquess’s bellows from the far end of the corridor, followed by his wife’s laughing reply.