Radiance (Diamonds of the First Water #3)

Chapter Thirty-Eight

E dward could have knocked her over with a feather. As tears welled in Radiance’s eyes at the impossible turn of events, she didn’t protest when he pulled her into his arms. Vaguely, she heard a murmur from the room below, but she didn’t stop him when he tilted up her chin.

“Will you? Or did I make a damnable misstep? I should have waited some appropriate amount of time between your breaking it off with Castille, is that it? Or at the very least, approached your father for permission before putting the question to you directly?”

“I think you have done just fine,” she said. “Yes, I will marry you.”

With that, Edward leaned down and kissed her.

Gasps, a few cheers, and some exclamations of outrage rose up from the other guests. Perhaps even a shriek or two. When the kiss ended, they turned to look down at the throng, as if on a stage.

“This wonderful lady has agreed to marry me,” Edward called out.

His words engendered a general buzz of merriment. And then the entire assembly began to clap.

Radiance could think of nothing better to do than wave at their well-wishers. She spotted John off to the side, looking none too pleased, but at least he had Lady Lucinda beside him in her pretty pink.

She wished him the best and then thought of him no longer.

“Will you dance with me?” Edward asked.

“Yes.”

They disappeared from the general view. And as they reached the top of the stairs, for a few moments, they were hidden completely.

“That kiss was too quick,” he said and pulled her close once more.

She slid her hands up and around his neck. “It was. I suggest you kiss me again.”

“And I suggest you kiss me back.”

Gladly, she pressed herself against him as his hands, gloved and ungloved, roamed her body, easily felt through her fine silk gown. His caresses made her think of warm honey and scorching flames, of soft flower petals and the hard muscles of his frame.

When his mouth slanted across hers, she tilted her head to fit their lips more perfectly.

And then, curiously, she noticed something hard pressing against her hip. Being well-read and having two older sisters, Radiance was fairly sure she knew what was happening. Edward’s manhood was growing tumescent as his passions flared. It was exciting beyond measure.

“I can feel your desire for me,” she whispered when he drew back.

He paused, then nuzzled his lips along her throat, making her pulse beat a wild tattoo, knowing they had to stop in a moment and return to the ballroom.

“Actually,” he said against her skin, “that’s the Koh-i-Noor in my pocket. But I assure you I am desperately aroused.”

The Koh-i-Noor!

She yelped before she could stop herself, even as he kissed his way back up her neck.

The Queen’s diamond was digging into her hip bone. How? Why?

“What do you mean?” she asked when he didn’t explain himself.

And then his tongue touched her ear, making her shiver before his lips closed over her earlobe.

A second later, Edward coughed and put his hand up. He couldn’t speak for spluttering.

“Are you well?” she asked, her hands resting below his shoulders as she tried to look into his face.

Finally, he nodded. “I nearly swallowed your earbob.”

She reached up to touch her bare lobe just as he spat out her topaz earring onto the palm of his hand.

“My apologies!” he said. “I got carried away. It’s a little damp, I’m afraid.”

“You must be careful.” Radiance wanted to throttle him. He could have asphyxiated directly after asking her to marry him! “That is precisely what I was always warning you about.”

“Did you?” he asked astounded. “Choking on earbobs? I don’t think I’ve ever heard you mention it.”

“Not that, but your general lack of awareness. You are forgetful and absent-minded.” Having lost her heart to him ages ago, she wanted a long marriage but feared he would get himself wounded again, perhaps on his next trip to the jungle, or shot here in London, or perhaps cause his own demise through carelessness.

“Am I?” He ran a hand through his hair, appearing nonplussed.

Radiance nearly shrieked with exasperation.

But then he grinned, looking so winsome, she laughed.

“You are a ninny!”

“As long as you are willing to put up with me,” Edward said, “then I don’t mind going through life as a ninny.”

He blew on the earring before returning it to her.

“Shall I put it on for you?” he asked. “We cannot return into the public eye with you missing one. People will think we were kissing.” By his tone, he didn’t truly care what people thought.

“I can do it,” she declared, rolling her eyes. Radiance slid the smooth gold wire easily through her ear, recalling the day she’d had her lobes pierced, feeling then like a grown woman despite being only ten years of age.

That was nothing compared to having the man she loved express his own admiration in return. Now, she considered herself an adult.

“Only a madman would carry that diamond in his pocket,” she said as they descended the stairs.

“Precisely,” he agreed. “No one would suspect me of being such an individual.”

As soon as they reentered the ballroom, Diana came up to them.

“Congratulations! You provided unforeseen entertainment this evening.”

“Did we?” Radiance glanced around. She was lucky they had conducted their conversation in plain sight — except for the stairwell. In a way, being visible had saved them from dishonor and becoming outcasts.

“Yes! You are the talk of the ball, and it has barely begun.”

Radiance glanced at Edward, wondering if he comprehended what this meant in her world. They were all but formally engaged. It would be in the morning’s papers, and he had better show up at his earliest convenience on her family’s doorstep.

He shrugged slightly and offered her an endearing smile.

“You still have to dance with other partners tonight,” Diana reminded her.

“I know.” But she didn’t want to. She wanted to disappear with Edward and explore their newly declared bond. As the music started, however, she let her partner escort her to the dance floor.

When it was finally his turn to claim the lady he loved, Edward left his recent partner as swiftly as possible. He knew he wore a foolish smile, but he could not wipe it away. He’d expected a difficult night, perhaps having to grovel to Radiance or argue his case while somehow disparaging the all-but perfect Lord Castille.

Instead, it had turned out to be far too easy. As smooth as the silk Radiance wore, Edward had found himself the victor of the lady’s heart.

Looking around for his prize, he saw an extraordinary sight — Mrs. McSabby in Marlborough House!

And she was standing with a uniformed constable.

Edward sprinted toward his housekeeper. “Is something amiss?”

His usually unflappable housekeeper was decidedly agitated as she nodded and looked to the constable to explain.

“Mr. Lockwood, is it?” the man asked.

“Yes. What has transpired?”

“You’ve had a break-in, sir.”

“Were you hurt?” Edward asked Mrs. McSabby.

“No, sir.”

Edward shoved his hand into his pocket, taking comfort in touching the most precious royal jewel.

“Left an awful mess, though,” Mrs. McSabby said, sounding more annoyed than frightened.

Edward sighed. There would be no delightful dance or dinner with Radiance that night.

“Give me five minutes, and I shall join you outside.”

Even as the pair left, both walking slowly, gazing around them at the finery of the people and the residence, Edward turned to search for Radiance. She was already approaching.

“When the music started without you appearing, I knew something was wrong. Was that Mrs. McSabby?”

“Yes. My home has been burgled. I must leave.”

She touched his arm. Her green eyes were dark and worried as they looked into his. Suddenly, her eyes widened. “The Koh-i-Noor! If you hadn’t brought it with you ...”

“Exactly what I was thinking. I had believed we’d solved that crime already.” He was starting to doubt it. Moreover, as an outrageous plan developed in his mind, he had a notion he wouldn’t be able to keep it safe without her help.

“Can you come to my home tomorrow?”

She hesitated. “Actually, I had thought you would come to mine.”

Edward frowned, his thoughts already on his treasured workroom full of his life’s work. He had to leave and make sure every window in his home wasn’t shattered and his front door splintered off its hinges. He couldn’t picture any of his maids staving off an intruder. Again, he reprimanded himself for not hiring a manservant.

At his hesitation, her cheeks pinkened. “To speak with my father, sir.”

Oh! He had been bent upon planning that very thing before the sight of Mrs. McSabby had knocked his good intentions out of his head.

“Of course, and I shall be there first thing. I imagine word spreads quickly through the ton .”

“Indeed, it does.” She appeared relieved, and he was glad she had reminded him not to let her down. But that wouldn’t solve his problem. “Then would you come with me tonight?”

“Words fail me,” she said softly.

“It is important. We have work to do for the Queen.”

“How can I possibly? What should I tell Diana and her mother?”

“Mrs. McSabby is waiting outside with a constable. Surely, the two of them will be adequate chaperones for an engaged couple.”

“We’re not exactly that. Not officially.”

Edward had never felt more committed to anything or anyone. “As far as I am concerned, as well as this entire gathering of good people, we are. Won’t that do?”

“Yes,” she said quickly.

“Good. Now that we are engaged, will you accompany me and my housekeeper and the constable to my home?”

Again, she didn’t hesitate. “Will you await me here, or shall I meet you outside?”

He couldn’t help admiring her gumption. “To keep lips from flapping like bird wings in a stiff wind, I’ll depart now and wait by the carriage.”

He hoped she didn’t change her mind. But five minutes later, just the time it took for her to explain to her friend — how she could explain, Edward couldn’t imagine — then retrieve her coat from the maid in the entry way and change out of her dancing slippers, Radiance greeted the constable and Mrs. McSabby. Soon, they were all riding in a police coach together.

It wasn’t long before Edward viewed the damage. Not as bad as he had feared. A window had been opened, not smashed, but his workroom looked as though a hurricane had passed through it.

“Gracious,” Radiance said beside him.

“It’s not only in here, sir,” Mrs. McSabby chimed in. “The burglar went all over — into the drawing room and upstairs to your bedchamber. When I came out of the kitchen, the only room he didn’t enter, the front door was open wide. Anyone could have walked in.”

“What can you do, Sergeant?” Edward asked, thinking he knew the answer.

“If you can give us a list of what was stolen, we can at least be on the lookout for your items being sold. There are places in the East End that are regular marketplaces for stolen goods.”

“I shall see what I can come up with,” Edward told him. “Thank you for bringing my housekeeper and alerting me.”

“Very well, sir. I shall bid you and your wife a good evening.”

The constable left while Edward was still taking in his words and staring at Radiance.

“Your wife!” Mrs. McSabby exclaimed. “What cheek! Assuming because this nice young lady came home with you at night ... Well, I mean ... Oh, heavens!”

“Not to worry, Mrs. McSabby,” Edward said. “The constable is nearly correct, albeit a little premature. Lady Radiance and I are engaged to be married.”

Mrs. McSabby was silenced with surprise. She rounded on Radiance.

“You are going to marry Mr. Lockwood?” Her hands went to her generous hips. “Are you certain?”

“Mrs. McSabby!” Edward muttered. What was the woman trying to do?

“I am sure,” Radiance said. “He’s a dear man who is also clever.”

Edward wanted to hug her.

However, Mrs. McSabby wasn’t finished. “Yes, but he is as like as not to forget which house to come home to. What if he takes your child out in the world and leaves it somewhere while he goes about digging up his rocks?”

“Then I shall keep a close eye upon our child,” Radiance said, making him want to howl with happiness at the idea of their offspring. A little red-headed boy or girl with his soon-to-be wife’s amazing green eyes. “Anyway, shall we examine the damage?” she asked.

As Edward expected, the only damage was due to the speed and carelessness with which the thief searched for the diamond — and undoubtedly, that was his intended purpose. Drawers were pulled out with their contents scattered, cupboards opened, rugs tossed aside, and all his gemstones and geodes and opals were strewn about the room. But they hadn’t been taken. In the drawing room, his cushions were ripped open and his rugs overturned.

“The brutes!” Mrs. McSabby said, flipping each cushion to hide the worst of the tears.

Edward wanted to speak with Radiance alone. “You said my bedroom was in equal disarray, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” his housekeeper said.

“Will you concentrate your attentions on righting it for my use tonight while Lady Radiance and I begin tidying my workroom? I know you’re not one for sorting rocks.”

“Yes, sir.” She headed for the stairs. Then stopped. “What a shame you had to come home early, m’lady. You look so lovely. Like a princess. It was the only proper ball I’ve ever seen, and even my old eyes could see you were the most beautiful woman in that room. Mr. Lockwood is a lucky man, and we shall be glad to have you under this roof.”

She sniffed after her sentimental speech and added, “I can only pray the master doesn’t cock it all up.” She left before he could defend himself.

“What a sweet thing for her to say.” Radiance appeared bemused.

“Her compliments always seem to come at my expense,” Edward griped, making Radiance laugh.

He would vow the sound vibrated through him from head to toe, making his body tingle. In the next instant, he realized they were alone. Not even the useless Sarah nearby, ignoring them.

Edward grabbed his lady’s hand and yanked her close.

“How long are the engagements in your rarefied world?”

She placed her hands on his chest and looked up at him.

“A few months of torture is expected.”

He groaned, for she was right. It would be torture. At that moment, he wanted nothing more than to take her upstairs to his bedroom.

Which, according to Mrs. McSabby, had been turned topsy-turvy.

“I forgot the intruder momentarily and even why I asked you here.”

“You mean you didn’t invite me to your home in order to kiss me senseless?”

“I didn’t actually. But let’s do that first.”

Without waiting any longer, he claimed her satin lips. As soon as their mouths touched, he felt her relax against him, thoroughly enjoying the feeling of her soft breasts squashing delightfully onto the front of him. His hands moved of their own accord, sliding down her back and past the tiny pleats at her waist until they snagged hold of her plump buttocks, hidden under many layers of flounces and skirts and petticoats, one cheek in each of his greedy palms.

Heat lanced his groin — already the torture had begun of knowing she would be his someday while having to wait for the ultimate satisfaction.

Feeling her heart beating as fast as his own, he pressed his tongue to the seam of her lips, desperate for entry, which she allowed. Like giving a drowning man a lifeline. He wanted so much more, but he would gladly take what she gave, ravaging her mouth the way he wanted to explore her luscious body, imagining how he would pleasure her when she was his wife.

He didn’t know how long they kissed. Lost in the essence of Radiance, her delicate fragrance filled his head, and her sweet softness tormented him.

“Heavens!” Mrs. McSabby exclaimed, and Edward jumped back.

“My apologies to you both,” his housekeeper said.

Monty was also in the open doorway, perhaps having gone into hiding when the stranger had ransacked his home.

“I was tidying your room when I thought how early you had come home, before the fancy midnight supper, and I wondered if you were needing something to eat.”

“I had a fine dinner earlier,” Radiance said. “But perhaps a glass of wine.”

Edward recollected the task at hand and what lay ahead. “No wine, Mrs. McSabby. Tea, please, for the lady and coffee for me. And some of that lemon ginger cake you served yesterday.”

“Yes, sir.”

Radiance’s curious glance offered him little choice but to explain. First, he withdrew the Koh-i-Noor from his pocket. It was wrapped in a simple square of velvet, which he quickly removed before holding it out to her.

“Take it,” he commanded.

She visibly shivered. Reaching out, she bit her lower lip in anticipation, and Edward wanted to sink his own teeth into her plump lip while she wore that same expression of awe. In the next instant, she gazed down at it on her palm.

“I cannot believe how much it is improved in appearance. And yet, something of its ancient origin and magnificence has been lost.”

“I haven’t even looked at it again, but I understand what you mean. Regardless the smaller, more customary shape will make it easier for you to create a fake.”

Her gaze snapped to his, and he thought she would drop the stone. Then she closed her fingers around it and gave him her full attention.