Two Beaux and a Promise Collection (26 page)

“He owned the mine where he died?”

She nodded. “He’d just completed plans for building an iron works. It should be running by the time I return. And we supply much of the timber for the local boat builders.”

“Pittsburgh sounds like the ideal place to start my own company.”  Visions of steamboats and locomotives flitted through his head.

“You are serious.”

“I love you, Maggie. I can’t live without you. Discovering that your home fits my own aspirations is merely a bonus. Do I get an answer now?”

“Yes. The thought of leaving you behind has bothered me more than I wanted to admit. I love you, Marcus.”

He pulled her closer, kissing her as he had wanted to do since she’d run him down in the lobby. Passion exploded, newer than the world to which he’d committed himself, hotter than the fire they’d escaped last night. He needed all of his control to keep from taking her immediately. By the time he lifted his head, he was shaking.

Maggie was more than willing to continue. She had not expected his lips to ignite so much heat. It spread and sizzled until even her toes tingled. When he pulled away, she moaned.

“Later, love,” he promised. “I won’t dishonor you by anticipating our vows, though if we don’t restore a little propriety, I may change my mind.”

She stroked his cheek. “Can we be married here, or would it be easier to wed at sea like my parents?”

“Here. We owe the family that much. I will get a special license tomorrow. Alice should recover soon, so we can wed in a week or so.”  He smiled. “Are you financing her hotel, by the way?”

“No. She’s been my governess and companion since Mother died. Father left her more than enough to follow her dream.”

“I wish I’d known him.”  He kissed her again, then resolutely put her aside. “I can’t think when I’m holding you, but we must make plans. William is already swearing that Robert is innocent. He is powerful enough to have his heir released on the promise of sending him abroad. Neither of them will forgive you. You will take the place of your father in their minds.”

“So we must hide our destination.”  She sighed.

“We can go to France, then take a French ship to America using false names.”

“Good. I really do not want to retrace my steps so late in the year.”  She frowned, contemplating her uncle’s displeasure. “William will also hate anyone to whom I give money, so turning Father’s legacy over to another Adams could bring disaster.”

“I doubt he will actually harm anyone. That would be too difficult to hide.” 

“Perhaps not, but he
will
put pressure on them. I would rather not have that on my conscience. The estates can go to the residual beneficiary and one other remote cousin – you must help me decide which. But I will put the rest into a trust.”

“For what?”

“To help scientists and inventors.”

His eyes glowed. “An excellent decision. We can arrange it when Knowles returns.”

“Perhaps I should establish a similar trust at home,” she began, but he distracted her with another kiss.

“We will have plenty of time to discuss it, love. I would rather concentrate on us.”  He pulled her into his lap, running a hand down her thigh. “I love you, Maggie.”

“And I, you.”  Her arms tightened around his neck. “May you never regret leaving England.”

“I won’t.”  This kiss was even better. His good intentions slipped away unnoticed as passion again exploded between them. She was his. Forever.

Some promises were impossible to keep…

Copyright © by Susan Ann Pace

FOR RICHER OR POORER in Signet's Wedding Belles, ISBN 0-451-21198-8; THE ULTIMATE MAGIC in Signet's Regency Christmas Magic, ISBN 0-451-21335-1; PROMISES TO KEEP in Signet's The Grand Hotel, ISBN 0-451-20036-5

Electronically published in 2007 by Belgrave House

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This is a work of fiction. All names in this  publication are fictitious and any resemblance to any person living or dead is coincidental.