Page 79 of The Viscount of Shadows

Chapter 27

Oliver arrived for breakfast, and to Claudia’s amazement, Gideon and Olivia said they would take their meal upstairs, allowing them to be alone. They no sooner departed when Claudia vaulted herself at Oliver, throwing her arms around his neck.

The restraints were off, and all lingering doubts were vanquished. These intense emotions were exhilarating, and Claudia would relish each and every one.

He kissed her passionately, and in return, Claudia cupped his cheeks and rained urgent kisses all over his handsome face.

Oliver laughed and, in placing his arms about her waist, spun her around. Then he plopped onto a chair, bringing Claudia down with him so she straddled his lap, facing him. She continued kissing him. She would never get enough.

“Marry me,” Oliver whispered in her ear.

Claudia stopped short and pulled back far enough to stare at him, incredulous at the suggestion yet overcome with complete bliss. “You are serious?”

“Completely. We already agreed we want a future together. Hear me out, for I have a suggestion: a quick, short wedding and a long honeymoon. Perhaps to Spain or my great uncle has a place in Scotland we could stay—or wherever you like. I mention the quick wedding because I want you so much, but I want our first time to be as a married couple. Does that sound strange to you?”

How utterly romantic. “No,” Claudia replied softly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Not strange at all. But married? How do we make it work? I mean, interlocking our lives?”

“All we have to do is observe the examples of marital bliss around us. The Rakes and their partners make it work. So can we. If you wish to stay with The Galway Agency, do so. I would never ask you to be less than yourself. Perhaps I will act as The Sentinel a while longer. We are young and can do whatever we want, including getting married on our terms.”

Oliver sounded resolute and confident, and his words made sense to her. As she said last night, everything was possible.

“My family will adore you,” Oliver continued. “We can be married once my father and mother arrive, which will be in ten days or less. When we return from the long honeymoon, we can stay in London as long as you like. I have the Tensbridge country house in Kent. We can reside there whenever you wish. These are just some recommendations. I would never dictate our lives. I want a partnership in all things.”

It all sounded like a fairy tale, and hell’s bells, after everything she has gone through, Claudia deserved happiness with the man she loved. And a partnership? Exactly her thoughts on the matter. “And children?”

“There is no rush. As heir to the earldom, I should try and continue the line at some point and think of the fun we will have to do that very thing.” Oliver nuzzled her neck as she giggled.

When in hell had she ever giggled? She was utterly smitten and so in love she could not contain it.

But then, a dark thought entered her mind. “And what about Danaher?”

“Rett and I traveled to The Piggeries,” Oliver told her of them dressing up as laborers and their run-in with Shinwell and Danaher’s men. “I have been slowly comprehending that Danaher is best left to the police. I admit I had my blood up, ready to exact revenge for holding you captive. I was ready to tear the place apart, but Rett eventually made sense. You also said to leave it for the Met police.”

Claudia stroked his cheek. “It is too perilous to deal with him. Danaher is like a trapped rat in a corner. He knows the end is near and will lash out. We should stay out of Notting Dale.”

“Then it is all the more imperative we snatch Bryan out of Shinwell’s clutches and away from Notting Dale and the danger therein.”

Claudia kissed him and stood. “Agreed. I am famished. All this planning for a life together has made me ravenous.”

“Only for food?” Oliver teased.

She smiled. “For now. I agree about getting married as soon as your parents arrive. I am eager to meet them and begin our lives together—in all ways.”

“I am tempted to sweep the dishes off this table and make love to you right here,” he growled seductively.

“But we will wait,” Claudia said softly.

Oliver nodded. “Then, we wait.”

Claudia clapped her hands together as she strode over to the sideboard. She lifted the covers off the chafing dishes. “We still have much to learn about each other. For example, what breakfast foods do you prefer? Shirred, scrambled, or soft-boiled eggs? Or perhaps hard ones?”

Oliver jumped to his feet, came up behind her, and slipped his arms about her waist, bringing her close. He rolled his hips. “I know of something else that is hard.”

Claudia’s insides fluttered. Hell’s bells, can they even wait until the wedding? Not at this rate. “You are incorrigible. But I love it—and I love you.”

Oliver laid kisses along her neck. “I prefer scrambled, served with ham or bacon, preferably both. I don’t care for kippers. I am also partial to a mushroom and cheese omelet.”

“Good to know. Now, take your seat, and I will serve you. But not all the time, mind.”