Page 74 of The Detective and the Baroness

The sun poured into the bedroom, rousing Mitchell from his slumber. He should have returned to his room before the sun peeked over the horizon, but he could not tear himself away from Corrine. She was curled up next to him, her head on his shoulder, breathing softly. Last night, they’d shown each other how much they cared, with their bodies as well as their words. And they had agreed to a future together. Mitchell had never been happier in his life.

And he was desperate for the future to start now. He kissed her forehead, and Corrine stirred. He loathed to wake her as she looked so contented and peaceful. He understood the feeling.

“My darling” he whispered, kissing her forehead again.

“Oh, I like it when you call me that,” she replied sleepily.

“I know I should be on bended knee, but I prefer it here, in bed, with you in my arms. I can’t think of a better way to propose to you. Marry me, my darling. You are everything I never thought I would find, and I do not want to waste another moment. I need you. I love you. You are life itself.”

Corrine looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “Oh, yes. And we will do it right away—before the year is out. We will arrange it somehow. I cannot imagine drawing my next breath without you by my side. I love you so very much.” She leaned over to kiss him passionately. Then she sat up partway, braced by her elbow. “People will say it happened too swiftly. It’s only been a matter of weeks! How shocking! And so soon after her husband’s death! But I do not care about any of it. I never sought society’s approval, and I am not about to start now.”

Mitchell smiled. “Hear, hear. I completely agree.”

“You will think me forward, but last night, when you took a hansom to the Gransford town house to fetch Wright and the carriage to take us to supper, I had an interesting and illuminating conversation with Drew. He is well versed on many topics.”

“Yes, so I noticed,” Mitchell teased.

Corrine kissed his nose. “I asked about marriage and the quickest way to get it done. I thought of a registry office, but can you believe all the paperwork can take seven to ten days? Drew said the swiftest method is still the old way. A special license.”

“Married in a church? I am not one for regular church-going.”

“Neither am I, but that should not matter to a true man of God.”

Mitchell smiled. “Let me guess. Drew knows of the very man.”

Corrine laughed. “Of course, he does! He gave me the name and the church—a friend of his father’s. Remember, Viscount Hawkestone was a vicar for a few years. I say we get dressed and go at once to make plans. It will be a simple ceremony, with Drew and my brother as the only witnesses.”

Mitchell caressed her cheek. “And here comes the reality of the situation. I’m a detective in the Metropolitan Police. My income will not provide the lifestyle you were born into, regardless of financial struggles. You are the daughter of a viscount, the widow of a baron. Marrying me will be a step down into the middle class. Where will we live? In this tiny flat?”

“Or we can rent the upper flat until we make further decisions. Very well, a dose of reality. I have ten thousand pounds still left of the marriage settlement. We can live comfortably on the interest and your salary with proper investments.”

“That’s right. I’d forgotten that Chambers said it is yours.”

“There is a good chance I will lose the monthly stipend as a dowager, but the dividends from that settlement money will more than make up for it. We can buy a modest house somewhere, get your parents’ furniture out of storage, and make a proper home. And you will continue to recover until you can return to work.” Corrine took his hand and kissed it. “I do not care for the trappings of the supposed upper crust; it has only brought me misery. I want you, my love. Wherever we live, it will be home. Our home—filled with love. And if we can manage it—children.”

Mitchell pulled her to sit upright on him, her knees on either side of his hips. “I adore this position. Remember from last night?” Mitchell would never forget it. Not ever.

“Oh, yes. I rather like this, too,” she murmured huskily as she slowly lowered, taking all of him. “In fact, I love it.”

“Then, ride me, my darling.”

*

Corrine smiled as she entered the kitchen. “Enjoy your holiday, Mrs. Evans.”

“Aye. And you and all, my lady. Blimey, I nearly forgot.” She bustled over to the icebox. “A delivery from The Crowing Cock. Here’s the note.”

Corrine opened it and read it.

For your Christmas Eve repast: A roast beef pie with assorted root vegetables, shallots, leeks, mushrooms, and red wine sauce. Also, smoked trout with saffron cream. Mince pies and fruitcake. As a thank you for all you have done and as a celebration for your future. Enjoy the holidays.

Liam Hallahan

Corrine was genuinely touched. It reinforced her first impression of Liam: gruff exterior but hidden depths that he did not show to just anyone.

“This is from a friend,” Corrine said softly. “He owns the restaurant and sent us a meal for tonight.”

“Nice of the man,” Mrs. Evans remarked. “I’ll reheat it for you after I’ve finished my cooking. Is that all right, my lady?”