Page 83 of Prince of Scandal

“He said yes, little one,” said Ashton, stroking her hair.

Joy bubbled within, then exploded like a geyser, and she shrieked. “Hooray!”

Pippa and Lilian both cheered.

He laughed, then leaned down and kissed her. “I managed to contain my hooray, but the sentiment was there. I cannot believe Frederick said yes. He wasn’t going to, but the Prince Regent persuaded him. Or should I say, your brother persuaded the Prince Regent and it went from there. Who is Northam, exactly? He’s a young viscount and yet he has princes and dukes dancing to his tune…”

Georgiana turned her head and exchanged a meaningful glance with Lilian and Pippa. “Now that is a question we’d all like the answer to. Our brother has been keeping secrets from us for years.”

“But we’ll think about that tomorrow,” said Pippa quickly. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Your Highness. Or do you prefer Prince von Hagan?”

“Ashton,” he replied. “It’s been Ashton too long now to change it again. Although I suppose it will be Prince von Hagan at court.”

“Ashton,” repeated Pippa, smiling broadly. “Call me Pippa. Welcome to the family. Oh, and thank you for rescuing Gigi from, well…”

“Everything?” said Georgiana ruefully, resting her cheek on Ashton’s firm chest. The perfect chest.

“I solemnly swear to do so forever,” he said, rubbing her back.

“Glad to hear it,” said Lilian. “Do call me Lilian. But Pippa and I will leave you alone for a bit. Critical question and all that.”

Georgiana grinned. “Have you no care for my pristine reputation…ooooh…” she finished, almost swooning as Ashton discreetly tapped her rear. A promise of things to come?

Please God, let it be so.

“Well,” she said, when they were alone, suddenly feeling awkward. He looked so magnificent and she remained thoroughly travel rumpled. “Please forgive my appearance. I didn’t even think about a bath or change of gown or—”

“Georgiana,” he said firmly. “I find you exquisite in all situations. Nothing could change that.”

“I suppose you have seen me at my worst. Bottom covered in mud, a sodden mess hauled from a river, crumpled from days of travel, sweaty and pink after spanking orgasms,” she mused, then batted her lashes at him. “Guess you must love me…master.”

Ashton sucked in a breath. “Do you know what it does to me when you say that? To hear it from your lips when I love you so damned much? It’s not because you are beautiful, like…like a sunrise. Or that you possess a figure Venus herself would envy. It’s your strength. Everything you’ve endured at home, your mother’s death, with that man…yet you fight on. You’ve not let anyone steal your sparkle or that splendid core of pure minx. And the way you surrender and place your trust in me…curl up in my arms…it is humbling. I am in awe. Every day I am inspired and challenged and reminded there is good in the world. Perfect happiness to be had, no matter what has transpired before. You are the only woman for me, Georgiana. A future I didn’t think possible, with the desires I had. And then you just…”

“Brazenly rode across your meadow in shirt and breeches?” she whispered as happy tears burned her eyes. Naturally, Ashton would make the most romantic of declarations. Because he was splendid. A prince among men.

“So brazenly,” he replied gruffly, tenderly tucking a stray curl behind her ear. “I suppose then, the only question remaining is…will you make me the happiest prince alive and consent to be my wife? My princess? My forever love?”

Georgiana beamed as the tears spilled over. “Yes and yes and yes. I never thought I would find the right Englishman. And I didn’t. Because the only man for me is Prussian. I love your fiery red hair. I love your sternness. I love your bravery. I love the way you spank me so hard then cuddle me so sweetly. I love the way we can talk about anything. I love the way you worship my body and call me little one. I know I tease you about being older, but I love that you are settled and steadfast and know who you truly are. And…and…I love you,” she finished unsteadily.

“That is…” Ashton visibly swallowed. “Most gratifying to hear.”

“I love you so m-much I will even follow bloody diplomatic rules and p-protocol.”

He burst out laughing. “Let’s not go too far. I love my pert minx just as she is. We’ll negotiate the protocol.”

“But we do need to get married. With all haste. I want my wedding night,” said Georgiana huskily, caressing his chest. “The one you promised.”

His gray eyes smoldered. “As you wish, Your Highness.”

CHAPTER 18

April 1816

“So, von Hagan. What do you think of my humble townhouse? It’s been adequate for my needs, but not really big enough now this is the true court. I prefer to entertain indoors rather than set up tents and whatnot, but so many wish to be around me.”

Ashton smiled at the Prince Regent. The humble townhouse was Carlton House, a palace in all but name, and George had spent an eye-watering amount of money on renovations over the years; apparently he grew bored with décor very quickly. In fairness, it wasn’t the largest of properties, about two hundred feet long and one hundred and thirty feet deep, but the furnishings—mostly French—were a surprisingly tasteful collection of gilt and velvet, carved doors, intricate wall hangings and priceless artworks. And it was perfectly placed in London, the back sloping down to St. James’s Park, and the front overlooking the south side of Pall Mall.

“Easy to see why, Your Highness. You have an unfailing eye for the finer things in life. We are honored you are hosting the nuptials and wedding feast today.”