Page 47 of Ella’s Desire

But Leila and Lark were both already laughing and running into the castle, hand in hand, with Hardy dashing behind them. Bronson watched the two go and a sense of lightness filled him. This was the life Lark should have had from the onset. One of wealth and happiness, filled with friendship.

He was glad to finally offer it to her.

Brigid was introduced to the Earl of Werrick and Drake. William, however, had gone missing. Once introductions were done, Brigid was shown to her chamber along with Jane, her remaining servant, to refresh from her journey before supper.

No sooner had Bronson’s stepmother left the room than he felt himself being pulled into a shaded alcove. Ella arched her body against him. “We have unfinished business, my lord.”

“Later, my dove.” He pressed a kiss to her brow. “I must ensure their trunks are delivered properly to their rooms.”

“Rohesia will see to that.” Ella locked her hold on him more tightly. “Touch me.”

Bronson glanced behind him to ensure no one was nearby. Especially not his stepmother or Lark. They would be terribly disappointed to find him in such a compromising position. He shook his head. “Later,” he promised.

Ella gave him a coy smile and slid her leg between his, nudging at his cock with her thigh.

“Ella, cease this at once.” His tone was sharper than intended, but it had the desired result. She released her hold on him. He plucked at the fabric of his doublet to ensure no wrinkles were visible.

“We cannot always go about like this,” he said more gently. “Later, my dove.” He placed a kiss on her smooth cheek and left to see to Lark while Brigid freshened up. Children seldom needed the time to gather themselves after a long journey as their elders did.

Sure enough, he found his half-sister in the hut with Leila as they bundled herbs together to string along the rafters.

“That one is chamomile,” Leila said. “You can use it in teas and many other things.”

Both girls and one wayward hunting dog lifted their heads as he entered the small space. Lark and Leila both smiled and Hardy’s tail began to thump with enthusiasm.

“Lady Leila is showing me how to use herbs for healing.” Lark hurried over to him and held out the small white flowers that were in the bundles Leila had given to them upon their arrival. “These are chamomile. Won’t this be so wonderful to know when we return to Berkley Manor?”

Bronson’s chest went tight with his sister’s excitement to learn about herbs. She was not thinking of this finer life as permanent, but as an opportunity to glean what she could to better her life with her mother at Berkley Manor. It was obvious she was anticipating returning to the life they had led before, once this was over.

“Aye, my little Lark, it will be most helpful.” He rubbed a hand over her head and bent to offer greetings to Hardy. The dog leaned his head back until it was nearly upside down, watching him with soul-deep brown eyes, while his long pink tongue dangled out of the corner of his mouth.

Now Hardy could watch over Lark in addition to Leila, keeping both girls safe.

Bronson straightened. “Thank you for making Lark feel so welcome.”

Leila gave him her shy smile and nodded. “’Tis my pleasure.”

And no doubt it was. Leila’s sisters were all older than her. He imagined having Lark visit was a wonderful opportunity for her to befriend someone her own age.

“Hardy, keep these two out of trouble,” he commanded.

The dog tilted his head in confusion and the girls both laughed.

“We’ll be good,” Leila reassured him.

Certain they would get on well, Bronson left to ensure all preparations for their stay had been handled accordingly. After the hard life that his stepmother and half-sister had lived, he wanted them to have only the best.

For the first time in far too long, his life was going well. Not the kind of well he’d enjoyed with his father where his days were filled with a perception of carefree enjoyment, for now he knew the sacrifices others made for such pleasures. Nay, this was going well in a way that had his family cared for with a beautiful, lusty betrothed.

He needed only handle several more tasks and would meet Ella after supper, and after they’d eaten…

He grinned in anticipation and set about his duties.

Ella had not seen Bronson all day, except in passing. The man ran around as though he were mistress of the house, seeing to preparations for his stepmother and half-sister to ensure that they were comfortable. While it was considerate of him to do so, Ella could not help but miss their many clandestine meetings.

In the time she had been spending with Bronson the prior few days, however, she had been neglecting her sisters. She sought to make that right in her time away from him now. She found Cat in the room they once had all shared together, sitting before the fire with her head bent over Geordie’s missive.

She looked up with a smile. “Did you think of something more to add to your wedding preparations?”