She nodded. “I’ve decided I want more for my life than balls and parties and being one of the idle rich. Are you surprised?”
“Since I met you, darling, surprise is my perpetual state. So, what is this career you’re embarking on? I hope it’s something you can do while you come along with me?”
“As a matter of fact, it is. I’m going to work for Deverill Publishing as a photographer and writer. I’m going to take pictures of our travels and write essays about them, and Clara’s going to publish them.”
“What a smashing idea.” He planted a kiss on her nose. “I love it.”
“I’m glad.” Her smile faded, her expression becoming serious. “Because I love you, Jonathan, and wherever you are is where I want to be, too.” The words were scarcely out of her mouth before she was laughing. “You look almost as stunned now as when you first walked out and saw me here.”
“I’m not just stunned, Marjorie. I’m awed.” He cupped her face and kissed her mouth. “An hour ago, I was wondering if I’d ruined everything, and now, here you are, making all my dreams come true.” He slid his hands down to take hers. “I love you with all my heart and soul, and I promise on my life that I will never abandon you or leave you behind. And no matter how much we travel, we will always have a home, for ourselves and for our children.”
“At Ainsley Park?”
“If that’s the home you want.”
“It is. I loved that house the moment I saw it, and I’m very much looking forward to making a home for us there. But first...” She paused to slide her arms back up around his neck. “I want a honeymoon. A long honeymoon, so I hope Lord Kayne doesn’t mind if you lengthen your trip a little?”
“I’m sure he’ll be delighted as long as I also secure some additional moorings. But as to getting married, darling, we’re in a bit of a pickle. I don’t think ship captains can legally marry people.”
“They can’t,” she answered at once. “Irene told me so. But she also said that we can get married at Gibraltar, and if we do that, the scandal of our elopement will die down after a while.”
“It seems my efforts to be a responsible guardian have gone completely awry.” He paused, giving a sigh. “To mitigate the scandal, I don’t suppose I could persuade you to remain in your room during this voyage?”
“Not a chance,” she said and kissed him.
