Eleven
Hada mortal ever been this happy?
Dariusglanced down at his wife of two days. Stunning in an emerald-green gown with a shimmering overskirt that changed colors when she moved, she fairly took his breath away.
Mama’slady’s maid had tamed Araminta’s curls into an elaborate coiffure from which three artfully placed peacock feathers perched. A wedding present from his parents, an emerald pendant nestled between her breasts, and matching teardrop earrings hung from her dainty earlobes.
Severalladies had exclaimed in awe over her elaborately embroidered white elbow-length gloves and asked where she had acquired them. However, Araminta’s days of embroidering for a commission were over. In the future, she could use her talent because she wanted to, not because she had to.
Thestrains from the string quartet his mother had arranged drifted into the bookstore from the coffeehouse as guests waited for the next author to read an excerpt. Many more patrons stood around the perimeter, and there wasn’t an unoccupied spot anywhere in the store.
“I’d say your grand opening is a rousing success.” Having already shared from one of his travel books, Leonidas had removed his mask. He slapped Darius’s shoulder. “Congratulations, little brother.”
ToDarius’s surprise, Layton had arrived in Woodhaven in time for the wedding. He’d sold his commission in HisMajesty’sArmy and, for the first time since his youth, was free to come and go as he pleased.
Laytonwinked at Araminta. “All set, LadyWestbrook?”
Dariuslooked between them, then glanced at Cassius, who had never looked smugger.
Leonidashad a cunning gleam in his eyes too.
Whatwent on here?
“Yes, I am, Layton.” Araminta inhaled a slightly unsteady breath, then laid her hand on Darius’s arm. “Do you trust me?”
Withhis life. “Always and forever, my love.”
“Have a seat by Papa, please,” she said. “He may need moral support in a few minutes.”
Moral support?
“Where will you be?” Darius brushed her shoulder with his fingertips. Married just two days, he couldn’t get enough of touching her.
“It’s a surprise.” She fairly sparkled with suppressed excitement.
AsLayton and Leonidas led her away, Darius joined his father-in-law.
Giventhe late hour, Araminta’s sisters hadn’t attended. It came as no slight surprise that ReverendWeldon had come. Araminta said her father wasn’t inclined to participate in social events outside church.
Apuzzled frown wrinkled the reverend’s forehead as Darius settled into a chair beside him.
Grandmamasat on the reverend’s other side, chatting happily with OpalMulbury.
“Where is Araminta?” his father-in-law asked.
“She and my brothers had something they had to do,” Darius said.
Oncue, the orchestra music faded away, and the Duke and Duchess of Latham stood together to announce the next author.
Hisparents exchanged a glance, their eyes glowing with suppressed eagerness.
Dideveryone in his family know something he didn’t?
“The program does not list our next guest author because we wanted to keep it as a surprise.” The duke caught Darius’s eye and grinned. Actually grinned. “Tonight, we have the privilege of welcoming MadamQuillheart.”
Acollective gasp echoed around the crowded room.
Darius’smother, whose smile could have lit the entire street, continued the introduction once the audience had calmed down. “MadamQuillheart has authored four romance novels, and she plans to publish her fifth early next year. Please join us in welcoming Woodhaven’s very own MadamQuillheart.”
Allheads turned in expectation toward the coffeehouse from whence the other authors had entered.
Thewall clock rang out, announcing midnight was upon them.
Araminta, flanked by Cassius and Leonidas, stood at the entrance.
Guestsand patrons craned their necks for a glimpse of MadamQuillheart.
Leonidasgave Araminta an encouraging smile before Cassius murmured something and passed her a book.
Itfinally hit Darius then.
Whyhadn’t he seen it before?
Hiswife. His beloved, beautiful, brilliant Araminta was MadamQuillheart.
Amurmur began and rose in volume as she glided toward the podium, the epitome of grace and confidence.
“I knew it!” Grandmama cried. Gifted with the second sight, Darius’s grandmother likely had known Araminta’s secret. Beaming, she gave Araminta an exuberant smile. “A girl after my own heart.”
Unlikethe other authors, Araminta wore no black domino over her face, but this unmasking was even more potent because of who she was.
“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” She roved those incredible green eyes over those assembled. “I am MadamQuillheart. Please permit me to read a selection from MissWimple’sMarvelousAdventures.”
Dariuscast a worried glance toward the reverend, who appeared remarkably composed despite the shocking revelation.
ReverendWeldon angled his head, a half-smile arching his mouth. “I knew, you know. Her mother told me on her deathbed.”
“Well, I didn’t, and I’m her husband.” Darius couldn’t decide if he was more miffed than ecstatic. He focused on his lovely wife, as she finished reading her excerpt.
“Hermione gazed into Palmer’s brilliant blue eyes. Without a doubt, she’d fallen, hopelessly, head-over-heels in love with the roguishexplorer, CaptainPalmerWhitaker.
“‘Are you ready for your next adventure, MissHermioneWimple?’” He gave her a devilishly charming grin as he lifted her hand to his mouth and grazed his hot mouth over her bare knuckles.
“Nodding, Hermione wrapped her arms around his strong neck. “‘Oh, I think being your wife will be my grandest adventure yet.’
“THEEND.”
Aramintafinished to resounding applause.
Smilingto himself, Darius made his way to her, having to elbow through a throng of admirers and well-wishers.
Nowonder she’d been so keen on him stocking MadamQuillheart’s books.
Whenhe reached her side, she gave him an uncertain glance. Before he could tell her how proud he was of her, she said, “I wanted to surprise you.”
“Surprise me, you did.” He chuckled. “I presume you had to confide in my rascally brothers to pull it off.”
“I did.” She looked so contrite that he couldn’t begrudge her secrecy. “And your parents too. It was past time I revealed who MadamQuillheart was. I am proud of the romances I write.”
Aflash of defiance sparked in her eyes.
“As well you should be.” Darius maneuvered her away from the crowd. “I didn’t know I’d married a famous author.”
“You didn’t. You married me, a woman who loves you beyond words.”
Dariusleaned wickedly near to whisper in her ear. “MadamQuillheart? Should we undertake vital research for your next novel?”
Shewidened her eyes in artificial shock.
“Good sir. Are you suggesting something scandalous? In public, no less?”
“Oh, I am, my love. I am.”
Andin front of his family, her father, Woodhaven’s elite, and everyone else who had packed into Westbrook’sBook CoffeeEmporium, Darius swept her into his arms and kissed her like a man long-starved.
“I’ll bet she writes that into her next novel.” Cassius laughed, and the rest of the guests joined in his merriment.
Aramintaopened her eyes and, leaning back in his arms, gave him a saucy wink. “Oh, I definitely shall.”