A Pledge of Passion (The Rules of Engagement) by Victoria Vane Page A

self-respect. No, his sense of honor dictated that he win her only by honorable means. With no title or lands, his pride, reputation, and self-respect were all he had. Whatever the outcome tomorrow, he vowed to find some means of claiming her for his own. He knew with a certitude that ran bone deep that his only hope of true happiness depended on it.
     
    ***
     
    "I cannot believe you have really done it, Lyddie!" Mariah exclaimed the moment they entered the privacy of the bedchamber. "You told me you would never have him!"
    "Because I believed him too arrogant and conceited ever to seek my forgiveness, but I was wrong. Marcus is truly and genuinely contrite, and I have truly and genuinely forgiven him."
    "Just like that?" Mariah snapped.
    "Hardly. We were confined together for many hours in the carriage. At first, I wanted nothing to do with him, but then something changed." Lydia sighed dreamily. " Everything has changed."
    "You are truly happy?" Mariah asked.
    "Yes." Lydia smiled. "Blissfully, euphorically, rapturously happy."
    "I am incredulous. When you departed London, you were hardly speaking to him."
    "Sometimes, dear cousin, words only get in the way." Lydia tossed herself onto the bed with a giggle. "Marcus will expect me to be ready for him. Can you help me to undress, or shall I ring for Sally?"
    "Of course I can help you," Mariah said. "Are you not nervous, Lyddie?" she asked, desperate to know more of what had transpired but afraid to ask directly.
    "Anxious mayhap, but not the least bit nervous," Lydia replied with a knowing smile stretching her lips.
    Suddenly, Mariah understood Lydia's breathless exuberance and radiant visage. Had she not also experienced a similar giddy glow when she'd returned from her garden tryst with Nicolas? "Lyddie," she began tentatively, "are you saying that you and he have already . . ."
    Lydia giggled again. "I have given myself away, haven't I? Yes, Mariah, we are united in every sense of the word. And it is the most heavenly experience imaginable."
    "So you have achieved your dream of a love match after all?"
    "Yes. I love Marcus and he adores me, and we will be blissfully happy the rest of our days. I was a fool ever to consider anything else." Lydia sat up and clasped Mariah's hand. And now that I know the difference, I beg that you also will never settle for any man you cannot fully give your heart to."

 
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
     
     
    "Pains of love be sweeter far than all other pleasures are."- John Dryden
     
     
     
    AS WAS HER HABIT, Mariah awoke to the teasing first rays of the sun. She'd always been an early riser and relished the first hours of the morning. One of her few remaining pleasures since her father's illness was a brisk morning walk.
    She rose and began her own toilet, choosing to spare the duchess's overworked staff. They already had their hands full with all of the guests to attend. It was her custom at home anyway. She rarely called a maid to assist her unless it was a formal occasion. After performing quick ablutions with cold water, she donned front-lacing stays, a simple linen walking gown, and half boots. She eschewed hoops, dressing purely for comfort, figuring she was unlikely to encounter anyone but servants at this hour. She then pinned her plaited hair into a neat bun that she topped with a lace cap and straw bonnet.
    She exited her room with a buoyant step, pausing briefly as she passed by Lydia's chamber. Then she remembered that Lydia was not in her room, but with Lord Marcus. She wondered how her cousin fared this morning. She had seemed ecstatic the night before, and Mariah was happy for her. Lydia's exuberance gave her hope that she could also experience the full joys of marriage with a man that she could both respect and love. Nick's loyalty to Marcus and dedication to his duty had already won her respect, but it was his sense of honor she most admired. Perhaps he didn't bear a noble title, but he had proven he possessed a noble heart,