Soldier of Fortune: The King's Courtesan (Rakes and Rogues of the Retoration Book 2) by Judith James

in a month from now, where the thing will consummated at last.”
    Elizabeth shifted position, laying her head against his chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart. “I have been so blissfully happy this past year, Will. If that’s what he wants of us, is there some way we can refuse?”
    “I’ve no great desire to return to court, love. The country air agrees with me and I have all I need right here.” He smiled as her stroked her hair. “I can make some excuse or another. Charlie rarely maintains a grudge. It’s too much work.”
    “He’s been very gracious under the circumstances. Sending us little Charlie when he heard we were married, and leaving us in peace though you were supposedly banished to France.”
    “We were amongst his favorite entertainments. I wonder how he knew that we were to marry.”
    “I wrote him, of course. How could I not? Instead of coming after you he let me keep you. You give him too little credit. He is fond of you. I believe your words hurt him.”
    He grunted. “Make no mistake, love. There’s no man on earth truly offended by having his tarse favorably compared to a scepter, particularly in public. And as I recall, you were quite taken with him, and he was very fond of you.”
    “He is a charming man. I enjoyed his company. But I’d much rather stay right here at home.”
    Since William’s banishment from court for the scandalous poem he had left nailed to the palace gates, Elizabeth had never been happier. They lived in their own charmed world here in Kent, along with their little family of retainers. Samuel ruled the grounds and was busy planning a new orchard and everyone, including his wife Mary, practiced excuses to escape him when he began talking about his shrubs. Thomas had learned his sums, been promoted to steward and had married his Jeanine who was expecting a child to the delight of them all. When Marjory and Mary weren’t sewing baby clothes they lorded over the weekly market from their justly famous baked goods stall. And as for William…she turned into his touch with a happy sigh.
    William’s writing was prolific and had never been better even though the demons he’d claimed as muse appeared in full retreat. They had cleared and redecorated the house from top to bottom and he slept well every night. Their home had become a joyous place where dark memories held no sway. He still had his cravings, but Elizabeth shared them too, and they delighted in indulging one another day or night, in every private bower, in woodland or meadow, garden or house. But what would happen to him back in London, the place that had been Lord River’s home?
    “Are you certain you want to miss a royal wedding, love? The pageantry, the masques, the balls and festivities, will be like nothing you’ve ever seen before. It might be politic to go, and at least tolerably entertaining.”
    Intrigued despite herself, she still had to ask. “Are you bored here, William?”
    “What? No, Lizzy my love.” He smoothed back her hair and kissed her brow. “I’ve never been happier. Something I never thought I’d say about living in Kent. Besides, I fear if we do go, he’ll not want us to leave. We shall write him and thank him and send a nice gift. A fine mare for his breeding stock. And if he presses the thing, one or the other of us shall fall deathly ill.”
    “Do what you think best, William. You know him better than I. But shouldn’t we hear the message before crafting a reply?”
    “Saucy chit!” He snatched her stockings from where they lay discarded on the ground and set off across the meadow with them flung over his shoulder, trailing behind him like a scarf.
    “William de Veres, you give those back!” Barefoot, Elizabeth chased after him.
     
    ~
     
    Charles had indeed recalled them to court to attend his impending wedding. It was both command and invitation. The haughty messenger in his royal livery was accustomed to fawning and deference. He was not accustomed to