Wicked And Wild: Spencers in Love Book Two by Abigail Graves

Looking at his thighs didn't help. Wrapped in
buff colored inexpressibles, his muscles flexed as he tapped his booted feet
impatiently.
    “I don't understand why you choose
to call on her and seek her out at parties while I spend a great deal of time
avoiding her.” A moment later, “Really?” Lucien gestured towards the line of
carriages and hackneys in front of them in exasperation.
    “I like her. I think we’re quite
alike.” Lucien laughed and shook his head. “In fact, I plan to be just like her
when I'm her age.” Mirabelle stood and craned her neck. “I think they've got it
just about cleared.” Lucien tugged her arm, pulling her back to the seat
unceremoniously.
    “You should have made me aware of
your plans before I proposed.” He leaned and nudged her affectionately with his
elbow.
    “She's alone, Lucien. Her son is
horrid and never visits. That's all the family she has. Why do you think our
mothers spent so much time with her? I'm sure that there will come a day when
everyone washes their hands of me. I hope that at least one person will make
time to visit.” Mirabelle was watching the scene ahead but could feel he was
staring at her. She turned and raised a brow.
    “You're probably right, you're
almost more trouble than you're worth as it is. Age will only make you worse.” She
could tell he was teasing but she swatted his arm anyways. “I suppose it makes
sense that you start paying your penance in advance.” Just then, traffic
started moving and he sat up. “As I'll have made a vow to keep you in sickness,
I'll have to endure your exile with you.”
    “I was lead to believe that you
would be more romantic than this.” Mirabelle mumbled. Lucien laughed.
    “I can't think of anything more
romantic, my love.” He'd recently adopted the endearment and it made her
tingle. “It's too easy to imagine a life with someone when they're young and
beautiful. It's another thing to imagine them old and surly and still look
forward to the prospect.”
    “Oh!” Put like that, it nearly made
her toes curl. “That's the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me!”
Mirabelle would have thrown her arms around his neck and kissed him until she
was senseless if she could. Instead, she had to fan her eyes and blink rapidly
until she was no longer on the verge of becoming a watering pot.
    Once they were moving again, it was
a short drive to Lady Gasden’s. Mirabelle noted that Lucien grumbled less as he
lifted her down. When the butler led them to Lady Gasden’s personal sitting
room, the old woman’s eyes lit up with joy. Mirabelle caught Lucien's eye and
looked at him pointedly. See. This is why. She thought.
    “What a lovely surprise!” She
gushed as she gestured for them to sit close to her. Mirabelle kissed her
tissue soft cheek and sat on the lounge closest to Lady Gasden's chair. She
looked up as she patted the spot next to her. Lucien sat obediently. “So kind
of you to accompany your lovely fiancée, Your Grace!”
    “It's my pleasure.” He lied as he
reclined and crossed his legs.
    “I'm sure she gave you no choice!”
Lady Gasden cackled as the tea tray was placed before them. Without asking, Mirabelle
started pouring. “I'm glad you came to your senses while I was still around to
see it. You had me quite worried for years, Lucien.” He groaned as he took a
biscuit. “I was sure some other rake would turn her head and steal her out from
under you or you'd compromise some chit and find yourself stuck.” Mirabelle smiled
as she handed her cup to her.
    “I'm surprised you didn't take it
upon yourself to set me straight.” Lucien grinned as he took his cup from
Mirabelle. “Thank you.” He murmured as he took a sip. Mirabelle knew that she
should try and change the topic but she was enjoying herself.
    “I had considered it but I hoped
that you'd eventually see what was as plain as the nose upon your face.” Both
looked at her in surprise. She chuckled and shook her head. “You were