Chapter 326: Chapter Three Hundred And Twenty Six
A Week Later...
The morning air was crisp, cool, and clear. The bright sun shone warmly over the vast, open green fields located just behind the Hamilton estate. The tall grass swayed gently in the light wind.
Rowan stood firmly in the center of the open field. He wore a simple hunting coat and brown leather boots. His broad shoulders were pulled back. He held a rifle securely in his hands. His eyes were entirely focused on the empty sky ahead of him.
He took a slow, deep breath. He raised the rifle, resting the smooth wooden stock firmly against his right shoulder.
"Pull!" Rowan shouted loudly. His deep voice carried clearly across the open field.
A few yards away, a waiting footman quickly pulled a tight lever. A small, round clay target flew rapidly into the sky.
Rowan tracked the fast-moving target with his eyes. He did not hesitate. He pulled the metal trigger.
A loud, sharp crack echoed through the quiet morning air. A small puff of white smoke erupted from the end of the rifle. High up in the sky, the clay target shattered into a dozen tiny pieces, raining down harmlessly onto the green grass.
Rowan lowered his rifle slowly. He let out a soft, steady sigh. It was an excellent shot, but his mind was slightly distracted today. He was waiting for important news.
He heard the soft, familiar crunch of footsteps walking on the dry grass behind him.
Mr. Simmons walked up to the Duke. The older man stopped a respectful distance away and bowed deeply.
"Your Grace," Mr. Simmons said, his voice calm and proper.
Rowan turned his head. He looked at his butler. He handed the warm rifle to the waiting footman, who quickly stepped away to clean the weapon. Rowan crossed his arms over his chest.
"Yes, Simmons?" Rowan asked, raising an eyebrow.
Mr. Simmons stepped just a tiny bit closer. He kept his voice low and private. A very rare, small smile touched the corners of the butlerโs mouth.
"I just received word from the property agents, Your Grace," Mr. Simmons spoke smoothly. "Everything is ready. The deep cleaning, the fresh painting, and the renovation are all entirely finished. The new furniture has been delivered and arranged."
Rowan felt a sudden rush of joy fill his chest.
"You and Her Grace can move in now," Mr. Simmons finished his report.
Rowan smiled. It was a wide happy smile. He had spent the entire week waiting for this exact moment. He had wanted the country cottage to be absolutely perfect for his wife, a quiet private sanctuary where they could truly begin their marriage away from the loud noises of London.
"That is great news, Simmons," Rowan replied, his voice filled with eager excitement. "Start making all the necessary preparations for us to leave tomorrow morning. Pack the traveling trunks quietly. Prepare the best carriage, and ensure the horses are rested."
Mr. Simmons nodded his head respectfully, already planning the busy tasks in his mind.
"Should I let Her Grace know about the packing, Your Grace?" Mr. Simmons asked politely.
Rowan quickly held up his large hand, stopping the butler immediately.
"No," Rowan instructed firmly. A mischievous, loving twinkle appeared in his eyes. "Keep it a secret. I will tell her myself."
Mr. Simmons bowed very deeply. "As you wish, Your Grace."
The butler turned around smoothly and walked back toward the grand house to begin his duties.
As Mr. Simmons left the grassy field, another figure appeared, walking down the stone path from the garden.
It was Delaney.
She looked absolutely beautiful. She was wearing a simple day dress made of light brown wool, perfect for walking in the country air. Her dark curls were tied back neatly with a green silk ribbon. The cool morning wind had painted a lovely, bright pink flush across her soft cheeks.
She lifted the edges of her skirts slightly to keep them away from the damp grass as she walked purposefully toward him.
Rowan felt his heart skip a beat, exactly as it did every single time he looked at her. He turned his body toward her, waiting for her to reach him.
Delaney walked right up to him. She did not bother with a formal, proper curtsy.
She stepped directly into his personal space. She reached her hands up, resting them gently on the lapels of his green hunting coat. She lifted her chin, went up slightly on her toes, and kissed him warmly on the lips.
Rowan immediately wrapped his arms securely around her narrow waist. He pulled her flush against his solid body and kissed her back deeply, forgetting about the footman standing a few yards away.
After a long wonderful moment, Delaney pulled back. She rested her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes. She offered a small, slightly scolding pout.
"I have been looking for you everywhere," Delaney complained softly, her sweet voice wasplayful. "I checked the study, the library, and the drawing room. You were nowhere to be found."
Rowan smiled softly, looking down at her beautiful face. He gently brushed a stray curl away from her cheek.
"You should have told me you were coming out here to shoot," Delaney continued, gently tapping his chest with her finger. "I would have loved to join you in the fresh air. You know I do not like being left alone in that massive house."
Rowan let out a low chuckle. He kept his arms firmly around her waist, completely enjoying her closeness.
"I am sorry, my love," Rowan apologized smoothly, though his eyes were sparkling brightly. "I came out here early to clear my mind. But, as it turns out, I have a surprise for you."
Delaneyโs eyes widened instantly. Her playful pout completely vanished, replaced by curiosity.
"Really?" Delaney asked eagerly. She stepped just a tiny bit closer, resting her chin near his collarbone. "What is it?"
Rowan looked at her eager face. He loved how easily excited she became. He decided he wanted to play a small game with her before he gave her the wonderful news.
Rowan tilted his head slightly. He gave her a slow challenging smirk.
"Well," Rowan began, his deep voice dropping into a slow, teasing drawl. "If you can beat me, and shoot more targets than me, I will tell you the surprise."
Delaney blinked in surprise. She looked at the rifles resting on the wooden table nearby. She looked back at her highly confident husband.
"And if I lose?" Delaney asked slowly, narrowing her hazel eyes at him.
Rowan leaned his head down. He lowered his face until his lips were hovering just an inch above her ear.
"If you lose," Rowan whispered softly, his warm breath tickling her sensitive skin. "You will owe me a very special favor tonight."
Delaney felt a sudden heat rush down her spine. The intimate promise in his low voice made her heart hammer wildly against her ribs. She knew exactly what kind of โfavorโ the Duke would demand.
Delaney stepped back from his chest. She lifted her chin proudly. A competitive fire ignited in her eyes.
"Deal," Delaney replied firmly, offering him a confident smile.
