James and Eliza watched as George turned and left the house. Moments later, they heard the carriage drive down the cobblestone street, disappearing around a corner. They exhaled with relief, knowing they would never encounter that man again.
James turned to look at Eliza, taking her hands into his. "Are you all right?"
Eliza nodded. "I am now that you are here. If it wasn't for you, I do believe Inspector Crawford would have continued his quest."
James reached up and caressed her cheek. "Well, I am glad I arrived when I did."
Eliza smiled softly. "I am as well."
James. "Are you ready to go to dinner? My mother has a lovely meal prepared for us."
Eliza smiled. "I am looking forward to it your grace."
Exchanging a soft smile, they turned and climbed into the Devonshire carriage. Settling back against the tufted seat, they relaxed as the vehicle drove down the cobblestone Street toward Devonshire Park. At last, they could be together without George coming between them.
James glanced at Eliza, itching to reach out and take her hand. "Are you sure you're all right?"
Eliza smiled softly. "I'm sure your grace."
James exhaled. "All right."
Arriving to the majestic estate a few minutes later, the two of them stepped out of the carriage and walked into the house. After saying hello to Carlton, they entered the dining room sat down across from one another. On the table was a delicious spread of food, ranging from soup to shellfish and a delicious platter of dessert.
Margaret smiled, poking her head into the dining room. "I hope the two of you enjoy this special special dinner. Our cook is known for his shellfish."
Eliza smiled. "Everything looks and smells delicious your grace. Thank you."
James. "Yes, thank you mother."
Margaret smiled before turning and leaving the room.
James and Eliza enjoyed their scrumptious dinner, talking animatedly about their favorite topics of conversation. It was soon discovered that they had quite a lot in common when it came to the arts, music, and literature. The candlelight and glowing chandelier above their heads gave the room a soft and romantic glow.
Eliza smiled once she was finished with her dinner, leaning back against the seat with satisfaction. "That was absolutely divine, I've never had a finer meal."
James smiled, taking a sip from his wine glass. "I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Mr. Baxter is quite the talented chef, and his wife is an equally talented pastry chef."
Eliza. "Well, it was fabulous."
James. "I'm glad. Would you like to take a walk with me out in the gardens?"
Eliza. "I would love to."
They rose from their seats and stepped out into the courtyard. Stepping through a gate, they walked into the garden. Surrounding them on either side was a plethora of flowers consisting of roses, orchids, lilies and tulips.
Eliza. "This is lovely."
James. "Thank you, my mother and sister Rebecca planted most of these flowers."
Eliza. "I see."
They continued walking through the garden for several minutes until they ran out of topics to discuss. Smiling, they turned and walked back toward the courtyard, taking a seat by a glittering water fountain. Without even thinking about it, their fingers became intertwined, and their eyes became locked in a magnetic gaze.
James swallowed hard. He had no idea what was happening, but he knew he was falling madly in love with Eliza Watson. He knew it was much too quick, but he was wanting to court her.
Eliza was feeling the exact same way. She was falling madly in love with Lord James Dalton, the Duke of Devonshire. She was wondering what it would be like to be a private detective and a Duchess.
James took a breath. "Eliza, may I ask you a question? Well, two questions?"
Eliza nodded. "Of course James, you may ask me anything."
James caressed her cheek gently. "My first question is, do I have your permission to court you?"
Eliza felt her heart flutter with excitement. James was wanting to court her and no one else. She smiled. "Yes."
James smiled. "Wonderful."
Eliza. "What is your second question?"
James took a breath. This was it, the moment that would continue or end their relationship. "Do I have your permission to kiss you?"
Eliza gasped, not expecting him to ask that. Her heart started racing like butterfly wings against her chest. Her voice was a soft whisper. "Yes."
Smiling softly, James took her face between his hands, leaned closer, and brushed his lips gently against hers. He felt her arms slide around his neck, and that gave him the courage to move his hands down and around her waist. He brought her against him, kissing her deeply.
Eliza closed her eyes, moaning with pleasure and opening her mouth ever so tentatively. She felt his tongue slip between her lips, caressing her tongue softly. Good Lord, she had never experienced this kind of passion and desire before. She liked it.
James growled quietly, his body on fire as passion and pleasure swept through him. Of course, he had kissed several young women before, but none of them had made him feel the way Eliza was making him feel. He wanted her.
They continued kissing passionately for several minutes, their tongues dancing together in a beautiful and seductive waltz. Fire and lust began consuming them, but they knew they couldn't act on those feelings just yet. They came away, their eyes shining with desire.
James. "I must ask Eliza, do you not mind being involved with a duke?"
Eliza giggled. "Not at all your grace. If you do not mind being involved with a private detective."
James chuckled. "Not at all. I find it very thrilling."
Eliza smiled. "And I find being with you to be quite exhilarating."
They smiled at each other before exchanging another soft kiss. Fingers intertwined, they walked back into Devonshire Park, their hearts filled with happiness.