The Revelation is Love Read online

Page 14


  “I’ll not have you laughing at poor Jessie now,” she admonished him. “Not when she has done so much.”

  Immediately his expression sobered.

  “And you will please remember that the sight of my lower limbs is unmentionable in polite society,” she added.

  “The least I can do to thank you, as well as Jessie, for having saved my life is to forget that I have ever seen your lower limbs!” he answered her with solemnity as they rode out of the stable yard.

  “I left Duncan in good hands with Gordon Hall and Mary,” she told him.

  “I felt certain you would not have left him alone. I’m glad to hear he is well cared for and that I can return you to Drumlanrigg now. Then I must arrange for proper supplies for Castle Fitzalan.”

  Celina could hardly bear it that he had said nothing affectionate to her.

  Her heart seemed to be breaking inside her breast.

  “Lady Bruce must have been rather worried about your reputation – ”

  His voice sounded constricted.

  “She knows that I am sensible enough for her not to need to worry about such things,” she replied awkwardly.

  What should she do if he felt that he ought to offer her marriage to save her reputation?

  Even though it was her dearest desire, she could not accept him for such a reason.

  He glanced across at her, but said nothing.

  *

  They left Beaumarche behind, climbing up into the moorland that led over the hills towards Drumlanrigg.

  “Will you hand over the chalice in person? I shall not feel happy until it has been safely bestowed,” Celina remarked after a little, hating the silence between them.

  “Yes, it is far too precious to be entrusted to anyone else, but would you anticipate your relations going back on their word?”

  “No!” she affirmed at once. “The MacLean honour will not allow them to break a solemn word.”

  “I am pleased to hear you say so.”

  Rupert suddenly reined in and Celina swiftly brought Jessie to a halt, wondering why they needed to stop.

  He looked around them and she followed his gaze.

  The sun was shining brightly and the mountains in the distance held a blue haze.

  Far away could be seen the sparkle of a small loch.

  There was a stream running through the moors, its brown water gurgling musically over bright stones.

  High above them a lark sang in the clear air.

  Celina mused that she should be feeling at one with this lovely scene, but inside it seemed as though her life’s blood was slowly seeping away.

  Then Rupert dismounted and came to her side.

  “Mistress Stirling – will you get down – for a while?” he murmured, his words jerky.

  For a few moments they stood in silence while their horses nuzzled each other.

  Rupert drew in a deep breath.

  “This air – it’s like no other I’ve known. So clear, so pure, so life enhancing, so like this wonderful scenery.”

  He turned to look at Celina.

  “Without you, my extremely dear Mistress Stirling, I would not be here to enjoy all of this.”

  She started to protest, but he stopped her at once with a raised hand.

  “No, please let me finish. From the start of my stay in Scotland you have rescued me, supported me and today saved my life again. In return you have had your own life turned upside down and lost your respect for the relations who have loved and raised you. I can never repay the debt I owe you.”

  Celina felt dark depression settle on her.

  He did not love her, but was going to offer marriage to try and repay that debt.

  She knew she could never accept such a proposal.

  He took her hand, folded her slight fingers around his, brought them to his lips and continued,

  “This terrible feud that has just ended threatened to destroy any chance I may have of future happiness – ”

  A shiver ran through Celina.

  “It has prevented me from giving you the trust you deserved and prevented me acknowledging that, right from my first sight of you in that Great Hall, I had fallen in love with the most beautiful girl I have ever seen.”

  She raised her eyes to his, not quite able to believe the words she was hearing.

  His eyes looked deep into hers.

  “A girl who is so much more than beautiful. One who is intelligent, strong, compassionate, honourable – one who lives by the principles I try to follow in my own life.”

  Celina almost smiled.

  He was now saying exactly what she had thought that very morning about him!

  “The fact is that I am so deeply in debt to you, I fear you may not take my words for what they are, that you may think I feel I am honour bound to make you an offer of marriage.

  “Oh, my darling girl, can I make you believe that you are my heart’s delight? That without you by my side life will always be cold and drab?

  “That you have revealed to me beyond my wildest imagination that love can, and does, conquer all now and for evermore.

  “That I do not care if you cannot face dividing a life between Scotland and America.

  “That I will willingly move permanently to Castle Fitzalan if only you will say you will be my wife.”

  The lark was still singing in the sky and now Celina could feel its blissful song filling every vein in her body with such happiness she thought she would die.

  The eyes that looked into hers were filled with so much love she knew without any doubt that he felt exactly as she did.

  “My darling Rupert,” she murmured, pressing the hand that held hers. “If you didn’t love me, if we could not share our life together – and I care not where it be lived – then I would shrivel and wither.

  “I adore you, my Lord Fitzalan, from the top to the very bottom of my soul – ”

  He took her in his arms, drew her close to his breast and kissed her.

  Celina felt glorious sunshine burst around her in an explosion of light.

  It was as though he had taken her up to Heaven.

  She clasped her arms tightly around his neck and felt her body dissolve into his.

 

 

 


    195. Moon Over Eden Read online195. Moon Over EdenParadise Found Read onlineParadise FoundA Victory for Love Read onlineA Victory for LoveLovers in Lisbon Read onlineLovers in LisbonLove Casts Out Fear Read onlineLove Casts Out FearThe Wicked Widow Read onlineThe Wicked WidowThe Angel and the Rake Read onlineThe Angel and the RakeSweet Enchantress Read onlineSweet EnchantressThe Race For Love Read onlineThe Race For LoveBorn of Love Read onlineBorn of LoveMiracle For a Madonna Read onlineMiracle For a MadonnaLove Joins the Clans Read onlineLove Joins the ClansForced to Marry Read onlineForced to MarryLove Strikes a Devil Read onlineLove Strikes a DevilThe Love Light of Apollo Read onlineThe Love Light of ApolloAn Adventure of Love Read onlineAn Adventure of LovePrinces and Princesses: Favourite Royal Romances Read onlinePrinces and Princesses: Favourite Royal RomancesTerror in the Sun Read onlineTerror in the SunThe Fire of Love Read onlineThe Fire of LoveThe Odious Duke Read onlineThe Odious DukeThe Eyes of Love Read onlineThe Eyes of LoveA Nightingale Sang Read onlineA Nightingale SangThe Wonderful Dream Read onlineThe Wonderful DreamThe Island of Love Read onlineThe Island of LoveThe Protection of Love Read onlineThe Protection of LoveBeyond the Stars Read onlineBeyond the StarsOnly a Dream Read onlineOnly a DreamAn Innocent in Russia Read onlineAn Innocent in RussiaThe Duke Comes Home Read onlineThe Duke Comes HomeLove in the Moon Read onlineLove in the MoonLove and the Marquis Read onlineLove and the MarquisLove Me Forever Read onlineLove Me ForeverFlowers For the God of Love Read onlineFlowers For the God of LoveLove and the Cheetah Read onlineLove and the CheetahA Battle for Love Read onlineA Battle for LoveThe Outrageous Lady Read onlineThe Outrageous LadySeek the Stars Read onlineSeek the StarsThe Storms Of Love Read onlineThe Storms Of LoveSaved by love Read onlineSaved by loveThe Power and the Prince Read onlineThe Power and the PrinceThe Irresistible Buck Read onlineThe Irresistible BuckA Dream from the Night Read onlineA Dream from the NightIn the Arms of Love Read onlineIn the Arms of LoveGood or Bad Read onlineGood or BadWinged Victory Read onlineWinged VictoryThis is Love Read onlineThis is LoveMagic From the Heart Read onlineMagic From the HeartThe Lioness and the Lily Read onlineThe Lioness and the LilyThe Sign of Love Read onlineThe Sign of LoveWarned by a Ghost Read onlineWarned by a GhostLove Conquers War Read onlineLove Conquers WarThe Runaway Heart Read onlineThe Runaway HeartThe Hidden Evil Read onlineThe Hidden EvilJust Fate Read onlineJust FateThe Passionate Princess Read onlineThe Passionate PrincessImperial Splendour Read onlineImperial SplendourLucky in Love Read onlineLucky in LoveHaunted Read onlineHauntedFor All Eternity Read onlineFor All EternityThe Passion and the Flower Read onlineThe Passion and the FlowerThe Enchanted Waltz Read onlineThe Enchanted WaltzTemptation of a Teacher Read onlineTemptation of a TeacherRiding In the Sky Read onlineRiding In the SkyMoon Over Eden (Bantam Series No. 37) Read onlineMoon Over Eden (Bantam Series No. 37)Lucifer and the Angel Read onlineLucifer and the AngelLove is Triumphant Read onlineLove is TriumphantThe Magnificent Marquis Read onlineThe Magnificent MarquisA Kiss for the King Read onlineA Kiss for the KingA Duel With Destiny Read onlineA Duel With DestinyBeauty or Brains Read onlineBeauty or BrainsA Shaft of Sunlight Read onlineA Shaft of SunlightThe Gates of Paradise Read onlineThe Gates of ParadiseWomen have Hearts Read onlineWomen have HeartsTwo Hearts in Hungary Read onlineTwo Hearts in HungaryA Kiss from the Heart Read onlineA Kiss from the Heart108. An Archangel Called Ivan Read online108. An Archangel Called Ivan71 Love Comes West Read online71 Love Comes West103. She Wanted Love Read online103. She Wanted LoveLove in the Clouds Read onlineLove in the Clouds104. A Heart Finds Love Read online104. A Heart Finds Love100. A Rose In Jeopardy Read online100. A Rose In JeopardyTheir Search for Real Love Read onlineTheir Search for Real LoveA Very Special Love Read onlineA Very Special LoveA Royal Love Match Read onlineA Royal Love MatchLove Drives In Read onlineLove Drives InIn Love In Lucca Read onlineIn Love In LuccaNever Forget Love Read onlineNever Forget LoveThe Mysterious Maid-Servant Read onlineThe Mysterious Maid-ServantThe Island of Love (Camfield Series No. 15) Read onlineThe Island of Love (Camfield Series No. 15)Call of the Heart Read onlineCall of the HeartLove Under Fire Read onlineLove Under FireThe Pretty Horse-Breakers Read onlineThe Pretty Horse-BreakersThe Shadow of Sin (Bantam Series No. 19) Read onlineThe Shadow of Sin (Bantam Series No. 19)The Devilish Deception Read onlineThe Devilish DeceptionCastle of Love Read onlineCastle of LoveLittle Tongues of Fire Read onlineLittle Tongues of Fire105. an Angel In Hell Read online105. an Angel In HellLearning to Love Read onlineLearning to LoveAn Introduction to the Pink Collection Read onlineAn Introduction to the Pink CollectionGypsy Magic Read onlineGypsy MagicA Princess Prays Read onlineA Princess PraysThe Goddess and the Gaiety Girl Read onlineThe Goddess and the Gaiety GirlLove Is the Reason For Living Read onlineLove Is the Reason For LivingLove Forbidden Read onlineLove ForbiddenThe Importance of Love Read onlineThe Importance of LoveMission to Monte Carlo Read onlineMission to Monte CarloStars in the Sky Read onlineStars in the SkyThe House of Happiness Read onlineThe House of HappinessAn Innocent in Paris Read onlineAn Innocent in ParisRevenge Is Sweet Read onlineRevenge Is SweetRoyalty Defeated by Love Read onlineRoyalty Defeated by LoveLove At Last Read onlineLove At LastSolita and the Spies Read onlineSolita and the Spies73. A Tangled Web Read online73. A Tangled WebRiding to the Moon Read onlineRiding to the MoonAn Unexpected Love Read onlineAn Unexpected LoveSay Yes Samantha Read onlineSay Yes SamanthaAn Angel Runs Away Read onlineAn Angel Runs AwayThey Found their Way to Heaven Read onlineThey Found their Way to HeavenThe Richness of Love Read onlineThe Richness of LoveLove in the Highlands Read onlineLove in the HighlandsLove In the East Read onlineLove In the EastThey Touched Heaven Read onlineThey Touched HeavenCrowned by Music Read onlineCrowned by MusicThe Mountain of Love Read onlineThe Mountain of LoveThe Heart of love Read onlineThe Heart of loveThe Healing Hand Read onlineThe Healing HandThe Ship of Love Read onlineThe Ship of LoveLove, Lords, and Lady-Birds Read onlineLove, Lords, and Lady-BirdsIt Is Love Read onlineIt Is LoveIn Search of Love Read onlineIn Search of LoveThe Trail to Love Read onlineThe Trail to LoveLove and Apollo Read onlineLove and ApolloTo Heaven With Love Read onlineTo Heaven With LoveNever Laugh at Love Read onlineNever Laugh at LoveThe Punishment of a Vixen Read onlineThe Punishment of a VixenLove and the Loathsome Leopard Read onlineLove and the Loathsome LeopardThe Revelation is Love Read onlineThe Revelation is LoveDouble the Love Read onlineDouble the LoveSaved By A Saint Read onlineSaved By A SaintA Paradise On Earth Read onlineA Paradise On EarthLucky Logan Finds Love Read onlineLucky Logan Finds Love65 A Heart Is Stolen Read online65 A Heart Is StolenThey Sought love Read onlineThey Sought loveThe Husband Hunters Read onlineThe Husband Hunters160 Love Finds the Duke at Last Read online160 Love Finds the Duke at LastKiss the Moonlight Read onlineKiss the MoonlightThe King Without a Heart Read onlineThe King Without a HeartThe Duke & the Preachers Daughter Read onlineThe Duke & the Preachers DaughterThe Golden Cage Read onlineThe Golden CageThe Love Trap Read onlineThe Love TrapWho Can Deny Love Read onlineWho Can Deny LoveA Very Unusual Wife Read onlineA Very Unusual WifeA Teacher of Love Read onlineA Teacher of LoveSearch For a Wife Read onlineSearch For a WifeFire in the Blood Read onlineFire in the BloodSeeking Love Read onlineSeeking LoveThe Keys of Love Read onlineThe Keys of LoveA Change of Hearts Read onlineA Change of HeartsLove in the Ruins Read onlineLove in the Ruins68 The Magic of Love Read online68 The Magic of LoveSecret Harbor Read onlineSecret HarborA Lucky Star Read onlineA Lucky StarPray For Love Read onlinePray For Love21 The Mysterious Maid-Servant (The Eternal Collection) Read online21 The Mysterious Maid-Servant (The Eternal Collection)Alone In Paris Read onlineAlone In ParisPunished with Love Read onlinePunished with LoveJoined by Love Read onlineJoined by LoveA Shooting Star Read onlineA Shooting StarAs Eagles Fly Read onlineAs Eagles FlyThe Wings of Ecstacy Read onlineThe Wings of EcstacyThe Chieftain Without a Heart Read onlineThe Chieftain Without a HeartHiding from Love Read onlineHiding from LoveA Royal Rebuke Read onlineA Royal RebukeThe Scots Never Forget Read onlineThe Scots Never ForgetA Flight To Heaven Read onlineA Flight To HeavenWhite Lilac Read onlineWhite LilacA Heart of Stone Read onlineA Heart of StoneCrowned with Love Read onlineCrowned with LoveFragrant Flower Read onlineFragrant FlowerA Prisioner in Paris Read onlineA Prisioner in ParisA Perfect Way to Heaven Read onlineA Perfect Way to HeavenDiona and a Dalmatian Read onlineDiona and a Dalmatian69 Love Leaves at Midnight Read online69 Love Leaves at MidnightFascination in France Read onlineFascination in FranceBride to a Brigand Read onlineBride to a BrigandBride to the King Read onlineBride to the KingA Heart in Heaven Read onlineA Heart in HeavenLove, Lies and Marriage Read onlineLove, Lies and MarriageA Miracle of Love Read onlineA Miracle of LoveBewitched (Bantam Series No. 16) Read onlineBewitched (Bantam Series No. 16)The White Witch Read onlineThe White WitchA Golden Lie Read onlineA Golden LieThe Poor Governess Read onlineThe Poor GovernessThe Ruthless Rake Read onlineThe Ruthless RakeHide and Seek for Love Read onlineHide and Seek for LoveLovers in London Read onlineLovers in LondonRuled by Love Read onlineRuled by LoveMine for Ever Read onlineMine for EverTheirs to Eternity Read onlineTheirs to EternityThe Blue Eyed Witch Read onlineThe Blue Eyed Witch203. Love Wins Read online203. Love WinsThe Cross of Love Read onlineThe Cross of LoveThe Ghost Who Fell in Love Read onlineThe Ghost Who Fell in LoveLove and Lucia Read onlineLove and Lucia66 The Love Pirate Read online66 The Love PirateThe Marquis Who Hated Women (Bantam Series No. 62) Read onlineThe Marquis Who Hated Women (Bantam Series No. 62)The Tree of Love Read onlineThe Tree of LoveA Night of Gaiety Read onlineA Night of GaietyDanger in the Desert Read onlineDanger in the DesertThe Devil in Love (Bantam Series No. 24) Read onlineThe Devil in Love (Bantam Series No. 24)Money or Love Read onlineMoney or LoveA Steeplechase For Love Read onlineA Steeplechase For LoveIn Hiding Read onlineIn HidingSword to the Heart (Bantam Series No. 13) Read onlineSword to the Heart (Bantam Series No. 13)74. Love Lifts The Curse Read online74. Love Lifts The CurseThe Proud Princess Read onlineThe Proud Princess72. The Impetuous Duchess Read online72. The Impetuous DuchessThe Waters of Love Read onlineThe Waters of LoveThis Way to Heaven Read onlineThis Way to HeavenThe Goddess Of Love Read onlineThe Goddess Of LoveGift Of the Gods Read onlineGift Of the Gods60 The Duchess Disappeared Read online60 The Duchess DisappearedA Dangerous Disguise Read onlineA Dangerous DisguiseLove at the Tower Read onlineLove at the TowerThe Star of Love Read onlineThe Star of LoveSignpost To Love Read onlineSignpost To LoveSecret Love Read onlineSecret LoveRevenge of the Heart Read onlineRevenge of the HeartLove Rescues Rosanna Read onlineLove Rescues RosannaFollow Your Heart Read onlineFollow Your HeartA Revolution Of Love Read onlineA Revolution Of LoveThe Dare-Devil Duke Read onlineThe Dare-Devil DukeA Heaven on Earth Read onlineA Heaven on EarthRivals for Love Read onlineRivals for LoveThe Glittering Lights (Bantam Series No. 12) Read onlineThe Glittering Lights (Bantam Series No. 12)70 A Witch's Spell Read online70 A Witch's SpellThe Queen Wins Read onlineThe Queen WinsLove Finds the Way Read onlineLove Finds the WayWish for Love Read onlineWish for LoveThe Temptation of Torilla Read onlineThe Temptation of TorillaThe Devil Defeated Read onlineThe Devil DefeatedThe Dream and the Glory Read onlineThe Dream and the GloryJourney to love Read onlineJourney to loveToo Precious to Lose Read onlineToo Precious to LoseKiss from a Stranger Read onlineKiss from a StrangerA Duke in Danger Read onlineA Duke in DangerLove Wins In Berlin Read onlineLove Wins In BerlinThe Wild Cry of Love Read onlineThe Wild Cry of LoveA Battle of Brains Read onlineA Battle of BrainsA Castle of Dreams Read onlineA Castle of DreamsThe Unwanted Wedding Read onlineThe Unwanted Wedding64 The Castle Made for Love Read online64 The Castle Made for Love202. Love in the Dark Read online202. Love in the DarkLove Is Dangerous Read onlineLove Is Dangerous107. Soft, Sweet & Gentle Read online107. Soft, Sweet & GentleA Kiss In the Desert Read onlineA Kiss In the DesertA Virgin Bride Read onlineA Virgin BrideThe Disgraceful Duke Read onlineThe Disgraceful DukeLook Listen and Love Read onlineLook Listen and LoveA Hazard of Hearts Read onlineA Hazard of Hearts104. the Glittering Lights Read online104. the Glittering LightsA Marriage Made In Heaven Read onlineA Marriage Made In HeavenRescued by Love Read onlineRescued by LoveLove Came From Heaven Read onlineLove Came From HeavenJourney to Happiness Read onlineJourney to Happiness106. Love's Dream in Peril Read online106. Love's Dream in PerilThe Castle of Love Read onlineThe Castle of LoveTouching the Stars Read onlineTouching the Stars169. A Cheiftain finds Love (The Eternal Collection) Read online169. A Cheiftain finds Love (The Eternal Collection)171. The Marquis Wins (The Eternal Collection) Read online171. The Marquis Wins (The Eternal Collection)Sailing to Love Read onlineSailing to LoveThe Unbreakable Spell Read onlineThe Unbreakable SpellThe Cruel Count (Bantam Series No. 28) Read onlineThe Cruel Count (Bantam Series No. 28)The Secret of the Glen Read onlineThe Secret of the GlenDanger to the Duke Read onlineDanger to the DukeThe Peril and the Prince Read onlineThe Peril and the PrinceThe Duke Is Deceived Read onlineThe Duke Is DeceivedA Road to Romance Read onlineA Road to RomanceA King In Love Read onlineA King In LoveLove and the Clans Read onlineLove and the ClansLove and the Gods Read onlineLove and the GodsThe Incredible Honeymoon (Bantam Series No. 46) Read onlineThe Incredible Honeymoon (Bantam Series No. 46)Pure and Untouched Read onlinePure and UntouchedWanted a Royal Wife Read onlineWanted a Royal WifeThe Castle Read onlineThe Castle63 Ola and the Sea Wolf Read online63 Ola and the Sea WolfCount the Stars Read onlineCount the StarsThe Winning Post Is Love Read onlineThe Winning Post Is LoveDancing on a Rainbow Read onlineDancing on a RainbowLove by the Lake Read onlineLove by the LakeFrom Hell to Heaven Read onlineFrom Hell to HeavenThe Triumph of Love Read onlineThe Triumph of Love