“When I say you are my heart, I mean it, Celia.” He kissed her temple, nuzzling into her hair. “It cannot beat without you.”

“I know I’ve no need of it, Gabriel, but when might I have a bit of pin money?” Celia asked as Katie finished pulling her hair into a simple updo.

Gabriel grinned while shrugging into his coat. “Right away, little wife. How much do you require?”

Celia’s head tilted at his easy reply. Had she expected more of a fight? She must know he would gladly give her his entire fortune if she but asked for it.

“I’m not sure.” Celia’s brow crinkled as she considered the request she made. “I should have asked Ivy or Sara what is a customary amount. Or even consulted my mother for advice on the subject. I suppose whatever you think is appropriate.”

Striding toward her, Gabriel pulled her up from the vanity table’s chair and kissed her forehead. “Come to my study when you are done here.”

She still looked dismayed, but Gabriel laughed. “We shall figure it out together, Celia. Whatever I have is yours to take. You know that. There’s your dowry fund as well that belongs only to you. The barrister is still setting up the account for your use. Come downstairs when you are ready.”

Half an hour later, Celia stood in his study staring at the wad of pound notes he’d pressed into her hand.

“It’s too much,” she said, trying to hand it back.

“You don’t know that, sugarplum.” He covered her hand with his, closing his fingers so that the money could not be released. “Neither of us has been married before, so your pin money shall be whatever I think necessary.”

Celia pursed her lips. “Is this a monthly thing, then?”

Gabriel laughed, the sound rich and melodious. “Weekly. And should you run out of funds before the end of next week, you must inform me immediately so that I may give you more.”

Celia thought about that for a moment, then the next thing Gabriel knew, she’d launched herself into his arms. She hugged him so fiercely he thought she might be trying to strangle him in gratitude.

“It’s just money, petite femme. And since I’ve more of it than the Devil himself, I won’t miss the little bit I give you.”

“You are too good to me, Gabriel. Thank you.” Her breath was sweet and warm against his neck as she embraced him, then she was turning her head so that their mouths almost touched. “Are you needed anywhere else other than here this morning? Am I delaying you from important business elsewhere or keeping you from seeing important people?”

He wouldn’t bore her with the list of tasks he would undertake today. He’d just received the listing of those servants hired since he’d become marquess, and while others might find it tedious and unnecessary, Gabriel wanted to know the people working for him.