"Rule a wife and have a wife," he mocked gently. "And I intend to have this wife, madame, for all time."

"And I this husband," Polly replied with a contented smile.

"And we shall count the world well lost for love," Nick promised, sliding his hands beneath the fragrant curtain of her hair to cup her face, drawing it down to his. "For all time, sweet Polly."

"They say, 'Love, 'tis a noble madness,' " Polly whispered, "and I did wed a madman, did I not?"

"For all time," he averred.

"Aye, for all time."