She wished they could have remained in bed all day. But they were at a house party. Even though they were newly wed, it would have been embarrassing not to make an appearance.
And yet her face would turn to fire the moment anyone looked at her. They would all know what had gone on last night, and—
Dear heaven.
Had any of them heard her soft cries? These walls were not particularly thick.
Her cheeks heated at the mere thought.
Fiona’s maid scurried off to order their baths and returned in short order. It was not long before several footmen came in rolling a tub and carrying buckets of heated water. Cherish stood quietly off to the corner, doing her best to keep out of the way. She let out the breath she had been holding once the footmen left her bedchamber and Fiona’s maid shut the door. “Your Grace, is something the matter?”
“No, just a little overwhelmed.”
The maid nodded. “Who wouldn’t be if married to that stunning man? A Silver Duke, no less. But anyone can see how much he cares for you. I’m sure he did not hesitate to show you, either. Quite fit, he is. If you take my meaning, Your Grace.”
Cherish stepped into the now-filled tub, relaxing as she eased into the warm water. “Do you know what Lady Shoreham has in mind for her guests today?” she asked, eager to change the topic because she did not want to discuss her wedding night with anyone, even if it was the best night of her life.
“A ride in the countryside for those who wish it and archery for those who prefer to remain behind. Then a picnic by the folly for all at midday. Then more lawn games for those who wish it or another shopping excursion into town. Of course, tonight will be more music and dancing.”
Cherish encouraged the girl to chatter, anything to deflect the talk from her extraordinary night with Gawain. “Do you have a beau, Molly?”
“Oh, yes, Your Grace. He’s a bit of a lump, but he’s a good fellow. Doesn’t drink too much, nor does he chase the ladies, although he isn’t much to look at, so I doubt he’d have much luck even if he were a bit of a rake. And no one’s ever going to look as good as those Silver Dukes, are they? But my Harry is quite a catch. He has all his hair and most of his teeth, and his family runs a thriving farm.”
Within the hour, Cherish was washed and dressed, but her hair was still damp from its washing. Molly had done up her hair in a soft bun at the nape of her neck. She would undo it and leave it long and loose to dry as soon as most of the guests rode off on their morning trot. There would not be many left behind, since this was an avid horse crowd.
She would enjoy the solitude, perhaps grab a book to read in the sunshine, and then ask Molly to do up her hair again once it had fully dried.
Her stomach went into a mad flutter when Gawain returned to escort her downstairs. He looked big and splendid, and she caught the fresh scent of lather on his skin when he bent to kiss her. It was merely a polite kiss on the cheek, but he had that appealingly naughty grin that had her heart melting and Molly giggling. “You are not dressed for riding,” she said with some surprise, knowing how much he enjoyed his early morning jaunts and was quite disciplined when it came to his routine.
“I’ve asked Fiona’s head groom to take Odin through his paces today. It is only our second day married and I did not want to abandon you, even if only for an hour or two.”
She shook her head. “I am holding you back. You needn’t worry about me. I’ll have plenty to occupy my time while you exercise Odin.”
“Tomorrow, love. I haven’t had nearly enough of you yet.”
Mollyeepedand scurried out of Cherish’s chamber.
Cherish groaned. “My face is going to burst into flames the moment anyone looks at me, especially if you keep that wicked grin on your face.”
He laughed. “I’ll try to look grim and serious, but can you blame me for smiling? It’s all your fault, you know. You are delectable. How about we take a stroll on the beach once the riders head off?”
“That would be lovely.”
They walked downstairs, and Cherish was surprised to see Northam Hall’s butler standing in the entry hall, looking quite perplexed. “Potter, is everything all right? What are you doing here? Oh no! Did my ogre of an uncle sack you?”
“No, it is more that he has abandoned us.” He raked a hand through his hair. “He and your aunt had us pack up all their belongings and the family silver, which struck me as most odd, and then they took off before the crack of dawn for Goswell Hall in the north country.”
“But they hate it in the north. They were most vocal about never setting foot back there again, weren’t they, Potter?” The rambling estate known as Goswell Hall was the seat of the earls of Northam, and much of it was crumbling. Not even her father had had the wherewithal to save this drafty fortification built of ancient stone. The walls around the medieval keep were full of cracks and in danger of falling down.
“Yes, Your Grace. They were quite vocal in their dislike of it.”
“That is truly odd.” Cherish turned to Gawain. “Goswell Hall is the Yorkshire seat of the Northam earls. It is one of several entailed properties. But what would make them sneak off like thieves in the night to a place they have always detested? With the silver, no less. Potter, did my uncle say when they are coming back?”
“No, but I do not think they ever plan to return. When I dared ask Lady Northam, she cursed us all and mutteredgood riddance.”
Gawain’s expression turned dark as thunder.
Cherish looked up at him in surprise. “What does it all mean?”
