“Almost, I think. I have no idea, but I cannot sleep. Are you not too excited to sleep?”
He chuckled as he stretched his fine body and gave her a glimpse of his splendidly rippling muscles while he flexed them. “Big day for us.”
She nodded and smiled.
“You look so pretty by the dawn’s light, Gory.” He sat up and took her hand, raising it to his lips to kiss it before he rolled out of bed and strode toward the window to fully draw aside the curtains and allow the hazy streaks of sunlight in. “The staff will be stirring soon.”
He glanced at his side of the bed and shook his head. “We ought to make up that half of the bed so that–”
“It isn’t necessary, Julius. They’ll never believe you slept anywhere but beside me.”
He shrugged and attempted to make it up anyway.
She helped him, only because she realized this troubled him more than it did her. This was his nature, this need to protect her not only from physical harm but from any disgrace. He did a remarkable job, and she had to admit one would have to look closely to see that his side had been slept in. Of course, a well trained maid would know. One only had to feel the warmth of the sheets.
She was not going to point this out to him.
Instead, she smiled up at him. “Job well done.”
He kissed her lightly on the lips. “I’ll gather my things and get out of here. Syd and Adela are going to come knocking on our door any moment now.”
“But it’s still early.”
He laughed. “Get used to having a family that actually cares about you. I’m sure they have been awake for an hour already, pacing in their rooms while waiting for the sun to peek above the horizon before bursting in here.”
“They wouldn’t dare just walk in, not while you are in here with me.”
“Are you serious? Since when do you or they ever respect proper boundaries?”
She cleared her throat. “We would for something like this.”
He laughed again and planted another kiss on her lips. “Doubtful, but enjoy your morning because those two army generals are going to wage a campaign to pamper you relentlessly.”
“Sounds nice.”
He kissed her yet again, and then gave her neck a light nuzzle, careful not to leave a mark on her skin from the scratchy stubble of his night’s growth of beard. “Enjoy their onslaught.”
Gory smiled as he strode out.
All she needed to do was take a quick bath and wash her hair. Once her hair dried, she would ask Adela’s maid to style it with a little added flair to mark this special day. Nothing too drastic, but perhaps a few flowers in her curls or some glittery clasps.
Julius turned out to be right.
One would think her friends were preparing her for the queen’s visit for all the fuss they made over the simple chore of preparing her for her wedding. A tub was rolled in, much as she expected. Then Syd and Adela poured fragrant oils in it.
Oh, dear.
She hoped Julius would find these fragrances to his liking because they were going to soak into her skin and not be her usual scent at all. They were pleasant enough, tones of vanilla and honey, and left her skin silky smooth. But would Julius be put off because these were something new?
Or was she thinking too hard about this?
After all, her friends had been through their own wedding day and night, so should she not rely on their experience?
“Gown next,” Syd said. “I would have you borrow one of mine but Adela’s are much prettier. Mine are mostly sturdy woolens meant for the colder Scottish weather.”
“I’ll be right back,” Adela said and sprinted out of the bedchamber.
She returned with an armful of gowns and two maids in tow who carried in shoes and undergarments. “These are new and have not yet been worn,” she said, pointing to some silk camisoles and an assortment of chemises. “And these three gowns are new, as well. Take your pick. Or I can bring in more.”
