Snaking his arm around her waist, he drew her near. “Not until after we return from our wedding trip.”
They were spending the night here. Tomorrow they would leave for Calais.
He lowered his mouth to hers, and she was glad he’d passed his hat and gloves off to Jenkins, so her fingers had the freedom to muss his hair without running into any obstacles. While she’d been imagining them settled comfortably into one of the various seating nooks in this room and reading in the evening, she’d also begun considering how lovely it would be to make love among the books. On the desk, on the various settees, standing against a shelf, her fingers caressing leather spines while he caused wild sensations to riot through her.
Dragging his mouth along her throat, he growled low. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself. I’m going to peel off your clothes layer by layer—”
“Oh yes.” Her words released on a moan seemed to incite him further.
“I’m going to lick every inch of your skin.”
“And I yours.”
“Every inch?”
“Every inch.”
With a tortured-sounding groan, he pressed his forehead to hers. “I wonder if we have time to go upstairs before breakfast.”
Family and close friends would soon be arriving for the wedding breakfast. That list had been small. They couldn’t prevent anyone and everyone from attending the church ceremony, but Fancy had wanted what followed to be more intimate, so her mum would be comfortable in the surroundings. “Will you be able to put me back together, so I don’t look as though I’ve been ravished?”
“Absolutely not. Besides, where’s the harm in being ravished on your wedding day?”
“We could just do it here. Save us some time.”
“I do hope you’re not considering what I think you’re considering,” a sharp voice stated succinctly from the doorway.
With a grunt, without taking his arm from around her, creating the image of a united front, Matthew turned to face his sister. “Sylvie.”
“Your guests are arriving. You should be in the foyer to greet them.” Quickly, she crossed over and gave Fancy a glancing kiss over her cheek. “You look lovely, m’dear. It was obvious to all sitting in that church that you’ve made Matthew exceedingly happy. With my help, you’ll soon be embraced and loved by all.”
“I’m happy enough that you’ve accepted me. As for the others—”
“Posh. You shall have it all. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to dash off and make sure all is ready for the breakfast.” She’d taken charge of arranging it.
After she’d disappeared into the hallway, Fancy said, “I like your sister.”
“She likes you.” He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow. “I suppose we’d best greet the others.”
Rising up on her toes, she kissed the underside of his jaw. “Mmm. But later, you’re going to be all mine.”
The breakfast had gone on for what seemed hours. Everyone offering their wishes, enjoying a scrumptious assortment of food, visiting, laughing. Matthew had taken Fancy and her mum on a tour of the house. Halfway through, her mum had started to cry.
“I’d always dreamed of you living in a posh house, but caw, not this posh. It’s more than I could have ever dreamed for you.”
How could she explain to her mum that the house meant little to her? It was the man who made her heart sing, the man who was important. Having Matthew was all that truly mattered.
“You can come live with us,” Fancy told her.
“Ah, no, ducky. This place isn’t for me.”
“But you will come visit.”
“Yes, love.”
She’d extracted the same promise from each of her siblings as they look their leave with their families and friends. Until finally, it was only she and Matthew who remained in Rosemont House.
Now as she stood in her bedchamber, she thought she shouldn’t be so nervous. After all, it was Matthew who had led her in here and closed the door. It was simply the thought of so many dreams realized. Not only hers. But her family’s as well.
