His Lordship propped against the bedstead and asked, “Are you curious, Louisa?” He opened his arms to her. “Come, give me your hands.”
Louisa left the doorway, crossing over the threshold to meet him in their bedchamber. Lord Granborough took her gloved hands in his and gently peeled the doeskin from her fingers. He brought her hands to his lips, enveloped in his own large palms to warm them. He blew a breath over her knuckles, inhaling deeply and exhaling steadily before he placed her palms against his heart.
She touched his firm chest, exploring down to his ribs, and toward the taut skin of his abdomen. Her eyes fell to the tented fabric of his drawers, but Louisa dared not venture further. Nothing displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art could prepare her forthat!
Her husband must’ve read her mind. He said, softly, “Much more curiosity will have us missing dinner.”
She stepped back, blushing so hard her cheeks ached. Thankfully, he let her go, for she was far too bashful to go to bed with him now.
Louisa escaped into the sitting room to retrieve her jewelry box. “While I fetched my Georgian pearls from the purser’s safe, I booked Mrs. Waldo into a roomier cabin on a quieter corridor—a berth with a window.” She explained her reasoning, “Little Emily might sleep better with fresh air circulating. Even a sea view through a sunny porthole is better than a windowless box.”
“That is an expensive gesture.” His Lordship called from the other room.
It had been costly, but Louisa never let finances stand in the way of getting what she wanted. “I am not one to throw money at problems, but this seemed like the right thing to do. It feels good to help people, even in small ways,” she said. “I also invited her to lunch. Nobody can complain about a crying baby seated with a marchioness.”
She heard the shuffle of wool and starched linen as he dressed for dinner.
“I told you you’d enjoy being Lady Bountiful. Imagine all the good you’ll do in Granborough.”
Little did His Lordship know, Louisa wasn’t going to the countryside without him. She had the funds to support them both in London and Granborough, but if he wished to have her help restoring his estate, he owed her something in return.
She wanted an affectionate, honest relationship. She wanted arealmarriage.
Louisa dressed quickly, donning a powder blue satin evening gown. The dress was embroidered with butterflies and trimmed in cream-colored lace. She looped a long rope of priceless pearls around her throat and tucked the excess length into her bodice.
Lord Granborough met her in the passage. He pushed off from the mahogany paneled walls and took her hand, for they must hurry down to the dining saloon.
They walked as quickly as decorum allowed. With her free fingers, Louisa lifted her hems to keep from tripping. She was grateful for years of dancing lessons that taught her poise and fluidity of motion. Otherwise, she might’ve tumbled down the grand staircase in a tangle of skirts, petticoats, slippers, and pearls.
“Was it worth it?” His Lordship asked. “Did you find the ending of‘Speckled Band’ worthy of being tardy for supper?”
The plot had certainly been gripping. “Have you read the story?”
“Of course. I devoured that issue ofthe Strandwhen it first came out—everyone did.”
She grinned up at him, surprised to learn that her husband was a fan of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. “I don’t know how Holmes does it. I can never guess the denouement!”
“Doesn’t it irk you, always one step behind, never able to suss out the killer? Doctor Watson has my sympathy.”
Louisa laughed. “Yes!”
She adored this new, human side of Lord Granborough. He was a man who cared for others, whotook careof others. He discussed her favorite detective novels without judgment of what a lady should or shouldn’t read.
He kept hold of her hand as they reached the lowest landing. The first-class dining saloon opened up before them, already filled with voyagers settling into their seats. Waiters served champagne and canapés as the dinner bell chimed.
It was time to find their places.
Louisa searched the towering, gilded hall for any familiar face. She spotted the Meyers and de Roubernons at the far end of a long table. Both couples rose to their feet and hailed them.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Giles escorted her toward their party.
“You’re late!” called Mrs. Meyer. “Luckily, we saved you a seat.”
Louisa allowed the woman to press a kiss to her cheek. “That’s kind of you, but I’m sure we could’ve squeezed in somewhere.” She slid onto her chair and glanced down the long table. “Where are the Misses Broome?”
Mrs. Meyer directed their attention to a far corner of the dining saloon, explaining, “The sisters were already seated elsewhere.”
