“I find the fact that you read me so easily on just the second day of our reacquaintance quite disturbing.” She ran her thumb along his jawline, enjoying the way the barely emerged stubble caused her glove to drag. The satin would be irreparably roughened, but she didn’t care. “I do not recall your being so astute when Maman tested us on our lessons.”
“Shall I share something with you that I am sure you will find most amusing?”
She slid her hands downward and rested them on his chest, enjoying that he made no move to release her from his embrace. “Please do.”
“Your mother intimidated the bloody hell out of me.”
If not for the solemness of his expression, she would accuse him of mocking her. But the look in his eyes gave testament to his every word.
“Maman always instructed us with the greatest patience. How could you find her intimidating?”
“Her reputation preceded her. Not only that, but she always seemed to know what we were thinking.”
“She still does.” Sophie couldn’t agree more on that particular talent of her mother’s.
“Might I have another kiss now, my lady?” he asked. “While your mother is a most interesting topic of conversation, I would rather we concentrate on each other.”
Sophie’s heart beat faster, making it quite difficult to breathe. “I do enjoy your kisses. They are the best I have ever had.”
“You have kissed another?” His muscular arms tightened around her, flexing in the most delightfully possessive way.
She was tempted to lie to tease him but thought better of it. “Yours are the onlyrealkisses I have ever experienced. So, of course, they are the best because I have nothing with which to compare them.” Unable to keep from smiling at his reaction, she continued, “If I didn’t know any better, my fine cob, I would say you were momentarily jealous.”
“I want to be your first,” he said, all levity gone. “In everything.”
“I see.” She leaned in, breathing him in as she pressed her cheek to his. “I only know what I have read,” she whisperedagainst his ear. “But do not tell Maman I found her books. She would not be pleased.”
This time, he was the one who drew back. He lifted both his brows. “Books?”
“Some would consider Maman’s collection quite scandalous. Well, most would, actually.” Sophie felt the heat of another furious blush rising. One that promised to turn her entire body red and make her wish she had not broached the subject. She patted his chest. “Manuals, you might say. In fact, I believe that is what Maman called them when she caught me with them once.”
“Manuals about…?”
“Well, what do you think they were about?” she whispered without really knowing why, since it was just the two of them in the carriage.
His slow smile made her flush even hotter. Merciful heavens, she would surely burst into flames soon. She cleared her throat and struggled to assume a level of sternness. “And what isthatsmile supposed to insinuate?”
“It insinuates I am looking forward to learning about your studies.”
Chapter Six
Well before theyreached Rydleshire House, Nash yearned to take Sophie right there in the carriage. But he forced himself to behave. This would be his lovely swan’s first time. Christening their life together by taking her on the narrow bench of the coach would be immensely selfish. He had never struggled with restraint so much in his life, but he refused to put his wants above her needs. Especially since the infernal past still crouched between them like a snarling dog. He fully intended to tame that beast and convince it to be on its merry way, never to return again.
“Lady Sophie and I are very weary and wish to rest until time for our guests to arrive,” he informed the butler and housekeeper before the front door fully closed behind them. “Lady Rydleshire will be along as soon as Her Majesty allows it. All of us are quite certain you have everything under control. Please see that Lady Sophie and I are not disturbed.”
Thornton and his wife exchanged knowing glances. Nash detected the faintest of smiles from the two, but they quickly recovered their composure.
“Rest assured that we shall see to everything, Sir Nash.” Mrs. Thornton curtsied before hurrying away.
“Indeed, we shall,” her husband reiterated, then bowed and followed her down the hallway.
“Is there a modicum of subtlety anywhere within you?” Sophie asked him, her embarrassment palpable.
He loved the way her crimson blush made her decolletage even more tantalizing. He pulled her close and nibbled kisses along the silkiness of her shoulder. “We have limited time before the party. I intend to make the most of it, and standing in the hallway chatting with servants is not the way to do that.” He wrapped his left arm around her waist, took her right hand in his, and swept her up the stairs as though they were dancing. At the top, he halted. “I never thought to ask if our things had been moved into the master’s chambers.”
“Since the master has not yet officiallydied,” she said with an air of annoyance that almost made him laugh, “I suppose mine will have to do.” Her fiery red blush deepened. “Marie will help me out of my gown, and then I shall ask her to leave us. You may wait in my sitting room.”
“No, my swan.” He escorted her into her suite of rooms. “You shall excuse Marie until it is time to dress for supper. I shall help you out of your gown, your stays and petticoats, and any other article of clothing that happens to come between us. I hunger to undress you one layer at a time.”
