He leaned forward and captured her wrist. Watching her, he brought her hand to his mouth and sucked at one finger, his tongue swirling to clean off every trace of honey.
It wasn’t night, but her body didn’t seem to care. He moved on to the next finger, watching her, a smile deepening in his eyes. He knew what he was doing to her, and he, too, didn’t care that it was still light outside. He drew her to her feet, still sucking at her finger, then drew it deeper and out. Kitty felt as if she were melting, deep, deep inside.
Here?
Why not? The floor was carpeted....
At the sound of voices he moved apart.
After the briefest knock, Worseley came in. “A message, sir. Courier.”
Outwardly cool again, Braydon took the letter, broke the heavy seal, and read. “How very inconvenient,” he said. “I apologize, my dear, but I have to leave for London immediately.”
Kitty could have wailed a protest, but she could seethe issue was serious. “Of course. Is something terribly the matter?”
“Nothing that need concern you.” She thought he’d leave on that curt sentence, but he came over and kissed her hand. “It’s a comfort that I can leave Beauchamp Abbey in your excellent care.”
With that, he was gone.
Kitty took out the diamond pin, feeling tragically noble. This was why he’d married her, but they’d been married for only a day, and she ached with desire. She put away the jewels and locked the box, but she didn’t know where the safe was. She put it in Worseley’s charge.
Should she supervise her husband’s packing? She’d packed for Marcus before their annual visit to Cateril Manor, but Braydon and his valet could manage such things. She was fighting tears, which was ridiculous, but then suddenly it wasn’t.
She hurried upstairs and found him in his bedroom, instructing his valet about what to pack in one small trunk.
“A word with you, my lord.”
His look was impatient, but he came with her into her bedroom and closed the door.
“I need to come with you.”
His lips tightened. “I dislike being blunt, Kitty, but your being here to take care of the Abbey was a key point of our negotiations, was it not?”
Kitty almost apologized and left, but she couldn’t. “Yes, and I’ll keep my part of the bargain, but not now. Consider—we’ve spent one night together. One! If you leave now, what will people think?”
“That I have urgent business?” But he grimaced in exasperation. “You’re right, of course. Some will see disappointment or rejection. I’ll be traveling without consideration for comfort.”
“I’ll survive. I’ll have to ask Henry whether she wants to come.”
He nodded and returned to his room. Kitty tugged the bell. By the time Henry arrived, Kitty had already laid shifts, drawers, and stockings on the bed, despite Sillikin running around, trying to understand what was happening. Perhaps the dog hoped they were returning to the parsonage.
She quickly explained to Henry. “What should I take for a few days in Town?”
“Something for all eventualities,” Henry said. “I’ll make the selection.”
“Will you come?”
Kitty had meant to phrase it more generally, giving the older woman more option to refuse, but she wanted Henry with her. London she knew. Town was foreign territory and probably hostile.
“Of course, dear. I’m no delicate flower, and you’ll need me.”
While Henry packed, Kitty invaded the dowager’s parlor again. She found Isabella there, seated at a distance from the roaring fire, looking resentful. When Kitty informed the dowager that she and Braydon were going up to Town for a few days, the girl’s sulky lips tightened. Kitty truly meant to do something for Isabella, and for a moment thought of taking her with them, but heaven knew what the summons involved. It would be folly.
“How will Beauchamp survive without you both?” the dowager asked with a smirk.
Kitty kept her composure. “The servants seem well trained, and I’m sure you will advise them as necessary, ma’am. I don’t expect to be gone long.” That pinched her face. Kitty added, “We will certainly return by Christmas. There will be festive traditions to follow.”
“Yokels,” said the dowager.
