He took a moment to watch Tulip sleeping like an angel in his bed.
The hour was early, and he had another few minutes before he needed to wake her.
“Beautiful,” he whispered, feeling a quiet satisfaction as he studied his wife.
It was like watching a kitten sleep.
Curled body, pink and warm.
An occasional soft purr amid even breaths.
She must have sensed him watching, for she opened her eyes and stared first at the empty spot beside her on the bed.When she turned and looked up, she saw him standing by the foot of the bed and graced him with a glorious smile.“Good morning.Did I oversleep?”
“No, I was up early.”The mattress dipped as he sank onto it to sit beside her.“You looked comfortable and I did not want to disturb you.Did you sleep well?”
“Divinely.”She purred and stretched, then stopped herself upon remembering she had nothing on beneath the covers.
Gasping, she drew the sheet up to cover her chest.
“Here’s your chemise.”He handed over the delicate garment that was too sheer to be of much use.But if it made her feel more comfortable to have it on, then so be it.
It was not going to hide her perfect mounds or the rest of her beautifully shaped body.
Blessed saints.
He wanted her again.
But there wasn’t time.
The memory of last night’s coupling would have to do for now.
“Shall I leave you to your privacy?”he asked, now donning his boots and the rest of his attire.“Mrs.Gayle will arrive soon and I’ll have her come up to assist you.”
“Yes, that would be appreciated.”
He walked downstairs and unlatched the front door, then took a moment to walk down his front steps.
The breeze was pleasantly light and cool since it was not yet seven o’clock in the morning.
The street was mostly quiet save for the vendors rolling their carts into place.
The shops and taverns were closed, but several would open within the hour.
He noticed a milkman’s cart and saw the milkman delivering eggs, butter, and milk to the neighboring houses.
He was about to return indoors when he noticed his carriage coming down the street.Trent, as instructed, had picked up Mrs.Gayle and brought her here at the appointed hour.
He waved to her as she descended the carriage.“Good morning.”
“Good morning, Your Grace.”She wagged her finger at him as she approached.“I see by your grin that you had a good night.”
He chuckled.“My wife is awake and will need some assistance in readying herself for our journey.”
“I’ll attend to her at once,” she said then ran upstairs while he remained standing outside.
It wasn’t long before there was more activity on the street.
Students started heading to classes, a few shopkeepers opened their shops, and the tavern across the street that was brisk with activity last night had opened again this morning, this time providing coffee and tea to their patrons instead of ale.
