“I don’t want to wait a single second to be your wife, but I can be patient.” She narrowed her eyes and looked at him in sensual invitation. “Somewhat.”
“I much prefer your impatience, dear almost-wife.” He swept her into his arms again. “Would you mind showing me?”
“Every minute of every day.” She kissed him, and it happened that ten minutes was more than enough.
Still, they managed to fill the entire hour.
Chapter 21
Everything worked out exactly as Roman had planned. He’d obtained the special license the day after becoming betrothed to Ellis, and they’d married the following day at St. George’s in Hanover Square.
It was very different from his first wedding at the St. Marylebone parish church, and that wasn’t because there were more people in attendance, but because of the joy and love filling his heart. He would be forever grateful that Ellis had been driven from her family and found safety and comfort in his employment, in his household, and most importantly, in his arms.
Roman had been particularly happy to have Josiah standing beside him as he took Ellis’s hand in marriage. Ellis was equally thrilled to have her sister Min with her. Indeed, Roman marveled at the bond of friendship not just between the two of them, but within their larger circle.
Now, five days later, they were gathered for dinner at Henlow House, as organized by Lady Shefford. The ladies were all in attendance—eight of them, he realized. Even the Duchess of Wellesbourne had returned to town, though she hadn’t been able to arrive in time for the wedding.
The friends were seated together on one side of the drawing room. Roman walked over to where their husbands had collected on the opposite side. He glanced toward the lot of them—Sheff, Evan Pierce, the Viscount Somerton, the Duke of Wellesbourne, and Baron Droxford. “What are they doing over there? Should we be worried?”
They all laughed, even Droxford, who was generally rather stoic.
“I want to say they’re harmless,” Wellesbourne said. “However, the truth is, if they put their minds to it, they could likely set London, and perhaps all of England, on its axis.”
Somerton coughed. “I think you meant to say the world. Do not underestimate their power.”
“Hear, hear,” Droxford said, lifting his glass of wine. They’d finished dinner, and the gentlemen had only taken port for a short while before joining the ladies in the drawing room.
Aside from the group of friends, they’d also invited family, which included the Duke of Henlow and his love. Ordinarily, it would be scandalous for a nobleman to bring his mistress to an event and expect people to interact with her, however, no one here stood on that kind of nonsense. It was clear that no one in the family or their close circle referred to her or thought of Mrs. Welbeck as simply his mistress. It was also obvious to anyone with eyes that she and the duke were absolutely smitten with one another. This was not a fleeting affair.
The Laceys were there, of course, including Margot and her betrothed, Oliver Pritchard. They would be married after the new year in Marylebone.
Pierce inclined his head toward the ladies. “I’m sure they’re presenting your wife with her copy of the Rogue Rules. It’s a tradition they have when one of them marries.”
Roman had heard about those. In fact, he knew precisely which rule Ellis had broken, though it seemed there were several. “It doesn’t appear those rules have worked out well for them. Haven’t they all broken one or more and are now married to—well, I suppose former—rogues?”
“Former is the key,” Wellesbourne said with a faint smirk. “I think we’d all agree that we’ve been exceptionally fortunate to gain our wives.” He lifted his glass, and everyone followed suit.
After swallowing a sip of port, Roman shot a glance toward the circle of ladies. “Will it be a problem if I go over there and interrupt?”
The men regarded him with a mix of wariness, apprehension, and pity.
Somerton arched his blond brows. “If you dare.”
“Not sure I would,” Droxford said. His had been the expression of pity.
“Wish me luck, then.” Roman started toward that side of the room but was intercepted by Margot.
She gave him a tentative look. “Are you going to speak to the ladies?”
“I had planned to, yes. Do you plan to warn me against doing so as the men did?”
“Oh, no,” Margot said. “I would like to join you. I felt nervous walking over there by myself. It’s a rather intimidating group—a duchess, a countess, a viscountess, a baroness, the daughter of a duke, and your marchioness.”
“You needn’t feel intimidated,” Roman said. “They’re just people, and you know Ellis well enough. They’re all her friends. They will be your friends too, I’m sure.”
“Come.” He walked with her to the group of ladies as Ellis finished unwrapping a package. She smiled at the framed item on her lap.
“I can’t say I’m surprised,” Ellis said. “To receive it, I mean. I’m still rather shocked that I’m in a position to do so. I never imagined I would be married.” She glanced warmly at Roman before shifting her gaze to Pandora. “You’ve outdone yourself. I love all the personal touches.” Pandora had personalized each set of rules for the bride with decorative details along with the text. “Thank you.”
