Reid let her move him around until he was situated correctly. He did not speak as if he was afraid sound would break the moment and she would force him to leave. Cupping her hands in the warm water, she slowly began to poor it over his head, wetting his hair. When it was thoroughly drenched, she leaned across him to grab the soap, conscious of the way her breasts pressed against his chest with the action. She felt him take in a surprised breath, but he remained quiet.
Pulling back slowly, Elise poured the soap into her hands and massaged it into his scalp. He closed his eyes again and melted into the chair at her ministrations. Knowing he needed to let go of his tension, she made her fingers stiff and took her time working through his soft strands, hoping to wash away some of his worries. Finally easing up, she rinsed the soap out with a gentle cascade of water.
“All done,” she said softly, hovering over his relaxed form. Opening his eyes, Reid looked at her before sitting up by small degrees. Elise blotted some of the excess moisture from his hair, but kept it damp before pulling on his arm so he would stand.
“Thank you,” he said while watching her move the chair to the middle of the floor. “It’s been a long time since anyone’s shown me such care.”
Elise smiled and gestured for him to sit. As she began to comb through his hair, she became lost in the methodical nature of her job. Reid sat still and let her work, but she was incredibly aware of his close presence. Finally satisfied with the result, she reluctantly stepped back.
“I think that will do,” Elise said, handing him a mirror. Reid looked over her handiwork and smiled.
“Thank you. How ever did you learn how to do this?”
“I used to cut my mother’s hair when she was ill, and my father’s valet gave me instruction,” she said with a shrug.
“Well, you learned well,” he said. “I suppose I need to hire a valet for myself now. I always cared for myself when I lived in town.”
“Yes, sadly appearances do matter in theton,and you can’t escape that now,” Elise agreed.
Reid stood and handed her the towel from his shoulders before putting his clothing to rights. Observing him felt intimate, so she averted her eyes, feeling like the moment between them had passed now that she was finished with her task.
“Thank you again, I should head back,” he said. Elise looked up at him as he made his farewell and walked toward the door.
“I’ll give you an answer tomorrow,” she said. Though as foolish as it may be, Elise knew she would agree.
CHAPTER19
Reid was relieved beyond belief the next day when he read Elise’s note, affirming she would act as hostess for the week. She would be an immense support, allowing him to focus on the best way to combat the restrictions the Tories were intent on imposing and not worry about meals or fresh linens. He could certainly use less stress in his life, and Reid thought back to the events of yesterday afternoon with a smile.
Elise had surprised him when she offered to cut his hair, but not willing to pass on an opportunity to spend more time with her it had been easy to agree. While he had appreciated the pampering she had provided, he was staggered by how intimate the experience had been. Her fingers felt like magic as they had worked his scalp, but it was her closeness as she leaned over that unraveled him. He had to restrain himself from reaching out and gathering her into him. It would have been easy enough to pull her into his lap and indulge in another kiss, but the last thing he wanted to do was scare her off. He left feeling the contradictory sensations of being incredibly relaxed and frustrated.
More than anything, Reid wanted to talk with Elise about how they could still have a future together, but he decided to wait until after her stay at Cliff House before broaching the topic. While genuinely needing her assistance with his mother away, he also had other motives for inviting her to host rather than just asking Fitz or Henry if either Moira or Grace would like to accompany them and fulfill the role. Reid also wanted to see how life at the house and around his friends fit Elise. He desired to spend more time with her, and in turn for her to become more comfortable around him. In addition, he was curious to know what his friends would make of her and get their advice on moving things forward toward a relationship with her.
* * *
On Friday morning, Elise and Evie arrived at Cliff House bright and early so they could assess the room preparations before Reid’s friends arrived. Reid was impressed with her efficiency, as she sent multiple directives with instructions up to the house in the days prior. He saw the maids give several of the guest rooms an additional cleaning and airing, and the butcher and grocery carts had made an extra appearance that week as they delivered the additional items Elise had ordered. He had a feeling they would be in good hands and breathed a sigh of relief.
Reid noticed that Elise had set up a room for herself and Evie on the opposite side of the house from his own, though the one she had previously stayed in previously was more comfortable. He knew she was concerned about the appearance of propriety, so he understood the move, but he wanted her closer.
Henry, the Duke of Carrington, was the first to arrive. Reid was happy to see his friend for the first time since he visited Henry’s home after his surprise wedding over the summer. He met the carriage as it pulled up in front of the house and gave Henry a bear hug as he descended. “It’s good to see you, old friend,” he said while slapping the man on the back. He had known Henry for several years, having served together on the continent before he became a duke. They became good friends over time and supported each other after their release from formal service after Waterloo. Though Henry had not been injured as severely as Reid, the powers that be decided his quick mind would be of better use in the war office.
“How is Grace?” Reid inquired, curious to see how the two were settling into married life now that each had overcome their insecurities and realized they loved one another.
“She’s doing well now that she and Aunt Hester each have their own spaces and are not constantly butting heads,” Henry answered with a chuckle. “Trust me to bring two strong-willed women into my life and not expect it to upset things. But honestly, I’ve never been happier. I never expected to love someone so much, but now I can’t imagine my life without her.” Reid was beginning to understand that feeling, and he hoped to secure the happy ending Henry had found.
It wasn’t half an hour before Fitz, the Earl of Geffen, arrived with their mutual friend Sidney soon after. Reid had come to know Fitz over the past four years once leaving service as he was one of Henry’s best friends from their school days. He was connected to Sidney through the other men but had a relationship with him independently also as Sidney was a fellow MP in the House of Commons.
Entering Cliff House after a round of raucous greetings, they were welcomed by Elise who showed them to their respective rooms for the duration of their stay. Reid headed to the drawing room he planned to use as their war room while he waited for his friend’s to settle in. Since his study was too small to comfortably accommodate all four men for any length of time, he had decided on this room as the main space for meeting as it opened to the back patio and overlooked the gardens. He was thrilled, though not surprised, to see that Elise had arranged for refreshments to be ready alongside desks fitted with reams of paper and writing implements. She thought of everything, and he was once again impressed beyond words by the competence of the woman who he desired more than ever.
“Whew, who is that beautiful woman you’ve found?” Sidney asked, entering the drawing room. Reid shook his head at Sidney’s question, knowing he should have expected it. Within the four friends, Sidney was the most brash and likely to be the one to cause mischief, while Reid had always been the most passionate. Henry was the gentle soul, and Fitz was the steady organizer. The four of them complimented one another and fit well together, and he was grateful to have their friendship and support.
“Why don’t we wait until everyone is here for me to answer so I won’t have to repeat myself,” Reid said with a laugh.
“True,” Sidney said, nodding. “I can guarantee they’ll have the same question.”
Fitz and Henry entered the room a moment later, and before the door was even closed, Fitz asked, “Who do you have playing hostess? That’s one lovely lady you’ve been hiding.”
Sidney laughed as the other men looked around the room. Henry smiled when he saw the baked goods and lemonade and made his way over to the sideboard, beginning to load a plate.
