Chapter Twenty-Seven
Lord Oliver, Duke of Hayesford
“How are you feeling this morning, Grandmama?” I asked, leaning back in the chair in the breakfast room. The servants had laid out brunch for the guests, and per usual, Grandmama had come down earlier than the event was planned for. Her color was ashen in the early morning sunlight, the age spots on her cheeks more pronounced.
She leaned in as if she were imparting some great mystery. “I am relieved you are married.”
“As am I.” All my fears had been for naught, and I was the happiest of men.
“I’m also delighted to have all of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren home. I miss having them around, even though they give me a headache with their incessant chatter,” she said, patting the back of my hand. All of my sisters had married, and it was only Grandmama and me in the house for the last three years. Hortense was recently widowed, but there had been no love lost between her and her elderly husband, a baron who married her for her fortune.
“They do love to chat.” Worry for her warred with my own sense of self-satisfaction. I had successfully bedded my wife and my lover, and I was eager to do so again.
“Amelia isn’t one for useless chatter,” she said, sipping at her tea.
“No, she’s very sensible.” After Noah had returned to his room, I carried Amelia to her bed. She’d been sound asleep when I’d checked on her before I joined my grandmother, leaving the rose to show I had been there. The beginning of the night could have potentially been a tragedy. Her revelation and my own had changed that.
Two cocker spaniels barreled into the breakfast room, followed by Lord and Lady Brimley and my middle and youngest sisters.
“Oh bother,” Grandmama mumbled under her breath. She disliked Lady Ellen but still collaborated with the countess to arrange my marriage to Amelia. A trace of resentment flowed through me at their meddling. If left to my own devices, I still would have chosen Amelia. She was everything I longed for in a friend and wife. My other urges had plagued me, but she seemed to understand. I should have known she would and felt guilty for not having more faith in her.
“Good morning, your graces,” Brimley greeted, a forever jovial smile lightening his face.
“Good morning.” I looked past the couple for Amelia until I realized she had no reason to be with her parents. Not anymore. If not for the guests, I might make an excuse to leave and sneak up to her room. We were newlyweds, after all. The thought of being alone with her was both exhilarating and guilt-inducing. I had every right to be with my wife without Noah, but after our romp, I wasn’t sure how it would play out. We were both new to the physical aspect of each other. As much as I desired Amelia, I ached for Noah, which added to my confusion. What he had done to my body still enthralled me; much more was yet to come. “I hope you slept well.”
“Yes, yes, the country air is bracing,” Brimley said. The earl was a very pleasant fellow where Lady Ellen annoyed me to noend. He’d shown me kindness and had even offered me some much-needed advice when it came to my estates.
Lady Ellen offered a smile that looked more like a grimace. “Amelia sends her apologies that she’s not down yet.”
“No need to apologize, she had a very eventful day yesterday.” And last night. I glanced down to hide my pleased grin. Despite our rocky beginning, things had progressed to a heightened crescendo. Noah had led the way, and I aspired to learn how to please Amelia as he had. I wasn’t the competitive sort, but I was determined to be an apt pupil. In return, I wanted him to do to me what he’d graciously allowed me to do to him. The notion of him buggering me sent blood flooding into my cock.
One of the cocker spaniels barked, triggering the other. Noah entered with Hortense, who looked rather pleased by his escort. My sister was in the market for a husband, and Noah was an eligible widower. She might not be so enthusiastic if she knew the truth about his desire to remain unwed.
He helped her into a seat next to Grandmama before returning to my side. She stared after him, none too pleased to have lost his company so quickly. I waved him over, turning my back to my family to give us a modicum of solitude. Having a house full of people had a way of stripping a man of his privacy.
“Good morning,” I said, my gaze drifting over his face before settling on his mouth.
Noah lifted one strong brow before turning his back to the room. He offered me a slow wink. His dark hair was ruffled, and his cheeks held a healthy glow. I had been informed by one of the servants that he’d taken the boys outside to play. One day, I hoped to have my own children running around the estate like I had done. His lips appeared fuller, and I licked my own. They were puffy from kissing my two lovers. If we were alone, I’d kiss him once more.
“A fine morning it is, especially after such a memorable night,” he said.
“Indeed, I agree wholeheartedly. I can only hope tonight will be equally as unforgettable,” I said in a low whisper, confident my sister’s conversation would shield our own.
“Tonight?” His smile dimmed a touch, and he angled his head, studying me for a long moment. “Are you certain you wish for me to be present? What you feared never came to pass, and you didn’t seem to have any issues on that score.”
“What you say is true. However, there is the little matter of your promise to me, and I wouldn’t feel right doing it behind Amelia’s back. Therefore, I insist.” Ever since realizing my proclivities, I had yearned to experience what other men of my bent enjoyed. What disturbed me and added to my ongoing shame was the fact that while I enjoyed my coupling with Amelia, the act itself hadn’t fired my blood as much as the sight of Noah naked.
“Amelia might have something to say on the matter,” he said, one hand on his hip, opening his coat to reveal a tweed waistcoat that accentuated his flat belly.
“Somehow, I don’t think she’ll be averse to the idea. As a matter of fact, my wife is here.” I waved a hand, and she turned to head in my direction. Sensual lips parted, and the heat in her gaze was palpable. The burgundy gown hugged her curves, the lace at her bodice revealing a hint of cleavage.
Lady Ellen glanced up from her place near Brimley, her lips pinched. Amelia stiffened and turned her back on her mother. Lady Ellen was displeased about something. Usually it had to do with Amelia. The sooner the woman left my house, the better. We had three more days to entertain, then our families would return to their own homes, and we would start our lives together. With Noah.
“Oliver, Noah.” Amelia met my regard, her usual cheerful manner subdued by the slight. Lady Ellen had sapped her enthusiasm, and it was up to me to get it back. She’d certainly been in good spirits when I put her in bed. Of course, she might have changed her mind about our arrangement in the cold light of day. “I am sorry I am so late.”
