“Hmmmm, it feels wonderful.” Linking her fingers with his, Meredith pulled his hand to her lips. She kissed each finger gently, then pressed his hand against her cheek. “Now, we must not fall asleep. I have many things I need to accomplish this morning.”
“All right. Then let’s start the day.”
Neither one moved. Finally Meredith opened her eyes and glanced up. Trevor was gazing at her with a rapt expression of contentment. She raised her head and brushed a kiss across his lips. “I am famished. I hope you have not spilled my hot chocolate,” she muttered. “For if you have, you will be forced to ring for Rose and ask her to bring another tray.”
Trevor laughed loudly. “It will take me half the day just to find her. We will perish from starvation.”
Meredith rolled carefully to her side, mindful of the tray of food that rested on the table not far from her head. She adjusted her nightgown and robe, resumed a comfortable reclining position on the pillows, folded her hands, and waited expectantly.
Trevor lay sprawled across the rumpled bed, the picture of total relaxation. Meredith moved her foot and gave him a nudge with her toe. He grunted. She nudged him again, this time a bit harder.
“If your frightening growls are going to keep my maid from our room, then you must perform her duties. I am waiting for my breakfast, sir.”
The marquess opened one eye and glared at his wife. She smiled sweetly. With a resigned sigh he shifted his position and sat up. He retrieved the breakfast tray, which was remarkably intact, and placed it across Meredith’s lap.
“Tell me, what is so important that we must leave our bed this morning?” Trevor asked, as Meredith fed him bites of toast.
Meredith took a sip of chocolate and smiled. “Though it is still several weeks away, I want to discuss the holiday preparations with the housekeeper, butler, and cook. Our first Christmas together should be extraordinary. I want this place alive with celebration and good cheer. I have already made a list of things.”
She reached for the paper on her writing desk and read from the list she had been working on. “Roasted goose, plum pudding blazing in ignited brandy with Christmas holly decorations on it, a Yule log, Twelfth Day gifts, the house smelling of fresh evergreens and spiced treats. I also think it would be nice to have a party for the local gentry. We have yet to do any entertaining since we arrived.”
“I am sure the locals understand. After all, we are newlyweds with far more important matters on our minds.” The marquess rubbed his hand over his face. “Are your parents still planning on joining us?”
“Yes. Jasper’s last letter said they should be returning to England within the week. I am very anxious to see them.”
“I look forward to meeting them.”
Meredith’s expression softened. “I know they will soon grow to love you as much as I do.”
Trevor grinned. Then, sobering, he caught Meredith’s eye. “My father will be joining us also. And your brothers. Are you sure the house is big enough for so much family?”
“I think we can squeeze everyone,” Meredith said, a twinkle in her eye. “Hawthorne Manor does have twenty-four bedchambers.”
“Ah, yes I remember. I also remember you can work wonders in each and every one of them.”
“Trevor.” Meredith tried for a scolding tone but was blushing too hard for it to have much effect. Somehow her husband had gotten it into his head that they needed to make love in every bedchamber of the manor. It had taken them nearly two months to reach this infamous goal, and the marquess took great delight in informing her of that achievement—and in whispering that his other two estates had even more bedchambers. Just thinking of it brought color to Meredith’s face.
“I should warn you that my brother Jason is already hinting about staying on past the new year.”
“Why would he want to spend so much time with us?” The marquess picked up a lock of his wife’s golden hair and studied it lazily. “Not that I mind. I find Jason rather amusing. Besides, I need someone to practice my piquet skills on, since I haven’t played a round in months.”
“I certainly do not want to encourage card playing in either of you.”
“We shall play for buttons or some other frippery. And if you are very good, we shall teach you to play. Remember how much you enjoyed horse racing?”
“I will not allow you to corrupt me, sir,” Meredith teased, pulling her hair out of his fingers. “As much as I hate to disillusion you, my dear, I don’t think you are the true reason Jason wants to stay with us. He is very aware Faith’s baby will arrive sometime after the new year. Naturally he assumes I shall visit her once the child is safely delivered, God willing.”
“I had no idea Jason was so fond of Faith.”
“He isn’t.” Meredith shook her head. “Oh, he cares for her, of course, but my dear brother is far more fond of Faith’s younger sister-in-law, and apparently most anxious to see Elizabeth.”
“I applaud his taste in women. Elizabeth seems like a charming young woman.”
“She is a delight, yet I fear that will be a hard road for Jason to travel. According to Jasper, Elizabeth has refused to answer any of Jason’s letters.”
“How strange,” Trevor replied, frowning. “I would think she would be thrilled and grateful to see Jason again. He saved her life.”
Meredith shrugged. “He is also a stark reminder of something Elizabeth wants very much to forget. Faith mentioned in her correspondence last month that Elizabeth still suffers from the occasional nightmare.”
