She glanced sideways at him. “Which bedroom has the largest bed?”
He grinned down at her with a warmth that curled her toes. “Both beds are large enough for two.”
She blushed, a bit embarrassed by how much she enjoyed sleeping with Simon after a mere two nights. She loved having his warm, strong body next to her, and she loved falling asleep in his arms.
Since her wedding, she’d acquired a much better understanding of why marriage was so popular. Passion was fleeting and she’d always felt sad and empty when Jean-Louis finished with her and retired to his own rooms. Or to a mistress. She hadn’t wanted to know which.
Marriage based on friendship without the unruly problems of passion was turning out to be as wonderful as Simon had said it would be. Despite his resemblance to Jean-Louis, the two men were so different. Simon saw her as an individual and cared about her. She hadn’t known how precious such caring was because she’d never known it. Now she didn’t want to be without it.
“I’ll wash up quickly,” she said. “Then the stables?”
“As you desire, milady. Join me in our sitting room when you’re ready.” He opened the door to her bedroom with a flourish. “I’m sure you’ll find the room comfortable if a little worn. Think about what changes you’d like to make.”
The bedroom could use some refreshing of draperies and other fabrics, but it was cozy with warm colors and a soft carpet. The four-poster bed was definitely wide enough for two, with room for a cat and a dog as well. She turned and gave Simon a swift hug, saying, “I know we’ll be very comfortable here!”
He gave her a long, warm hug in return. “Till tonight, milady.” Then he left her to explore her new quarters.
She was well pleased with what she found. There was a good-sized dressing room, the chairs and sofa were pleasantly padded when she sat in them, and the windows offered a splendid view of the white horse.
After her brief exploration, it only took a few minutes to freshen up. The sturdy half boots and plain cloak she’d worn in the carriage would do for this visit to the stables.
She opened the door to the sitting room and found Simon standing at the wide windows with his hands linked behind his back as he gazed at the white horse on the opposite side of the narrow valley. She paused in the doorway to admire his wide shoulders and compact strength. Very masculine, and very appealing.
He didn’t turn when she entered the room. “It’s lovely to watch the horse at dawn, Suzanne,” he said pensively. “Especially when there is a little mist and the shape emerges gradually as the sun rises. A shadowy horse turning into light.”
She went to stand beside him, so close their sides touched. “Magical.”
His arm went around her waist. Standing here with Simon, gazing at a green and lovely England, it was easy to imagine this place as her forever home after too many travels. “Time to see some real lovely horses?”
“You have been deprived of riding for far too long,” Simon said with a chuckle. They turned from the window to head downstairs and out the back of the house.
Suzanne took Simon’s hand as they walked the short distance to the stables. “I think holding your hand would be far too forward if we were English,” she murmured, “but if anyone is shocked, we can explain it’s because we’re French.”
“I’m only half French, but we shouldn’t have to explain anything when we’re on our honeymoon,” Simon said, a smile in his voice.
“You’re French enough,” she purred in that language.
His hand tightened over hers before he said, “I’m not sure what we’ll find in the stables. Mostly workhorses, but there should be a couple of good mounts.”
The wide double doors of the stable were open, releasing the familiar scent of hay and horses. As they entered, a wiry man stepped forward to meet them. “Roper!” Simon said, pleasure in his voice. “It’s good to see you again. My wife is looking forward to a good ride in the morning, and so am I. What do you have for us?”
Voice sober but eyes bright, the groom touched the brim of his hat. “Welcome, Madame Duval. Colonel, I believe I’ve found a beast that meets your requirements.”
The stables were clean, the loose boxes were spacious, and the horses had sleek, well-brushed coats. Suzanne sighed happily. As a child, she’d haunted her family’s stables. When she married and became a countess, such boyish behavior was discouraged, and in the harem she was never near a horse. She had much to make up for.
Wordlessly Simon gave her a handful of carrot chunks. She offered one to the massive plow horse that ambled over to investigate her. “Such a handsome fellow,” she crooned as she reached up to scratch behind his ears. He whuffled at her in an interested way, so she offered a chunk of carrot. He lipped the carrot from her open palm, then gave her a friendly head butt that almost knocked her from her feet.
She caught her balance as Simon steadied her. “You haven’t lost your touch with horses,” he observed. “It will be dark soon. Do you want to look at the riding horses before we return to the house?”
“Of course!” She smiled at the head groom. “Your charges are beautifully cared for, Mr. Roper.”
It was hard to tell in the dim light, but he looked as if he was blushing. “We do our best, ma’am. The riding horses are down at this end.”
She and Simon followed him down the aisle between the loose boxes. She caught her breath when they reached the end and she saw an exquisite dapple gray mare. “Oh, she’sbeautiful!” Suzanne breathed.
The mare turned her head and regarded the visitors with dark, gentle eyes. On impulse, Suzanne opened the door and stepped into the loose box despite Simon’s sharp, “Suzanne!”
“She won’t hurt me, will you, my darling girl?” The mare approached and Suzanne offered a chunk of carrot. Daintily the dapple gray accepted a piece of carrot, then another. “What’s her name, Mr. Roper?”
