Anthony was nonplussed when all Roslynn did was sigh an irritated moan and slap his hand away, refusing to open her eyes. Women didn’t usually sleep in his presence, so he was unaccustomed to dealing with one who wouldn’t wake up. He had suggested a nap to refresh her, not to put her out for the night, for God’s sake.
He tried once more. “Come on, my girl, or have you forgotten what day this is?”
“Mmm?”
“Do wedding bells bring anything to mind? Or ahusband thinking about you slipping into something sheer and sexy for his delectation?”
She yawned, but did manage to sit up, blinking her eyes several times before rubbing the sleep from them in a very childlike way. “I don’t travel with anything likethat.”
He grinned to himself. At least her mind was finally working, even if it was a bit slow in realizing he was only teasing her.
“Not to worry, my dear. I sent for your things this morning.”
That certainly woke her up. “You didn’t! That was a fool thing to do when you didn’t even know yet if I’d marry you or not. Geordie could have been watching and waiting for just that so he could follow and find out where I’ve gone.”
Anthony certainly hoped so. That was just why he’d done it. And with any luck, the man he’d set to follow the “followees” would have an address for him tomorrow. But as to her concern, he chuckled.
“I know it’s not every day that you become a bride, sweetheart, but it’s a bit disconcerting, not to mention a blow to the ego, that you keep forgetting your changed status. You’re married now. The sooner your cousin knows it, the sooner he’ll trouble you no more.”
The smile began hesitantly but blossomed into a dazzling display of delight. “That’s true, isn’t it? I’m so used to hiding from Geordie, I suppose it’ll take me a while to relax now that I don’t have to anymore. It’s done. I’m free.”
“Not quite free, my dear.”
“No, I didn’t mean—”
“I know.” He chucked her under the chin. “Butyou are in fact mine now, and I am discovering, very quickly, what a possessive bore I can be.”
How utterly absurd was that statement, but Roslynn was certain he was joshing her, as was his habit. If and when he ever treated a subject seriously, she would probably perish from the shock.
On a new thought, she asked, “Anthony, why did you insist on returning to London tonight?”
His eyes twinkled with amusement. “Brides are nervous enough on their wedding night. I thought you might be more at ease in a bed you’re already familiar with.”
Blushing, she got out in a whisper, “I asked for that, I suppose.”
“You did.”
“But you mentioned noise?”
“Did I? Think nothing of it. Like as not, we’ll be as quiet as church mice.”
He was teasing her again. She wasn’t sure she liked it tonight. She wasn’t sure she would ever get used to it, his allusions to lovemaking. But tonight…
She yawned, Anthony grinned, and the coach stopped.
“At last,” he said and leaped down without awaiting the coach step. “Come, my dear, and I will endeavor to carry you over the threshold.”
She took his hand and was lifted to the ground. “It isn’t necessary—”
“Allow me to play my part,” he cut in, at the same moment sweeping her off her feet. “After all, they must have invented this quaint custom for a reason. Perhaps so the bride can’t possibly escape?”
“What nonsense.” She chuckled, wrapping an arm about his neck. “More likely it was a few bridesfainting on the threshold so they had to be carried inside that started it.”
“Only a few?” he teased. “I assure you that ignorance of the marriage bed is more widespread than that. Mothers just can’t bring themselves to discuss such things these days, you know. A shame, because it makes it devilish hard on the poor grooms, easing fears and nervousness when they’d rather get right to the deflowering.”
“Anthony!” she cried, though it was difficult not to smile at his wicked grin. “Mustyou say such things?” But she added, to have the last word, “Besides, some brides don’t have mothers to enlighten them.”
“Ah, now we’re getting personal.” He reached the door and pounded on it before giving her a tender look. “But you weren’t frightened, were you, sweetheart?”
