“My, but I’d enjoy finding out. Wouldn’t you?”
She ignored the rumble of hunger in her belly and pushed Malcolm onto his back. “I long to do wicked things with you, husband. All over this house.”
“How on earth did I get so lucky? If I didn’t know better, I’d think you’d been trained in a brothel,” he said, laughing. “You’re sinfully eager.”
“We’re well-matched, wasn’t that what you once said?” she whispered, pitching forward to nip at his neck.
“Yes, we are. Twin flames, brightly burning.”
“Such a poet,” she teased.
With a playful roar, he tumbled her into the soft eiderdown and covered her neck with kisses. Sensation raced through her at the feel of his lips on her skin, until her blood sang with the wildness of him. She wound a strand of his dark hair around her finger, her eyes roving over his chest and the lean, solid plane of his belly, memorizing every inch of him. How fine he was, and he was hers. Truly hers. “I never imagined I’d be anyone’s wife. Yet here I am, and I couldn’t be more delighted.”
He smiled down at her, his eyes sparking with gold from the firelight. “My long days of loneliness and chastity are forever gone, my heart, and I’ve never been happier.”
Eliza rubbed the sleep from her eyes and reached for Malcolm. He was gone—his side of the bed empty, the covers drawn back. She sat up and stretched, the mild soreness between her legs a reminder of the pleasures from the night before.
She rose and crossed to the high, arched window. The morning sun lit the tops of the trees and warmed her skin as she unlaced her nightgown and shrugged it over her shoulders. She washed herself inthe basin, then went to her armoire to choose a dress from her hastily packed clothes. She’d have to send Turner to fetch her finer garments sometime this week. She hadn’t packed a single dinner gown.
There was a sharp knock on her door.
“Yes, what is it?”
“It’s Turner, m’lady. His lordship is requesting your presence in the morning room.”
“Thank you, Mr.Turner. I’ll be down shortly.”
She shook the wrinkles from her favorite tea gown—a periwinkle-blue frock enhanced with ribbons crossing beneath its bust. She glanced in the mirror over the dressing table and gathered her sex-frazzled hair into a loose braid. There was a rather lascivious gleam in her eye, and her cheeks were flushed more than usual.I’m marriednow. A woman in full.
And soon to be a very rich one.
Eliza glided down the stairs. Just as she’d imagined, the stained glass windows above the landing threw fractured light over her hands as she rested them on the bannister—crimson, violet, and a brilliant blue that reminded her of agate. This was the first time she’d seen her new home in daylight, and it shone as brightly as a kaleidoscope to her eyes. How many hidden delights did it have yet in store? She could hardly wait to explore its seemingly endless warren of rooms. Thoughts of summer socials and lavish galas in the magnificent ballroom made her head spin with giddy anticipation.
Malcolm stood from the breakfast table as she walked into the sun-filled morning room, the windows open to the cheerful sounds of birdsong from the gardens. He was dressed in handsome blue serge, his cravat pierced with the emerald pin he’d worn on the night they’d met.
“Ah, there you are, darling. Did you enjoy your lie-in?” He pressed a dry kiss to her forehead, and Eliza leaned wantonly against him, clasping his hand.
“Yes, although I’d much prefer your company while I’m abed.”
Malcolm pulled away, arching an eyebrow. “I rise each day at six o’clock, on the nose, my dear. Always have done.” He sat, flicking open the newspaper and scanning it.
Eliza took the chair opposite. She poured her tea and flavored it with milk and honey. She sat watching Malcolm for a few moments, studying the way the light played over the angles of his face.Her husband.She could still hardly believe it.
He noticed her staring and gave a tight smile above the leaves of his paper. “I thought we’d take a ride into town this afternoon, see your solicitor to finalize the matter of your estate. Would you have any objections?”
“Not at all. I’d rather have this business with Eastleigh settled as soon as possible.”
Malcolm cleared his throat and turned the page. “Quite ready, myself.”
Eliza smiled over the rim of her teacup. “Perhaps after, we can celebrate by taking our dinner in bed.”
He met her gaze, his dark eyebrows knitting together in a pained expression. “Darling, let’s leave such talk for our chambers, and not where the servants can hear, hmm? You’re a viscountess now. Alady.”
“I couldn’t care less about my silly title. I’m only happy to be your wife.”
“Right. In any case, there are a few matters concerning the house and our marriage we need to discuss.”
“Oh?”
