The idea, so new and exciting, had her rising. She must speak with him about her discovery, without giving any details, of course. She couldn’t speak of such private matters as written about in the book, and if he already knew of them, then they could definitely have children.
A niggling doubt spoiled her happiness. Would he want to marry if he could gain an heir with her? She set the fan down. She couldn’t bear for him to deny her again. She walked back to the window to close it when her gaze landed on the clock. She was supposed to be meeting her mother in the dining room to discuss the final details of the ball celebrating her betrothal, though not a betrothal ball.
Quickly, she turned on her heel and headed out of the room with a new hope burning brightly in her chest. They were only calling it a celebration among the family, since she’d already been betrothed, married, and widowed, but it would be the first ball she and Marcus attended together. She had been uncomfortable planning the false celebration, but now she would ensure every detail was perfect. She wanted Marcus to be proud of her abilities to entertain as well as ride. If everything went according to her plans, they could be married before the end of the season.
*
Mariel stood nextto her younger sister, Amelia, who practically sparkled in a bright yellow gown. They quietly watched the dancers, her own gaze wandering to where Marcus stood next to his mother, looking very dashing in his black tailcoat, breeches, and white shirt. He’d been quite distant since arriving, which made her nervous.
After her sister informed her that they had spoken about a new marriage settlement, she’d expected him to call on her. But when three days went by, even her mother started looking askance at her. Finally, she’d written him to see if anything was amiss. The polite letter she’d received in return simply stated that his mother had him calling on her friends and he looked forward to her ball.
“You two make an aesthetically pleasing couple.”
Amelia’s sudden remark let her know she’d been caught staring, so she turned her head to address her sister. “Do you think so?”
“I do. You complement each other very well. I didn’t think so before he left for the war, but you have both changed and now you make the perfect pair for a painting.”
Amelia’s views on how people looked together meant much to her. “I hope that means we will have a happy future together.”
Her sister shrugged one shoulder. “Appearance is only that, but sometimes it’s more, and I must say that emerald-green dress makes you shine.”
She looked down at the bright color she wore. It wasn’t her norm, usually preferring a darker green, but when she’d seen the material a fortnight past, she purchased it on impulse. “That does make me feel a bit better. I thought people were just making an excuse to talk to me when they mentioned it, so they could find out more details about my betrothal.”
Amelia laughed, her eyes alight with mischief. “I have no doubt they are using your beauty to get the lateston ditabout you.”
“I thought that might be the motivation, so I kept all details to myself.” She grinned, pleased she’d been completely evasive and proper. Spotting the Earl of Sommerset leaving the room with their father, she gestured that way. “I believe Father has absconded with your husband. You may have to go looking for him when supper is rung.”
Amelia waved her hand as if it were nothing for her husband to be leaving the ballroom. “He already told me he may disappear because father purchased a new book of Grecian statues.”
“Statues? I though your husband collected paintings.”
“Oh, he does, but ever since I created my masterpiece with his help, he’s reading more and more about statues. I certainly hope he neither expects me to take up sculpting nor that he starts purchasing them. Lyonsmere already looks like a perpetual art exhibit.”
That didn’t surprise her since the earl had collected artwork before he met Amelia, and Amelia had been adding her own artwork to the collection. “You never did show us your masterpiece you painted with him.” She had a notion as to possibly why, since he’d had to pose nude for it, but surely Amelia would have added clothes.
A secret smile formed on her sister’s face. “Nor will you ever see it. It is far too personal, but it is magnificent. I would prefer not to have my sisters and mother ogling the painting of my naked husband.”
She widened her eyes. “You left him nude?”
“Of course, that was our bargain.” Amelia looked askance at her. “Have you not seen Marcus without clothes?”
“Of course not. It’s not proper.” She leaned in. “Not everyone gets to view their spouse before marriage. You are very lucky you weren’t caught.”
Amelia looked her in the eye. “Don’t you wonder though?” She moved her gaze to where Marcus stood. “I imagine he is quite well made.”
She sucked in her breath through her teeth.
Amelia raised her hand. “I speak from an aesthetical viewpoint only. I’m sure you will be pleased with his form.” Amelia crinkled her nose. “He must be a sight better than Beaumont.”
Since she hadn’t actually seen her husband naked, she couldn’t comment. But for the last few nights, her dreams had been filled with the sketches in Joanna’s book, only the man in them had Marcus’ face.
“Mariel, did you not see Beaumont nude?” Amelia’s voice rose with her incredulity.
She quickly scanned their immediate vicinity and grabbed her sister’s hand, giving it a tug. “Shh. There are too many people about.”
“Well, I’m glad you never saw the man naked.” Amelia controlled the volume of her voice. “I couldn’t imagine bedding a frog like him.”
Even at the thought of George naked, she shivered. If she’d seen him, would she ever wish to procreate again?
