“I don’t care if we were given the smallest room of the three,” Caroline said. “We only need room for the bed.”
“You are a wanton wife,” Geoffrey said, “and I would strip you now had we time. Being without you last night was torture. But our parents will be waiting in the dining room.”
“I’m sure they are already drinking wine and won’t notice if we’re a little late. In fact, isn’t it expected?”
“I believe you are the wiser of the two of us, Lady Diamond. In fact, you would be expected to change from that pretty gown into something less delicate.”
“Daphne was an angel to loan it to me, but no one saw it under my redingote.”
“I see it now, and you are the loveliest bride I could ever imagine.”
“Thank you. But undress me quickly.”
With the hearth already glowing, warming their small room, Geoffrey removed all her layers until she stood bare before him in the rosy light.
“What is my excuse for appearing downstairs in different clothing?” he asked, shedding his jacket and waistcoat before tearing off his cravat.
She sighed. “No excuse is needed. You are a new husband. And if you don’t touch me this instant, you will have broken your promise to keep me always happy.”
She took the two steps to the bed, which sported a thick mattress, puffy with down. Scrambling onto it, she gave him a delightful view of her rear end.
He stepped out of his trousers, nearly tripping in his haste, and joined her. First a thorough kiss, with dancing tongues and sighs of relief at having made it exactly where they wanted to be.
Then he ran his finger across her nipple which pearled, begging him to kiss it. He complied.
“Are you truly mine to love and pleasure for the rest of our lives?” He could hardly believe it.
“I am. But we must make love hastily at this moment and can do it again more languidly after dinner.”
“As I said before, you are the wiser of the two of us.” He covered her body, settling between her thighs.
In a short while, they reached the pinnacle of their passion together.
As they were dressing, Caroline said, “I half expected my mother to knock on the door and ask what was taking us so long.”
“That would have diminished my ardor considerably,” Geoffrey told her.
“I confess I am more comfortable in a thicker weave. And I am exceedingly grateful we don’t have to go any farther than the dining room tonight. Will you do up the buttons, please?”
“I am already turned into a lady’s maid,” he teased.
“Is it every husband’s dread?”
“Not this husband,” Geoffrey vowed. “I am honored. Glad you didn’t accept either of those young men I saw you with in the autumn, one at the theatre and the other at the park.”
Furrowing her brow, Caroline considered, and then she widened her eyes.
“Oh, sweet husband. I hate to tell you this, but you were jealous of my own brothers.”
Stunned, Geoffrey considered.
“Then I guess I should be glad they didn’t ride to Scotland, too. They might have been less understanding than your parents.”
“Truly. My eldest brother might still wish to punch you in the nose for eloping with me. I suppose they are having Christmas alone this year.”
“They’ll blame me for that, too.”
“Probably.”
