DIANA
Clifton was clearly anxious to be on our way again, so I let him go without another word. I didn’t know how long it would take for the horses to be changed. In the past, whether I’d traveled with my parents or my guardians, there hadn’t been this sense of urgency. We’d always spent the night at an inn, which gave the carriage horses a chance to rest.
Despite my lack of previous experience, it didn’t feel as though enough time had passed when Clifton returned a few minutes later. He settled onto the bench opposite me.
“Are we leaving now?” I asked.
He shook his head. “It shouldn’t take too much longer. The mail coach just arrived, and they take priority. But I spoke to the innkeeper, and he has a private room we can use. I thought you might like to break your fast there instead of having a packed meal in the carriage.”
That did sound nice. I was starting to feel hungry, but I knew from experience that it would pass. It always did when I had to skip meals because Aunt Matilda was upset with me over some transgression.
“Is it safe?”
He nodded. “Fortunately, you thought to bring a cloak with a hood. Just keep it pulled up so we can keep your face hidden until we’re in the room. I doubt anyone would recognize you, but we shouldn’t tempt fate.”
I nodded. “Then a quick meal here does sound nice. Who knows when we’ll have the opportunity to eat again.”
He frowned. “I’m not going to starve you.”
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean that. Just that if we’re in a hurry, you don’t need to worry about spoiling me. I’m perfectly content to eat in the carriage.”
He shook his head. Before I could ask him what he was thinking, he swung out of the carriage and turned to help me down. I pulled up my hood and placed my hand in his. The heat of his touch was comforting. There was a solid confidence in Clifton that had me convinced everything was going to work out, even if Clifton could never love me.
I wasn’t foolish enough to think that would ever happen. But we seemed to get along well enough. And if we became friends, it would be more than most couples of the ton found in their marriages. I shuddered when I thought of the young woman my age who’d recently announced her betrothal to a man old enough to be her grandfather. At least I wouldn’t have to suffer that fate.
I kept my head down, allowing Clifton to lead the way. We entered the inn through the front entrance, and I tried not to cringe at the cacophony of voices spilling from the public rooms. The sun was only just rising. Why was it so busy?
Clifton leaned close. “Everyone who left London earlier is returning. They want to be there when it is decided whether the King will be allowed to divorce the Queen.”
I glanced up at him. Had I spoken aloud, or had he just guessed my thoughts? It was most disconcerting. I nodded and followed him to the private room he’d secured.
I stopped in the doorway when I saw there was a full breakfast set out. I took down my hood and smiled up at him. “Did you tell him there was only two of us?”
He grinned, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “They were preparing the meal for a larger group that will be arriving after us. I might have given the innkeeper some financial incentive to allow us to take their place.”
“Thank you,” I said, feeling an unexpected pang. It had been so long since someone had gone out of their way to do something special for me.
I made my way to the eggs, a sigh of contentment escaping when I saw they were poached. I’d grown accustomed to having toast and tea for breakfast, so the eggs and ham were an indulgent treat. I took a generous helping of both then sat at one of the two places that had been laid out for us.
Amusement filled me when I saw how much food Clifton took. “How are you going to eat all that?”
He raised a shoulder. “I’m larger than you.”
My gaze moved over Clifton’s body, appreciating the truth of his statement. He was indeed well-built. And from the way his tailcoat clung to his shoulders and arms, I knew they weren’t padded.
When I realized what I was doing, I looked away, flushing. He laughed but didn’t say anything that would add to my embarrassment.
I ate quickly, not wanting to add to our current delay. Now was not the time for a leisurely meal with my soon-to-be husband. But I couldn’t stop glancing over at him and wondering what would happen after we wed. If Caroline was to be believed, I would see Clifton in a state of complete undress. Even more unsettling was the thought that he’d want to see me in a similar state.
But perhaps he wouldn’t want that. Caroline had shared a few of the things she and her now-husband did in the bedchamber. To say I was shocked had been an understatement, but she’d insisted it would be best if I knew what to expect when it came to relations with men. She’d also told me that while Kendrick was patient with her, the same wasn’t true of all men. Theirs was a love match, while our union would be practical. Would Clifton even want to do anything beyond what was required to sire an heir?
I cast a sideways glance at him, watching the way he devoured his food. This man was a Legend. Despite the fact he didn’t love me, surely he wouldn’t be interested in just having a quick tumble. He’d want to explore some of the more interesting aspects of lovemaking that Caroline had told me about.
He met my gaze then, and I felt my cheeks heat again.
“What are you thinking about?” he asked.
“Nothing. Nothing at all.”
