“You see, my love, everyone thinks that’s where we’re going. To Somerset. I thought it’d be easier if the prince and others thought we were on the coast. Only a few know of my estate in Gloucestershire as I recently purchased it.”
“Is this where we’re going to live when we’re not in town?” Harriet inquired.
“Yes, I thought it perfect for us. The moment I saw it, I knew it was ours.”
Leaning over to kiss her, Lucien was unexpectedly surprised when his wife playfully bit his lower lip. She giggled at her boldness. He tried again, and this time she melted into his kiss. She mimicked what he did, knowing nothing of being a lover to her husband.
“I can’t wait to see it,” she replied.
“I did something for when we arrive. I gave the staff the afternoon and evening off. The stablemaster who came with Onyx will be the only one on the estate.”
“You did?” she asked. “That was very thoughtful of you.”
“I wanted our wedding night to be just the two of us.”
She knew things occurred on a couple’s wedding night. The marriage was usually consummated, and she would no longer be a virgin. She hoped he wouldn’t be one of those men who only came to his wife’s bed to satisfy his carnal needs.
“I wouldn’t think there would be anyone else,” she said.
“If staff were there, they’d be listening at what we were up to. Just the curiosity of it all,” he replied.
She stifled a yawn. “Do you mind if I lie down? I didn’t sleep well last night and find myself getting sleepy from the movement of the carriage.”
Lucien patted his hand on his thighs and helped her get comfortable. He threw a blanket over her to keep her warm.Putting his hand on her shoulder, Lucien closed his eyes as he found himself nodding off as well. This was the closest they’d ever been and he knew she was nervous. He would be gentle. He wanted her to believe sex was something special between a man and woman.
They both fell asleep and failed to wake until the carriage stopped in front of the house. The sky was turning dark like either a storm was coming or it was later in the day than she thought.
She let Lucien help her down from the carriage as the footman had been busy unpacking their trunks and placing them inside the door. Harriet went to the front door and opened it. She walked into a darkened grand hall.
Lucien entered not far behind her. “Let me see if I can find some lamps. We’re going to need them.”
Nodding, Harriet found the grand staircase leading up to the public and family rooms. She decided to stay put until Lucien came back.
He was carrying two lamps when he found her. Both put off quite a bit of light giving her a better idea of what the house looked like.
“I’m surprised the staff didn’t leave lights lit and a couple of fires to warm the evening air.”
“There’s a fire in the drawing room if you’d like to go there,” he said.
She shook her head. “No, I’ll follow you to wherever you’re taking us.”
“Our bedchamber,” he replied.
At the top of the stairs, Lucien lit the second lamp and left it on a table while he took his new wife by the hand and led her to their bedchamber. To his surprise there was a fire lit in the hearth, making the room warmer than the other parts of the house.
“I can’t wait to go through the house tomorrow,” she announced.
“That’s one of the first things we’ll do. The staff will be back, and I can properly introduce you to the butler and housekeeper at least.”
“You should check on Onyx first thing. I know you’re worried about him,” Harriet said.
A loud crack of thunder rumbled across the sky. “I guess we got here just in time.”
“Hopefully the storm will have moved on by morning,” Harriet said.
“If it doesn’t, it’ll just keep us indoors, and I’m sure we’ll be able to find something to occupy our time.” Lucien smirked at what he said.
“Lucien!”
