“Very well. I plan on soaking in hot water for a very long time.”
“You may find yourself taking more than one bath then, my dear,” he said, laughing as he walked towards the bathing chamber.
“Promises, promises,” she replied.
She was grateful for the effort Lucien had put into planning all this. So far, everything had been perfect. It also gave them the opportunity to spend some quality time getting to know each other better. Now that the rain had appeared to have left, they’d be able to explore the estate, perhaps even go for a picnic or two.
They had no set time for returning to London and if they did it would be for a short period of time, and they’d stay with his parents in the family home. His mother had mentioned she was going to have a suite of rooms cleaned for them that were farther from the rest of the family to give them privacy.
Right now, she had no wish to go back to reality. Harriet could spend forever on the estate, just if Lucien were with her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by Lucien whistling as he walked through the rooms. When he joined her, he was in a dark-brown pair of trousers and a white shirt.
“The bath is filling just for you. Don’t dally or it shall overflow.”
“Where are you off to?” she asked as she headed towards the bathing room.
“To talk with staff.”
“I’m off to bathe,” she replied arching a brow. She didn’t think she’d like to be in anyone’s shoes if Lucien was going below stairs to reprimand staff.
She thought he’d normally overlook such a matter, but since it was their wedding time, and he had given specific instructions, a dressing down was in order. Those instructions had been broken.
Shutting off the taps on the tub, Harriet stuck her hand and arm into the water. It was perfect. She went in search of some soap and towels. The soap was orange vanilla, one of her favorites.
Finally, she submerged herself in the water and watched the steam around her. Laying her head against the back of the tub, Harriet closed her eyes and began to relax. This certainly had been a time she’d never forget. Lucien had been a most caring and sensitive lover, making sure she wasn’t scared by what was happening between the two of them. Still, her body was just getting used to him and she would never tell him if she hurt anywhere. Actually, she hadn’t been that sore, but the water certainly felt good on her body.
Harriet began to think of things she’d like to do since the weather had cleared. Besides touring the estate, she’d like to see the village. If this was to be their country residence, then she needed to become familiar with the village and what sort of shops it contained.
The water was beginning to cool, so Harriet let some of the water out in order to replenish with some hot water.
She would also be grateful when her maid came. Not that she hadn’t been able to bathe and dress herself. There were some things that her maid could assist her with that would make her look her best. Like her hair and help with her corsets. She hadn’t worn the other since they arrived and had gotten that first one off. Harriet rolled her eyes as she remembered Lucien helping her unlace it.
Satisfied with the temperature, Harriet lowered herself and submerged her head again. Just a few more minutes and she’d get out and dress herself for whatever they planned for the day.
Her dress selection was limited at the moment, but so far she’d managed. They hadn’t been anywhere and today felt like a good day for the dove-gray gown she’d brought with her. The fabric used for it was a linen mixture.
By the time Lucien returned, Harriet was sitting by the fire waiting on him.
“You look remarkable,” he said with a lopsided grin. “That dress looks amazing on you.”
She nodded and smiled. “Thank you. Did you accomplish everything?”
“Yes, I did. As far as the staff, that particular person will be reprimanded and placed elsewhere for the time being. It shouldn’t happen again.”
“Glad you got the situation taken care of. What are we going to do today?”
“The ground is rather muddy so I thought we could go to the village today. Tomorrow we should be able to check the estate,” he replied.
“The village it is. Let me grab a shawl and we can be on our way.”
“Very well. I thought we’d take the gig. It’s not as heavy as a carriage and should do better.”
“Let’s go. I’m ready for some fresh air after not being able to go outside because of the rain,” she said.
He gave her a pitiful look. “You mean you didn’t like all the attention your husband showered on you?”
Laughing, she walked out the door of their suite. “Quite the contrary.”
