Besides the obvious? Her husband was deflecting her praise with a joke about his skills in the bedchamber. And yes, of course, she was the unquestionable beneficiary of those skills. But she couldn’t let him diminish himself that way.
He thought of himself as a rogue. She must make him see himself the way his tenants did. As a lord. An exceptionally caring and thoughtful one. A warm man who was good with people in a way she never would be even if her tongue had been normal and her speech clear.
How had she been so fortunate as to have this man marry her?
“You’ll teach our son how to be a lord, too.”
“I want that.” He leaned forward and put his hand on her knee. “I want that more than anything, Caro. To have children with you.”
Yes, in the future, after she had made the money she had promised him, she would have that hold on him. She’d be the mother to his heir, his sons and daughters. He would have to bed her to give her children.
He would roam, but he would come back to her.
Unexpectedly, she found herself getting up and folding herself into his lap, running her hands through his silver hair and putting her mouth on his. She didn’t care that they were in a carriage in the middle of the day when any passer-by might peer in the windows and see the Earl and the Countess of Burchester cuddling and kissing like the newlyweds they were.
“Will.” Phineas strode forward with a grin and an outstretched hand.
Another unexpected visitor that afternoon. But Phineas was at home this time and met William Dagenham in the front hall.
William looked as shabby and as ill as he had six months ago on his last trip to Burchester. Maybemoreshabby and ill.
“On the run again, Phin.” William’s handshake was weak, not the hearty grip he usually gave Phineas.
“You know you’re always welcome here.”
“Hate to break in on your nuptial bliss so soon.”
“Don’t be silly. Come into the drawing room.”
Phineas had a hotchpotch of feelings. He was glad William still felt he could turn to his old friend when he was in need, but he was not sure how Caro would take to having the viscount come to stay.
He had just gotten her to start talking to him. Would she shut up around a man she didn’t know? Well, if she did, he would just have to find another place to bundle William off to. He couldn’t risk having Caro going quiet again.
William looked around the drawing room. “Place looks better.”
Phineas chuckled. “Doesn’t it though? I am learning all the advantages of having a wife.” Including a tribute that had gladdened his heart like no other he had ever received and some unexpected kisses in a carriage. Kisses he hadn’t had to ask for.
“Yes. Congratulations.”
William sat and Phineas noted how shaky his hands were on the arms of the chair.
“I’ll have some tea brought.”
“I think I’ll need something stronger, Phin.”
“The strongest thing we have in the house is small beer.”
William squinted at him. “Another advantage of having a wife, I presume.” Then his face changed. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Yes. Tea. Good.”
Phineas asked for the tea from his butler.
William leaned forward and clasped his trembling hands together. “Sorry. I’m in bad shape.”
“Think nothing of it. I’m here to help in any way I can.”
“You look good, Phin. Being a husband must agree with you. And matrimony must be catchy. First, Jack and George. Now, you.”
“I’ll confess I’ve become an enthusiast. Are you thinking of getting married yourself?”
