“Of course.” He asked Tabitha, the maid, to go upstairs and monitor the bath.
“Ready, sir,” came her voice moments later.
Wilhelmina laughed. “Oh, this is brilliant, James.Youare brilliant.”
He smiled and gestured toward the pump. “Would you like to do the honors?”
“I would love to.” She nearly bounced on her feet in excitement. “Should I just…”
“Here.” He handed her a crocheted pot holder. “So you don’t burn yourself.”
Wilhelmina took the square piece of cloth, reached for the valve, and gave it a push. She glanced at James. A moment passed, and then she heard Tabitha speak from upstairs. “There’s hot water, sir. It’s got a steady flow to it.”
“That will come and go as the pressure inside the engine eases,” James answered through the speaking tube. “Let me know when the water flow weakens so we can close the valve and allow the pressure to build once more.”
The maid did as asked and by the time she announced that the tub had been filled, Wilhelmina had lost track of the number of times the valve had been opened and closed. In between, they had to wait for the water to boil again in the engine.
Wilhelmina studied the device. “Is this like the Savery pump you mentioned during our travels?”
“This is a much simpler design. It lacks the mechanical automation of the Savery pump, which is also a great deal bigger. And although my design no longer requires hauling heavy buckets of water up two flights of stairs, it is still a time-consuming process,” James said. He offered his arm and began escorting her up to what had once been a small sitting room between two bedchambers. He now referred to it as the bathing room, much to Wilhelmina’s delight. “A great deal of work still remains.”
“Like hiding the pipes and patching up your broken ceilings?” Wilhelmina asked with a touch of mischief.
James grinned. “One thing at a time, my love.”
Together they entered the bathing room where a thick steam fogged the air. Wilhelmina crossed to the tub and carefully tested the water. “It’s really hot.”
“It should cool to the perfect temperature by the time you’re ready to step into it.” James came up behind her, wound his arms around her middle, and pressed a kiss to the nape of her neck. “Allow me to assist.”
Working swiftly, he undid the row of buttons at the back of her dress and pushed the garment down so she could step out of it. Her stays and chemise were removed next and finally her stockings. Turning her in his arms, James kissed her while pressing her naked body to his. As scandalous as it was, it was also incredibly right. After living with him for the past week, she no longer shied away from him seeing her like this, even though she knew her body was not that of a young woman in her prime.
With James, however, she’d never felt more beautiful.
“You’re so incredibly stunning,” he murmured as he released her. The heat of his gaze proved he meant every word. He offered his hand and helped her into the tub. “I look forward to showing you off this evening.”
“And I look forward to being seen on your arm.” She sank into the water and sighed in response to its soothing effect. “This is what heaven must feel like. You truly are a genius.”
He chuckled. “I’ll leave you to relax for a bit while I see to a few things I need to prepare for the ball.”
She nodded and waved him off with a satisfied sigh.
When he returned later, he wore a navy blue brocade banyan. “Are you ready to get out or would you like some more time?”
“I’m ready. The water is still warm if you’d like to use it.”
“I plan to,” he said and collected a towel. Holding it up, he waited for her to stand, then wrapped it around her and helped her out of the tub. Without second thought, he took off the banyan and tossed it onto a nearby chair.
Wilhelmina’s heart clenched in response to the intimacy of the moment. She’d not even realized how much she’d longed for this, for a man with whom she could comfortably share every part of herself without feeling guilt or shame. Someone who loved her as he did.
“I want this to last forever,” she whispered while watching the perfect pull of muscles and tendons as he climbed into the tub.
“It will,” he murmured. “We just have to get through tonight.”
Wilhelmina hoped he was right. He’d said he would marry her and had even discussed with her what their future together would look like. But what if something went wrong? What if Cloverfield showed up and made things worse? The duke was a rash young man without scruples, who’d already proven he hated to lose. If he wanted further revenge against her and James, there was no telling what he might do. Or how his actions would influence them.
22
Dressed in his best evening black, James led Wilhelmina up the front steps of Pennington House and into the foyer. A footman standing at attention checked their invitation and offered to help them with their outerwear garments. As previously agreed with the viscount, James and Wilhelmina had arrived late, allowing them the grand entrance James wanted. The flyers he’d ordered had been delivered that morning and would, he hoped, be ready for distribution at his command.
