“The Honourable Mr Richard Fitzwilliam and Lady Loretta Fitzwilliam,” Broadhurst’s butler intoned proudly as the newlyweds entered the ballroom to cheers from the assembled guests. Loretta was glowing, and Richard was grinning from ear to ear.
They made the rounds to greet guests, and Elizabeth and Will returned the courtesy from their own wedding by taking Loretta and Richard to sit for a while so that they might partake of their own wedding breakfast. The break was very welcome as the bride and groom were off their feet for the first time in a few hours as Broadhurst’s church was walking distance from the house.
After both Lords Cyril and Wes made toasts to the happy couple, it was time to change into their travelling attire. Lady Sarah accompanied her daughter to the chambers, which had been Loretta’s since she had left the nursery.“You look like a very happy woman, Loretta,” her mother told her as she was assisted out of her wedding gown by a maid as her lady’s maid and Richard’s valet were already on the way to the first inn.
“I am, Mama. Richard and I are perfectly balanced, and I could never imagine loving any life partner any more than I do him,” Loretta stated as she stepped into her travel gown.
“It will be hard not to see you every day, Loretta,” Lady Sarah said,“so I will look forward to seeing you during the upcoming little season.”
“A girl could not have wished for a better mother, Mama. I will miss you too, but it is the way of our world, is it not? We marry and then cleave ourselves unto our husbands and leave our father’s homes,” Loretta stated.
Mother and daughter shared a tearful hug then descended the stairs arm in arm where Richard was waiting for his new wife.
The de Melville's, Fitzwilliams, Darcys, and Rhys-Davies accompanied them to the waiting carriage under the portico.“Look after my baby,” Lord Cyril told his new son.
“You know that I will do so always and to the best of my abilities, Father Cyril,” Richard replied firmly.
“We just returned, and now I must farewell you again, Rich,” Elizabeth hugged her brother tightly.
“Have an enjoyable wedding trip, Richard, and we will see you when you return to Brookfield,” his mother said as she hugged her younger son.“All my children are wed now, so I will just have to wait for my grandchildren’s weddings!”
The family stood back and waved as the driver put the team into motion. Once the carriage took the turn towards the estate’s gate, the family returned inside to be with the wedding guests.
Chapter 17
The Fitzwilliams arrived at the Roaring Lion Inn just before sunset. The sky was a pallet of oranges, reds, and golds as the sun dipped below the horizon on their wedding day. Richard had reserved the largest suite of rooms that the landlord had. The couple were pleased with what they found. Their personal servants were waiting for them, so in short order, they had baths drawn for their master and mistress.
Without having to say the words, both agreed that they would eat in their suite and had no interest utilising the private parlour offered for their use. Richard, who normally wolfed down any food in his general vicinity, only ate half of his food while his wife pecked at hers.
“Are you well, Loretta?” Richard asked out of concern.
“I find I am a little too warm, husband,” Loretta replied with a saucy look.
“Let me lower the fire,” Richard stood as he had not caught her intent yet.
“Richard,” she called softly.
He turned around and froze at the spectacular sight before him. His wife was naked with her robe and nightgown strewn on the floor.
“I see I misunderstood when you said you were warm,” Richard said as he approached his wife, licking his lips as he prepared to kiss her in full appreciation of her gift.
“You are far too overdressed for the occasion, Richard; I want to see all of you, too,” Loretta stated breathily. It was but an instant before Richard’s nightshirt was flung away—where, he cared not.
It was Loretta’s turn to allow her eyes to roam over her husband’s form. He had broad shoulders, a well-defined barrel chest, and muscular belly. His chest sported a covering of almost blond hair that tapered downward.
They came together, and Richard pulled her into him. Richard picked Loretta up as if she weighed naught, carrying her into the bed chamber, and lowered her on top of himself on the bed.
Though he was a man of the world, she was far more forward with him than he had dared hope, and a woman who could take what she needed from him was a possibility he had not dared hope for until they were years in.
Just before Loretta was about to take her release, Richard lowered her to her back. He walked to the end of the bed and then lay down between her legs.“Do you trust me, dearest?” he asked, his eyes twinkling in the candlelight.
“With all that I am,” she replied, her breath heavy with anticipation. Grateful she was no wilting flower, he devoured her, taking her past her release into an endless ecstasy that had her so blissful she could not but smile dreamily up at him when he settled over her.“Love me with all of you, Richard.” She asked softly, barely registering the pain when he slid in as pleasure returned in delicious waves that made her whole body quiver.
“I believe we will have a marriage most would not dare dream of.” He chuckled.
“Only if you stop being so slow to come to the point.” She smiled up at him in a playful challenge few would appreciate more than a soldier who worried he would be too much for his gentle wife.
“My apologies.” He kissed her soundly then proceeded to make love to his wife until the sunrise proved time had not stopped.
