Page 58 of Watching the Earl

She threw her arms wide and twirled around. Her life was absolutely perfect now. No wonder her friends enjoyed being married. She stopped, as she started to grow dizzy. After closing the book, she rang for her lady’s maid and prepared for the day.

Chapter Sixteen

Six days later

Philip hated to wake his wife, as she’d been asleep barely half an hour. He’d discovered that making love was the only activity that sent her into a hard sleep, and since they’d practiced chapter eleven, “Sex in a Coach and other Conveyances,” on the way back to London, he wasn’t surprised she still slept.

Their days at Crestfield had been idyllic, as they spent most of their time together. He would have delayed returning to Town, but that she was anxious to see her friends. Georgina’s knowledge of birds had impressed him on their walks in the garden and in the nearby forest. Her kindness to the people in the village as she interacted with them had surprised him. Not that he’d expected her to be distant, but she genuinely cared about what they said. And their days and nights “practicing” the chapters in The Illustrated Pleasures of Seduction had been revealing. His wife had not only a healthy appetite for food, but for lovemaking, and sometimes both.

He’d never expected to be so content with his marriage of convenience. He’d even almost forgotten he planned to move into his father’s rooms to be reminded of his guilt. Fortunately, he had remembered in time to tell his staff before they left, so he’d have no choice when he returned.

As the coach pulled in front of the townhouse in Mayfair, he knew he had no choice but to wake his wife. “Georgina, we’re here.”

Her head, resting on his shoulder, didn’t move.

Unable to resist, he turned his head and kissed her forehead. “Georgina, it’s time to wake.”

Her eyelids fluttered before she lifted her head and yawned. “Oh my. Excuse me.” She covered her mouth with a gloved hand.

He smiled. “We’re here.”

She turned her head to look out the window. “Already? Time seems to go so fast when we’re in a coach.”

He raised his brows in shock until she turned to look at him and gave him a sly smile. He lowered his brows and shook his head. “You, my dear wife, are insatiable.”

She nodded. “As you would say, husband—indeed.”

He didn’t have time to respond, as the coach door opened and his wife exited. He quickly followed and gave Georgina his arm. “Let us see what Mrs. Newman has done for us. If I remember, you bet there would be more pansies in the entryway, and I bet it would be roses.”

The door opened as they reached the top of the six steps and Haines bowed. “Welcome to Town, my lord, my lady.”

“Thank you, Haines. I assume you found all that you needed when you arrived?”

“Everything is in order, sir.”

Georgina let go of his arm and immediately walked to Mrs. Newman, who stood before the parlor doors. “Please have these letters sent out immediately. The sooner people know we’re in Town, the sooner we can entertain.”

“Yes, my lady. Would you like to rest after your long journey?”

Even as his housekeeper asked, he knew Georgina would be anxious to continue the Season as a married woman.

His wife shook her head. “I’m quite refreshed, thank you, Mrs. Newman. But I’d like tea sent to the parlor. I have many more notes to write. Husband, do you wish to join me?”

“As much as I’d like to, I must decline. My solicitor will be arriving shortly to discuss some financial matters. After all, I want to be sure you have all you need while here for the Season.” Not the least of which were pin money and a new wardrobe. He glanced at the vase by the stairs and barely kept from licking his lips. Roses.

“Very well. Then I shall look forward to dinner with you.” She gave him a quick smile before her gaze fell upon the flowers. A lovely blush filled her cheeks. “In fact, I cannot wait for dinner.” Then she strode into the parlor, her conversation continuing with the housekeeper.

So it began—separate lives most of the day. He sighed, curious why he wished to spend all day with her as they had at Crestfield. There was Parliament to attend, White’s to visit, and his family to call upon, as was expected. It was what he had envisioned.

What he hadn’t envisioned was how much he’d enjoy Georgina’s company.

She’d changed. Not drastically—there were small changes. Less timidity and more confidence. He liked to credit himself with that, but he wasn’t sure. She’d even won their bet that she could make Haines laugh before he could. Maybe her newfound confidence came from her new position, or it could simply be that she was needed and wanted…very much.

As the thought crossed his mind, he determined not to visit her parents unless she insisted.

“Lord Durham?”

Jolted from his thoughts, he turned to Haines. “Yes?”