Page 56 of Regency in Color

Once again, Mary’s body responded seeking release. This time she wasn’t sure to survive so many sensations.

“Oh. Oh. Oh,” she repeated over and over as heat pooled in her core threatening to consume.

And then, everything burst into hundreds of pieces. Mary lost the ability to comprehend what exactly happened. Everything turned into bright bursts of color that exploded one after the other. Her muffled cries were joined by Thomas’, deeper huskier ones as he finally allowed himself release.

* * *

“Mary.”Thomas’ voice permeated through the wonderful fog that surrounded her. She wasn’t ready to open her eyes.

“Mmm?”

Thomas shook her. “How do you feel?”

“Absolutely wonderful,” Mary said opening her eyes. “Will it be like that always?”

He grinned. “I hope so.” Pressing a kiss to her lips, he whispered a soft “I love you,” and then rolled to his side pulling her against him.

“I am not in the least bit sleepy now,” Mary insisted and then attempted to hide a yawn.

“Me either.”

* * *

The house wasalive with activity as Mary entered one of two dining rooms where she was to meet the women for breakfast the next morning.

It had been decided to separate the women and men for morning meals to test how everyone would like it. The room was abuzz as soon as she entered, everyone telling her how wonderful the wedding had been.

Although Mary and Thomas were to go away for a few days to spend time in one of the cottages on the estate, both had insisted on remaining in the house until after the guests left. For one thing, Mary wasn’t entirely sure she could stand missing everything that happened.

Then, there was the fact of her parents, and the Humphries visited from London. They’d all agreed to remain for the rest of the week and would be leaving in four days, which gave her plenty of time to spend with each of them.

Once everyone headed home, she’d be able to delight in long lazy days with Thomas in the cottage.

“I can’t wait to have my own wedding night,” Penelope whispered. “I am sure it will leave me glowing like you.”

Mary’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”

“You are absolutely luminous,” said Penelope, who had a penchant for using flowery words proclaimed. “Every inch of your face radiates with love.”

“Goodness, you make it sound almost unnatural,” Mary replied and then smiled. “I must admit to feeling as if I am floating.”

Vivian leaned closer. “As well you should.” She patted her hand. “Eat. If Thomas is anything like Alexander, you will not have a reprieve for many nights to come.”

The three giggled until Mrs. Humphries gave them a pointed look.

“Perhaps you could share what you find so comical,” Lady Barrows said, looking around to the nodding heads. “What has you three, so entertained?”

Mary exchanged alarmed looks with Penelope and Vivian. It was Vivian, always the level-headed one, and quick to think, who replied. “We were sharing antidotes of when young and the mischief we often got ourselves into.”

It was then Penelope piped in. “We once snuck into a ball at your house, Lady Barrow. We went upstairs so that we could peer down from the alcove. We were discovered by that dreadful Mrs. Goathead, who pinched our ears and made us stay in the library for hours.”

“Her name was Mrs. Bankhead, and I was glad she often caught you girls and kept you out of trouble,” Lady Barrow replied with a chuckle. “I wonder if it was all your mischief that finally drove her away.”

Both Lady Barrow and Mrs. Humphries told of other adventures they’d had as children, which thankfully drew attention away from what they’d actually been talking about.

The rest of the day was filled with card games, an excursion to the village, and time in the parlor where the guests mingled and nibbled on appetizers.

Late that night, only a couple of guests still remained in the sitting room, but most had gone to bed.