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As Vangie lay fulfilled in the aftermath of their lovemaking, snuggled securely in Ian’s arms, she drowsily smiled. Replete and contented, she suspected the sentiment budding within her was indeed love. She smiled against his chest. He’d wasted no time in escorting her upstairs where he demonstrated to her not once, but three times, in as many positions, how delightful lovemaking could be in a magnificent, oversized bed.

She had no further doubts about how wondrous the physical union between husband and wife could be. Her happy sigh earned her a gentle squeeze and a caress on her buttock. Her last conscious thought, beforeshe fell into a blissful sleep was more ofPuri Daj’s wisdom.

Manuš paťal, hoj džanel, aľe oda, ko džanel, hin ča o Del. Man thinks he knows what’s best, but really only God knows.

Upon awakening in the unfamiliar bed the next morning, Vangie forgot for a moment where she was. A single yellow rose bud lying in the indentation of the pillow next to hers brought a smile to her lips. Tenderly plucking the blossom from Ian’s pillow, she buried her face against the cool silk. She inhaled deeply, breathing in his musky scent.

The silky petals to her nostrils, she rolled onto her back. It would seem he had a fondness for roses after all.

Where was he?

She surveyed his chamber, having never been inside it before. Shades of gold and hunter green enhanced the opulent furnishing. A tidy writing desk stood near the window, and above the desk, a familiar sketch, now framed, caught her attention. She climbed from the bed, and after wrapping the sheet around her like a Grecian robe, wandered to the desk. Lifting the bud to her nose, she tilted her head.

“He took my drawing.” The sketch depicted two Romani toddlers and a dog playing beneath a tree. “And had it framed.”

Did Ian have a penchant for children too? She curled her lips upward at the notion.

The door burst open and Ailsa bounded into the room, looking entirely too satisfied. Vangie’s robe slung across one arm, she carried a breakfast tray.

“My lady, I’m sorry to be late with your breakfast. I went to your usual chamber—” She placed the tray on a table and turned to eye her from toe to top. “Imagine my surprise to find your bed undisturbed,” Ailsa said with a cheeky grin and a bold wink while handing Vangie her robe.

Gracious, the girl was an impudent minx.

Smiling despite herself—the maid’s gaiety was truly contagious—she, slipped into the familiar green folds. “Did Lord Warrick leave word for me?”

Nodding pertly, Ailsa withdrew a folded piece of paper from her apron pocket. She passed it to her before turning her attention to arranging her breakfast.

Vangie sat at the table an unfolded the crisp foolscap. Ian’s bold, slanted strokes slashed across it. He’d signed it, Lovingly, Ian.

“Good news, my lady?”

“His lordship wishes to picnic this afternoon.”

Vangie nibbled a crumpet topped with clotted cream as she reached for the fresh sliced strawberries. She hesitated, heat creeping across her cheeks. Last night, Ian had whispered he’d like to take her picnicking. He’d gone on to suggest several creative things he’d do with their meal, one of which involved something deliciously naughty with strawberries.

“It’s good to see your appetite has returned, my lady.”

Vangie was somewhat surprised how hungry she was, and her stomach didn’t twitch in the least this morning. She jumped to her feet. She didn’t want to wait for Ian to return to the manor. “I’d like to surprise his lordship. After I’ve dressed, will you show me the way to the stables?”

Grinning, Ailsa nodded her head. “Of course.”

Less than an hour later, she and the maid crossed the greens, headed for the barn.

“Hurry, I want to reach the stables before Lord Warrick leaves.” After last night, Vangie was feeling emboldened and eager to tell him her feelings.

“I know a shortcut,” Ailsa said. “It’s a trail the stable hands use. Come, it’s this way.” She cut through the ankle-high grass intent on an outcrop of trees a few yards farther ahead. “Do you ride, my lady?”

Vangie nodded. “I do, but not often and certainly not well. And not sidesaddle. I didn’t have much opportunity to ride in Brunswick. Truthfully, horses make me a bit nervous.”

“Gads, your ladyship, his lordship’s stalls are crammed full as dairy teats of the sweetest mares. My favorite is Marigold. She’s docile as a puppy, and she never kicks up her heels and dumps me on my backside.”

“You ride?” Vangie stopped trudging along and stared at the maid, though not because of her indecorous speech.

Ailsa, nodded in excitement. “Oh, aye, his lordship allows it. He says the horses need to be exercised and gentled.”

Ian permitted the staff to ride? At every turn, his generosity and thoughtfulness continued to amaze her.

Ailsa skipped several paces ahead before whirling about, her arms wide. “Isn’t he grand, letting us ride? I adore the beasties, especially the foals.”