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“You’d have to ask him that,” Seraphina said tactfully.
“So you just… ran off and married?” she asked, a twinkle appearing in her eye.
“I obtained a special license yesterday.” He moved closer to Seraphina. “I’m sorry we didn’t invite you, but the fewer people who knew, the less likely Mr. Dalton would find out ahead of time.”
“Very efficient.” Lord Wembley’s expression gave away none of his thoughts.
Bit by bit, Lady Wembley’s mouth curled into a mischievous grin. “I won’t be happy with you if you cause a scandal.”
Seraphina laughed. “Why do I get the impression that even though you say that, you’re proud of us, Lady Wembley?”
His mother lifted one shoulder. “I didn’t think Trevor would ever care enough about someone to risk a scandal. I’m simply amazed by his audacity. I expect you’ll do everything you can to ensure no one gossips too much.”
“Indeed.”
Trevor was glad Seraphina had responded, because he wouldn’t have the foggiest idea what to do about that, and he doubted he could keep a straight face when he knew that things would likely get worse before they got better.
Exhaling sharply, his mother nodded. “Well, then. We need to celebrate. Seraphina—may I call you that?”
“I’d like that.”
“Good. Seraphina, you should write to your father and let him know that you’ve married so he puts a swift end to the situation with Mr. Emerson. I’ll have the kitchen prepare a light luncheon in lieu of a wedding breakfast.”
Everything happened quickly after that. A maid escorted Seraphina to a writing desk, and Trevor kept close to her side as she drafted a letter to her father and passed it to a footman for delivery.
They convened in the informal dining area for a makeshift celebration. He was grateful that his parents both welcomed Seraphina without hesitation. Between his mother’s social machinations and his father’s love of politics, he’d worried they’d be upset and shun her, but perhaps they realized that this was their best chance to secure the family lineage and that they needed to be careful not to ruin it.
The food was delicious, and he ate more than he’d had for breakfast because he’d been so anxious earlier that he had no appetite. Now, he enjoyed scones, cake, and tiny pastries while checking regularly on Seraphina to make sure that she was eating too.
Pleasantly full, he wiped his fingers clean and exchanged a glance with his wife, whose plate was also empty. Pink cheeks, sapphire eyes, plush lips that were already smiling…
She truly was gorgeous.
His mother leaned toward him. “You’d best ensure your marriage can’t be annulled.”
Annulled?
Who would want to annul it?
Well, Mr. Emerson, for one, and potentially Mr. Dalton, he supposed. The only way to ensure an annulment wasn’t possible was to consummate the marriage. Was she suggesting that he take Seraphina to his bed now?
Peeking sideways, he noticed that Seraphina’s blush had deepened. She’d definitely heard his mother’s words and arrived at the same conclusion.
He cleared his throat. “Seraphina, may I show you to your new chambers?”
CHAPTER 28
When Trevor stood, Seraphina rose and took his hand, her heart beating a rhythmic tattoo as all of her earlier nerves rushed back. They excused themselves, and she reminded herself that she knew what was to come as she allowed Trevor to guide her into a wing of the house she’d never entered before.
Her knowledge gave her an advantage over most newlywed women, but she couldn’t calm her insides, which seemed to be performing flips and spins with all the enthusiasm of an acrobat. After all, having a biological understanding of the marital act was different from firsthand experience.
Would it hurt?
Would it feel good?
Would her lack of experience render her a less pleasing partner than a practiced courtesan?
They arrived at a door, and Trevor pushed it open, stepping aside so she could enter first. The bedchamber was large and warm from the sun. Lady Wembley must have sent a servant up to draw the curtains because the brown drapes covered the windows, and a flickering candelabra provided some light—not that the room was dark, even with the curtains drawn.
