Page 28 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

“I’m sorry, honey, I’ve waited too long, and I’m afraid this will be over rather quickly.” No sooner had the words left his mouth than he stiffened, and with a groan, lowered his head to her neck and pulled her tightly against him, moaning her name softly. After a few moments, he said, “God, I wanted you so bad. I apologize.”

“For what?” She ran her fingers through his hair, the sandalwood smell strong on her fingers.

Nash rolled off her and pulled her against his side. “In time, you will understand.”

“Is it always like this?” She continued to play with his hair. “I mean, will I have those feelings every time we do this?”

He smiled. “You mean when we make love?”

His eyes sparkled, bringing the now-familiar fluttering to her lower parts. Lord, how could he look so pleased, so satisfied with her question? Or perhaps he was pleased and satisfied with their joining. She certainly was.

He took her hand and kissed her knuckles. “Yes, my love. If we don’t allow angst into our bedchamber, it will always be like this.”

My love? That certainly frightened her.

They lay for a while in each other’s arms as their breathing returned to normal and a chill covered their bodies. Arabella shivered. “Should we not put our clothes back on?”

“’Twill actually be warmer without clothes, as long as we huddle together with the blankets over us.” He reached down and drew up the bedding. “You are just recovering from an illness, so the extra warmth is a good thing.”

Nash ran his fingertips up and down her arm, bringing a sense of peace she hadn’t felt since before the debacle in Ashbourne’s library. This part of marriage was certainly much more interesting and enjoyable than the rest of it had been thus far, since his arrogance did not extend to their bed activities. She turned her head slightly to see Nash staring at her. A bit disconcerted at his attention, she said, “I am concerned about my animals and how they have been faring at Mother’s house while I’ve been sick.”

It troubled her that her illness had taken her away from her furry friends. She’d asked after them a couple of times, but now she had a desire to actually see them.

Nash closed his eyes and shook his head. “Your mother has asked every day when they cou

ld be brought from your former home. I believe they will be arriving early tomorrow. I did not want them here while you were sick.” He touched her shoulder and eased her onto her back so she looked directly at him. “Remember they will be housed outside.”

She bristled. The arrogance was back. However, a switch in subjects was required so as not to ruin the relaxed mood. “Should we not discuss our trip to Suffolk?”

“What is it you wish to know?” He continued to stroke her arm, then placed a soft kiss on her head. Was this normal behavior after intimacy? It felt rather nice, actually. Somehow, she had assumed once it was all over, he would merely roll over and go to sleep. She could learn to enjoy this part of it as much as the other.

“When are we leaving would be a good place to start.”

“Perhaps the day after next. I want to be sure you are fully recovered before we travel. That will give you a day to have Sophia prepare.”

“I am fully recovered.”

One arrogant eyebrow. “Will this be another argument?”

She smiled. “Not unless you make it so.”

Choosing to ignore her words, he said, “The trip there will only take one day, unless you are fatigued, then we can stop overnight halfway there. I would like to spend at least three or four days meeting with my steward, staff, and tenants. Perhaps plan for a week. We have social commitments we need to see to here in London.” He leaned back and looked at her when she groaned.

“What?”

“I am not looking forward to a return to Society. I am sure there will be much in the way of remarks, glances, and other unwelcoming things for us to deal with.”

“There will be no problem. We are married now. I am quite sure our situation will be no more interesting than any other so-called scandal.”

“I hope you are right.” The words barely got out around her yawn.

“Now I wish for you to sleep, Wife. You still need more rest than normal.”

A low growl in her throat was her only response to his command. Her thoughts drifted away from trips to Suffolk and appearances at balls and other social events. What they’d just shared had been nothing like she’d ever imagined. Quite exciting. Perhaps they could do it again tomorrow, or would her pompous husband think her a wanton if she suggested such a thing?

She yawned once more, her eyes tearing up. It had been such an eventful couple of weeks. Their betrothal, quick wedding, her illness, and now their joining as true husband and wife. Also, it seemed odd to be lying fully naked next to her new husband in bed. The last thought she had as she drifted off into a restful slumber was she felt quite comfortable. She was not restricted by clothing, her husband’s large body kept her warm, and she began to hope that perhaps this marriage might be as tolerable as the last hour had been pleasurable.

Chapter Nine