Page 31 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

Arabella leaned her head to one side. There he goes again, deciding things for me. “Actually, I prefer coffee in the morning.”

“Really?” Nash viewed her with surprise, then turned to the footman. “Make that hot coffee for her ladyship, and I will take some more, as well.”

“I guess we have a great deal to learn about each other.” Arabella tapped her egg with a spoon and peeled away the cracked shell.

“I think most couples have the same task. Even if we had courted for weeks, I would still not know what you ate—or drank—for breakfast.”

Of course, you could have asked.

“We received an invitation to a soiree Thursday next. We should be back from Suffolk by then. I will pass that, along with any other solicitations to you, since I assume you will be handling our social calendar?”

Arabella stopped as she raised a piece of toast to her mouth. “Oh, I hadn’t thought about that. Mother always took care of those things and just told me where we were expected, and when.”

“If you check with my valet, Andrews, he is apprised of events I have already accepted. Since you are now my wife, it is expected we will attend together. I am sure Andrews will not be relieved to see his control of my life at an end, but, nevertheless, you are in charge now.”

It appeared at least in one area of their life there would be no interference from her husband.

Nash folded the newspaper and placed it alongside his plate. “Mother received a note this morning. She passed it along to me, and I feel you are the correct person to have it.” He handed her the folded paper.

She glanced at the note. “Yes, Mother had always planned to take up residence with me when I married. I had hoped it would not be quite so soon, however.”

He eyed her fumbling with the note. “It is not a problem, Arabella. We will not have your mother tossed into the street, although I doubt very much if that is the new earl’s intention. However, if it makes your mother feel more secure, then so be it. She seemed to get on well while she was here during your illness.

“On another note, my mother is leaving later this morning to visit my sister and her husband in Devonshire.”

“Your mother is leaving?” A small knot appeared in her stomach as she placed her hands in her lap, her appetite gone. “Is it because of me?”

“No. And she specifically mentioned that she was not leaving because of you. It is her intention to speak with you before she leaves, to assuage you of any concerns about her departure. She feels we need time to settle in together, and you need time to find your feet with regard to managing the household.”

Another area where she was to be in charge. Her spirits rose. Now if she could continue on with her animals, things might actually become pleasant in this marriage. Particularly where bed activities were concerned.

“I’m sure Mrs. McGregor would be more than happy to answer any questions that arise. She has been with the family since I was in short pants. That also means she feels as though she knows what is best for all concerned. I’m afraid you will simply have to accept that.” He gave her a half smile, confirming the fondness he felt for the woman.

His charming way set her to thinking. Fate had been kind to her, since he was certainly someone she was fortunate to have been caught with in a dark library. If things had turned out the way her mother had planned, she would right now be staring across the breakfast table at Lord Pembroke. She shuddered to think of every morning watching his sausage fingers stuff food into his mouth. To say nothing of having those same fingers touch her body in the way Nash had caressed her the night before.

A very familiar voice rose from outside the breakfast room door. Arabella laid her coffee cup in the saucer and stared at her mother standing in the doorway, Quinn hovering over her. “My lord, my lady, Lady Melrose has arrived.”

Nash pulled out a chair for her mother. “Lady Melrose, please have a seat.” He turned to the footman. “Please bring hot tea for her ladyship and see that fresh food is brought out as well.”

Mother waved her hand. “No need for food, but a cup of tea would be very nice. And perhaps a small c

ake, or a roll of some sort.”

After greeting her mother, and raising her cheek for a light kiss, Arabella continued with her breakfast, finding her appetite had once again returned to normal. Mother thanked the footman for the tea, and after fixing it, took a sip. Nash stood and bowed. “I will leave you ladies to work out the logistics.”

“No, wait.” Arabella jumped up and hurried after him. She caught him in the hallway as he was trying to make his escape from the house. “When will the kennel be built?”

He frowned and turned for Quinn to help him into his greatcoat. “Once I commission someone to do it.” The arrogance was back.

She rested her hands on her hips. “And when will that be?”

“When I have time.” He gave her a peck on her cheek and taking his hat, gloves, and cane from Quinn, left the house.

Quinn’s dignified presence kept her from stamping her foot like a child.

Chapter Ten

Nash handed his belongings to the footman at the door of White’s. Trying to adjust to marriage and his new life had forced him to flee the house and spend some quiet time among familiar people and things. He’d forgotten the promised ride with Arabella, but with her mother settling in, most likely she would forgo the outing.