Page 36 of Marrying the Wrong Earl (Lords and Ladies in Love 2)

Nash shook his head. If that was the woman’s concern, she certainly hadn’t wasted any time in settling herself into his home. “Truthfully, I have not yet completely gotten over my angst at what she did. Not just to me, by accident, but to you. It angers me that she thought so little of your appeal that she felt it was necessary to foist you off on a man old enough to be your grandfather. However, she is your mother, and will receive the necessary respect from me, and my staff, as well.

“That being said, I own a house in Bath that I leave for my mother’s use, or Eugenia’s, if she desires to visit. If your mother wishes to have privacy, she is more than welcome to reside there. Or if she would like to holiday there.”

Arabella stared at him. “Thank you. I will suggest it to her. She might like that very much, in fact. At one time, she visited Bath at least once a year. She still has friends there with whom she corresponds.” Her whispered words, and the relief on her face, touched him.

He gave her a crooked smile. “Did you expect me to toss your mother out into the streets?”

“Well, since you seem quite anxious to do the same with my animal friends, the thought had crossed my mind.” She smiled back, her eyes full of laughter.

He reached for her hand and slowly withdrew her glove, the silky material sliding over her skin. He placed a light kiss on her palm and looked up at her through the curls resting on his forehead. “I am not in the habit of abandoning ladies to their fates.”

He turned her hand over and stroked his thumb over the soft, sensitive skin at her wrist. “Ah, my countess, perhaps when you get to know me better, you will find I am not the ogre you believe me to be.”

Her breath whooshed from her lungs, which she attempted to hide with a cough. She shifted in her seat, obviously affected by his actions. “Yes, perhaps.”

His soft laughter at her discomfort with his attentions brought a scowl to her face.

They made one stop for a late luncheon and to switch horses at the Bull and Bear Inn a little more than halfway to Clarendon Manor. Restless and anxious to be fr

eed from the carriage, Nash was quite happy when he was able to note the beginning of Clarendon land, with only about a half-hour distance from the front door.

The sun had set, and it was near dark when the carriage rolled to a stop in front of his estate home. Since word had been sent ahead that their arrival was imminent, the household servants stood outside, lined up, awaiting their master and new mistress.

“I will introduce you to the staff, but since it grows dark, I suggest you refrain from too much conversation. You will have time over the next few days to speak more fully to them.”

He climbed out and turned to help her down. She shook out her skirts and put a bright smile on her face as she linked her arm with his and they walked up the stone path and greeted the head butler, Morton.

Based on the dark circles under her eyes and the lines of fatigue on her face, it was apparent Arabella was exhausted from the trip, but she nevertheless showed the proper interest as Morton bowed to them both. After introductions were made, he proceeded down the line to introduce all the house male servants. His housekeeper, Mrs. Davies, then continued on and introduced all the female servants.

Arabella was gracious, charming, and unaffected. Truth be known, he was very proud of her at that moment. She had the correct balance of approachability without a suggestion of inappropriate friendliness. The staff seemed enthralled with her, and Nash was hard pressed not to admit the same feeling himself.

On the other hand, his mood dampened a bit at the extensive possibilities that presented themselves with access to more wild animals. More surgery. More arguments. He would need to find a way to keep his stubborn little wife busy. Perhaps more time spent in bed? He grinned at the thought.

They were escorted to their bedchambers, Mrs. Davies only taking a few minutes to point out to Arabella what she needed to know for the night. “Your lady’s maid has been busy since her arrival arranging your things.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Davies. I look forward to speaking with you tomorrow, when we have time together.”

The housekeeper nodded and turned to Nash. “Will you be dining this evening, my lord? Cook has a fine meal prepared for you and your bride.”

“That sounds wonderful, but I believe we would like a light supper sent up. Lady Clarendon is recovering from an illness and I am afraid all the travel has left her weary, and we will be retiring early this evening.”

“Of course, my lord. I am sorry to hear that.” She curtsied to them both and left the room.

Arabella untied her bonnet and tossed it on the bed. “Thank you, Nash. I really was not anxious to dress for a formal dinner tonight.”

For once she did not naysay him on his orders for them both. He walked to her and tilted her chin up. “We tend not to be formal in the country and keep country hours, as well. But you do appear tired. Why don’t you have Sophia arrange for a bath, and we can meet in the sitting room adjoining our bedchambers in say, an hour, for our meal?”

“Yes. That would be perfect.”

He bent and placed his lips on hers. Despite her fatigue, she responded, leaving him wondering just how tired his wife was. As soon as supper was over, he intended to find out.

…

The next morning, Arabella awoke alone in her bed at Clarendon Manor. After a lovely bath and a quiet supper the night before, she’d nodded off as she sat across from Nash over the small table that had been set up in the sitting room for their meal. He’d scooped her up and carried her to her bedchamber, tucked her in, and kissed her on the forehead. Then, instead of joining her, he’d left to return to his own bedchamber. She hadn’t seen him since.

They’d been man and wife a few weeks, and he’d only come to her once. Had he found her so unsatisfactory that he’d decided to forego what she’d been told was a man’s favorite activity? Or did he, like so many in the ton, keep a mistress who satisfied his baser needs?

The thought bothered her. Not a jealous person by nature, even so, she had no desire to share her husband with another woman. Especially one who would be much more experienced than she. Then, a little voice of reason whispered that she’d been sick for most of their married life, and the last two nights she’d been so tired Nash had been forced to assist her to bed. If she intended to keep him away from other women’s beds, she would do well to stop dropping her head into her dessert each evening.