Lucinda exhaled slowly. The last time she had seen her brother so resolute was when he had declared their mother would help bring her out.
“The betrothals will be all over Town by dinner,” Rothwell said. “To withhold her consent after it’s known that I approve would be to publicly set her will against mine. Also, Quorndon is no longer available.”
“We’ve taken care of my mother and your mother,” Lord Quorndon said. “But I must still speak with Lord St. Claire. I propose I ride ahead and formally ask for Miss Marlow’s hand.”
“I suppose you must,” Rothwell said. “But be quick about it. Your presence is required for the meeting with our mothers.”
Lord Quorndon galloped off. “Arabella,” Lucinda said. “I must thank you for your blush. It has, apparently, eased the way for Lord Elliott and me.”
“I am happy that for once it has done some good.” She twisted her lips into a grimace. “Usually it only gets me into trouble.”
To ensure the footman and Lord Quorndon were able to complete their tasks before the rest of them arrived in Town, Rothwell ordered that the carriage be kept to a sedate pace on the way back to Mayfair. By the time they arrived, Lord and Lady Quorndon were drinking tea with Lucinda’s mother.
Mama smiled brightly when Lucinda entered the room with her sister-in-law. “I hear there is to be an announcement?”
Lord Quorndon stood and crossed the parlor to Arabella. Lucinda placed her hand on Gerald’s arm, and Rothwell and Louisa stood next to them. Short work was made of the formalities.
“What is this?” Mama asked.
Lord Quorndon drew Arabella forward. “We have two betrothals to announce. Miss Marlow has graciously agreed to become my wife.”
Mama sucked in a breath, and her face paled to a chalky white. For a moment, Lucinda thought she would swoon.
“You and Miss Marlow?” Mama held one hand to her breast, and her voice was thready.
“Yes, your grace.” Lord Quorndon bowed. “Something occurred that I never expected or, indeed, believed could happen.” His gaze softened as he glanced at Arabella. “I fell in love.”
“Thank God!” His mother flew forward, hugging them both.
Mama’s glance went from Lucinda to Gerald. “And?”
Lucinda straightened her shoulders. Now was not the time to falter. “Lord Elliott and I fell in love as well. He proposed, and I have agreed to marry him.”
Her mother’s face twisted into an angry mask. “Yet I have not agreed to allow it.”
“If you do not want to appear at odds with me,”—Rothwell used his I-am-the-duke-tone—“you will accept that they will marry.”
“No one need know about a proposal that you have no authority to approve.” Mama’s hard tone matched his.
“That, however, is precisely the problem. Lady Talgath knows,” Rothwell said. “By this evening, half of the ton will know.” He raised one brow. “You are, of course, free to continue to withhold your consent. However, everyone will know that I approve of the match.”
As the moment stretched, Lucinda tightened her grip on Gerald’s arm. He covered her cold fingers with his warm hand, and they waited for her mother’s decision.
“It seems you leave me little choice.” Eyes cold, her mother rose and left the room.
Lucinda let out the breath she had been holding. “It is not perfect, but it is good enough. I doubt she will ever forgive me.”
“Dear child.” Lady Quorndon touched Lucinda’s cheek. “She will come around. I shall talk to her.”
“Thank you.” Lucinda placed her hand on her ladyship’s. “I hope you are happy with the way things turned out.”
“My dear, I could not be more delighted.” Lady Quorndon glanced fondly at her son and Arabella. “Look at the two of them. It is as if they were created for each other.”
Lucinda took a moment to congratulate herself on a match well made. “I could not agree more.”
Fredricks came in with the champagne and began to pour. “May I say, my lady, that I and the staff wish you very happy.”
“Thank you, Fredricks.” Now if only Mama would agree, Lucinda’s life would be perfect.
“When would you like to wed?” Louisa asked.
“As soon as I can procure a special license,” Gerald responded.
Rothwell barked a laughed. “I wish you luck with that.”
“You will want to have a trousseau made,” Louisa added.
“Not if I take her to Paris on our wedding trip.” Gerald slipped his arm around Lucinda’s waist. He wanted them married and away from here. “Would you like that, my love?”
“I have never thought of such a thing, but yes.” She gazed up at him, her green eyes shining with happiness. “Going to Paris with you is a perfect idea.”
“It’s settled then.” He grinned. “Lucinda can buy a new wardrobe in France. One week?”
“Sooner, if we can manage it.” She returned his smile.
“You cannot complain,” the duchess said to Rothwell.
“No, I suppose I can’t. Elliott, my office at nine in the morning. We will discuss the settlement agreements.”
“I’ll be there.”
A few minutes later, he set his glass down. His mother wouldn’t be any happier than the dowager duchess, but he must tell her before she heard about their engagement from another source. “Lucinda and I must inform my mother.”
The door to Gerald’s soon-to-be-residence opened before he and Lucinda placed one foot on the front steps.
“My lord, my lady.” Collins bowed. “Welcome.”
“Why do I get the feeling we are expected?” Gerald mused, more to himself than anyone else. “My dear, this is Collins. Collins, meet Lady Lucinda Hughlot, soon to be your new mistress.”
Gerald could have sworn that for a fleeting moment, his butler smiled.
“My lady.” The butler bowed. “It is an honor.”
Lucinda inclined her head, looking more like a duchess than a future countess. “I am very glad to meet you as well, Collins.”
He bowed again. “Her ladyship is in the back parlor.”
“I think you’re right,” Lucinda said after they’d gone halfway down the corridor. “I wonder if your mother is aware of our betrothal.”
“But how?” Their houses were not so close together that regular servants’ gossip would account for it.
“I do not know.”
“We’ll find out in a minute.”
The door to the parlor was open. His mother and cousin sat together on one of two sofas, staring expectantly in his and Lucinda’s direction. The strange thing was Mother didn’t seem to be upset. “She knows.”
“Elliott, Lady Lucinda.” His mother came forward holding out her hands. “We have been waiting for you to arrive.”
“So it appears,” Gerald said, “but why have you been waiting?”
His mother glanced briefly at his cousin. “Anne was performing a service for me earlier today, and she happened to see Lady Berryfield, who had heard from her daughter, Lady Manners, who had been at Lady Talgath’s event earlier, that she had every expectation of hearing you and Lady Lucinda were betrothed.”
“Naturally,” Anne said, taking up the story, “I said that I could not discuss it at the moment, and as soon as I finished my commission I came straight home to tell dear Edith the news.”
“So you see, we knew you would be here as soon as you were able.” His mother drew Lucinda into her arms. “I cannot tell you how happy I am that you are joining the family.”
He narrowed his eyes at his mother. “You are?”
“Oh, you are thinking of our earlier discussion.” A slow smile formed on Mother’s face. “It was Sally Jersey’s idea. You have been so slow in finding a bride that we thought a little well-timed opposition would help you along. I know how much you dislike my interference.”
He was going to strangle her—or at the very least lecture her. As soon as he could think of exactly what to say.
Lucinda covered her lips with one hand, but not before a laugh slipped out. “I wonder if it worked.”
He thought about it for a few seconds. It might have. He had started noticing her more after his mother’s comments. “I hate to admit it, but I think it did.”
“There!” His mother practically crowed.
There was nothing else to do but shake his head.
“Excuse me, my lord, my ladies,” Collins said. “I have brought champagne and tea.”
They spent the next hour discussing the upcoming nuptials and the house.
“Mother, if you have your own house, why did you insist on keeping mine?”
“My thinking was really very simple. As a single gentleman, you could not entertain ladies. Therefore, you had no need of it. But, more importantly, I hoped that at some point you would comply with the terms of your father’s will and marry.”
“I can assure you I would not have wed merely because I wished to have possession of the house.”
“No.” She heaved a sigh. “That soon became obvious. Thus the reason for my scheme.” A moment later, the smile returned to her face. “I envy you your trip to Paris. I have not been since before you were born.”
She wasn’t going now either. “We shall write you and tell you what you need to know in order to make a trip in the summer or next year.”
“Thank you, dear. That is an excellent idea.” She took a sip of champagne. “I shall be busy at my house tomorrow, but Lucinda, you should lose no time in meeting with Mrs. Roswell, our housekeeper. She will be able to oversee any changes you plan to make so that it can all be done while you and Elliott are on your wedding trip.”
He took Lucinda’s hand. “Are you available tomorrow?”
Her dark brows drew together, then she replied, “I am going with my sister-in-law to Madam Lisette’s directly after breakfast to order clothing for the journey. She has some sort of relative who is a modiste in Paris; I shall wish to visit when we arrive. I should be free by noon.”
Which meant he’d have to discover a way to spend some time alone with Lucinda after she met with his housekeeper.
The next afternoon, Gerald still hadn’t worked out a way to get Lucinda to himself. Ever since he’d discovered he loved her—indeed, even before that—he needed to make her his. Granted, the wedding was only days away, but he did not want to wait.
When he arrived at Rothwell House, she was waiting for him, wearing a walking gown that matched her beautiful green eyes. His heart squeezed. How had he not recognized that she was the lady for him when he’d first seen her?
She put her fingers on her arm. “Meeting with your housekeeper is making this all seem so real.”
His stomach dropped. What would he do if she decided she didn’t what him after all? “Are you regretting promising to marry me?”
She stared at him, her eyes wide. “No. Why would you think such a thing?”
“Nerves. It’s taken me so long to find the right lady.”
“I, on the other hand, was fortunate to find the right gentleman almost straightaway.” Taking his hand, she raised it to her lips. “Let us go and see how much work there is to be done.”
As soon as they arrived, his mother greeted them, then called for her bonnet. “I would love to show you the house.” Mother kissed Lucinda’s cheek. “But Mrs. Roswell will do a much better job. You will be able to talk to her about what you would like to change without fear of hurting my feelings.” His mother placed one finger to her lips. “I do hope you replace this dreadful Egyptian style furniture.”
He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You chose that furniture.”
“Yes, dear. It was another attempt to convince you to marry. I thought if you hated the furnishings and decoration you would find a wife to change it.”
Lucinda went off into a peal of laughter, while he fought to keep from gaping. Did he even know his mother?
“Oh, there you are, Mrs. Roswell.” His mother grinned at Lucinda. “This is our—now your—housekeeper, Mrs. Roswell. Mrs. Roswell, Lady Lucinda, soon to be your new mistress.”
His housekeeper bobbed a curtsey. “Welcome, my lady. Her ladyship said I was to show you and his lordship the house.”
“Thank you, Rosy.” Gerald took Lucinda’s arm. “We’re ready.”
An hour later, Rosy had made several pages of notes, and they hadn’t even got to the master’s and mistress’s bedchambers. He wondered what horrors he’d find there. It would probably be horrible. He and Lucinda would have to spend their wedding night at a hotel.
Rosy opened the door. The walnut furniture, darkened by age, was the same, but the hangings and coverings were all new and tastefully done. Cream and gold stripes covered the walls. The bed hangings were cream, embroidered in maroon and gold. Two chairs next to the fireplace were covered in maroon velvet.
“It is beautiful!” Lucinda exclaimed, walking into the chamber.
“I couldn’t agree more.” He glanced at his housekeeper. “When was this done?”
“In the past few weeks.” Rosy opened the door to the connecting bedroom. “My lady, I hope you like your chamber as well.”
Lucinda entered the room and clapped her hands over her mouth. “I love it! Yellow is my favorite color.”
A knock sounded on the door, and a maid came in. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but we need Mrs. Roswell below stairs.”
“I’m coming.” She glanced at Gerald and Lucinda. “I am sorry, my lord, my lady. It must be important. I left instructions that I was not to be bothered.”
“Not at all. I can take it from here.” This was his chance to finally be alone with Lucinda. “The rooms do not appear to need anything.”
“Thank you for understanding.” He thought he saw a sly gleam in Rosy’s eyes, but she left the room too quickly for him to be sure.
“Well.” Lucinda strolled around the chamber, running her fingers over the back of the sofa, caressing it. “What shall we do?”
He knew what he wanted to do. Taking her in his arms, he kissed her. “My love, do you know what goes on between a husband and wife?”
A blush colored her cheeks. “Louisa told me this morning.”
Gerald’s mouth dried. He placed his hands on her shoulders, stroking her neck. They had barely had time to kiss—was he rushing her? “What did she say?”
“She said that if you were anything like Rothwell, you would find a way to take advantage of the house inspection to make me yours. There is to be kissing.” She put her hands on his chest, sliding them up around his neck. “We have not had much time for kissing.”
Bending his head, he pressed his lips to hers, running his tongue along the seam of her mouth. There was no need to coax her. She opened her mouth, and on a soft moan allowed him in. He slanted his head and their tongues danced. God, she tasted good, like a lemon tart.
He pressed kisses along her jaw and throat. “What else did she say?”
“She said you would touch and kiss me everywhere, and that I would enjoy the feelings.” She drew a sharp breath when he rubbed his thumbs over her hard nipples. Reaching up, Lucinda kissed him. “Yes.”
She was going to be the death of him. “Was there anything else?”
“That you would want to see me naked, but I would be able to see you as well, and touch and kiss you.” Copying what he’d done, she fluttered kisses on his jaw. “Your neckcloth is in my way.”
He held his breath, then let it out. There was one more question he must ask: “Did she tell you it would be painful?”
“Yes.” His cravat slid to the floor. “But only the first time.” Lucinda pushed at his jacket. “She said you would make sure I enjoyed most of it, and that it would be the most wonderful experience, and I must not be afraid.”
Thank God for helpful sisters-in-law. “I will make it as perfect for you as I am able.”
He helped her remove his jacket. Unfastening her gown was surprisingly easy. Their clothes slipped to the carpet. At first he was careful about removing her hair pins, but soon they were dropping to the carpet, and her long tresses fell over her shoulders and down her back. “You’re beautiful. The most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
Good Lord, Louisa had been right. A man in love always thought his woman was beautiful.
Lucinda stared Gerald’s chest. A sprinkling of dark hair his muscular chest. He was a work of art. He drew one of Lucinda’s nipples into his mouth and the place between her legs began to throb. His hard shaft rose between them. He groaned when she touched it. It was as soft as she’d been told it would be.
He lifted her up, holding her against him as he carried her to the bedchamber and crawled onto the mattress, taking her mouth again as his hands caressed her body. Soon his lips were where his hands had been. His teeth lightly grazed one already hard nipple before he moved to the other. Her hips bucked when he slid his fingers between her legs. “More.”
“Are you sure?” Gerald’s worried gaze captured her.
“Absolutely sure.” Tension built as he stroked between her legs and entered her with his fingers. She cried out as the tremors engulfed her. He held her gently, kissing her face and lips. “Now it’s time for the rest.”
Though he was as gentle as he could be, and she tried to relax, knowing it was going to hurt made it difficult. A sharp pain pierced her as he filled her, stretching her until she didn’t think she could meet his needs.
He stopped. His gaze filled with love, concern lining his forehead. “How do you feel?”
“I’m fine.” Or she would be.
Gerald withdrew, and when he entered her again there was soreness, but not the pain she had felt before. With his every stroke, her apprehension fell away as need consumed her and she rose to meet his thrusts. Soon the tension exploded within, and she gasped as a wave of convulsions left her sated. Moments later, he shouted her name and fell off to his side, cuddling her next to him. “I love you.”
“I love you too.” Lucinda nestled her head on his chest. She had never felt this close to another person. “Will we sleep together after we marry?”
“Yes.” He rolled her over so that her body covered his. “I want to wake up to you every morning.”
“I want that too.” She cupped his cheek. “I shall always love you.”
“I’ll always love you.” He wove his fingers through her hair. “I can’t believe it took me so long to figure it out.”
A clock struck the hour. “What time is it?”
Gerald grinned. “I don’t think we need to worry about that.”
She meant to kiss him lightly, playfully, but the moment her lips touched his, passion shot through her body. It was several moments before he spoke again. “When our”—she relished that he’d said “our”—“housekeeper left, my only thought was that I would finally have you alone.”
“You think she did it on purpose?” After all, what could have been so important that the woman wouldn’t return?
“I do. I also think my mother left the house as soon as she could.”
She bent her head and kissed him softly. This cuddling was very nice, and Lucinda hoped they would do it often. “I wondered about that.” She was playing with his chest hair again when an uncomfortable thought occurred to her. “If they left us alone on purpose, they all know what we’re doing.”
Gerald’s chest began to shake with laughter. “To be precise, they don’t know what is going on, they are probably hoping something is going on. It will depend upon how disheveled you look.”
The rest of Louisa’s advice now made sense. “That was the reason my sister-in-law told me to wear something that would not wrinkle easily, and to bring extra hair pins.”