Her bedroom seemed too virginal, Mary thought as they crossed the threshold into it. Thomas didn’t glance anywhere, his attention solely on her. Shivers traveled through her, sudden nervousness taking hold. They’d been intimate just once before, however, this felt like the first time. In truth, it was the first time as husband and wife.
All memories of their time on the road to London, dimmed and Mary could barely keep from allowing the weakness in her knees to take over.
“I am very nervous,” she admitted. “Thomas, what if you...”
He kissed Mary, quieting all her doubts especially when he intensified the kiss. The strength and hardness of his chest were so very comforting when he pulled her against it.
His mouth never left hers, Thomas continued pressing kisses across her lips. To her delight his tongue pushed against her mouth, requesting permission and she parted her lips, glad to take it in.
After she wrapped her arms around his neck, she lifted to her toes so to fit better against him. A deep moan seared her senses, the handsome man was all hers to have from that day forward and yet this moment, this one evening, she wanted to freeze in time.
Thomas worked with deft fingers to unfasten the long string of buttons down her back, allowing the cool air to caress her overheated skin.
As the folds of fabric flowed from her shoulders to her waist until finally sliding to a satiny heap around her feet, Thomas touched her skin with featherlike caresses.
She shook with want and still could not bring herself to break the kiss, needing to taste him and capture it forever.
When he broke the kiss and stepped back to remove his coat, she focused solely on him. The sight of his body exposed with each layer of clothing Thomas removed, stole any thought of awkwardness.
He was stunning, broad-shouldered, well-formed wide chest with a flat stomach. His legs were muscular and long, and his sex, most definitely expressing his arousal.
“Goodness,” Mary exclaimed turning away and pressing both hands to her cheeks. “I didn’t mean to stare.”
Thomas came up behind her. “I don’t mind. We are to be lovers for the rest of our lives and should be familiar with each other’s bodies.”
When he turned her back to face him, she smiled up at him. “You are very pleasing to look upon.”
“Thank you,” Thomas gave her a crooked grin. “I assure you to never tire at seeing you bereft of clothing either.”
He lifted her up into his arms and walked to the bed. A bed that seemed much too small for the both of them. Thomas didn’t seem to mind, placing her down and then climbing in next to her.
After pulling her into his arms, once again, he took her mouth. Mary responded to the kiss thoroughly loving the feel of their skin touching. The longer they kissed the harder she pressed against him. Thomas lifted her left leg over his hip pulling her forward, so that their sexes aligned.
The movement of his hips causing their bodies to rub together brought her to dizzying heights. At the same time, every inch of her body grew hotter as the friction of his staff against her sex continued.
“Oh Thomas, please,” she pleaded, needing him to take her fully. The sense of losing control just beyond reach became maddening.
When he reached between them and guided himself to her entrance, she could’ve cried with joy.
With one quick thrust Thomas entered her and then stilled as the action made Mary gasp loudly.
“Move,” Mary demanded. “Hurry.”
His chuckle did nothing to keep her from pulling at his thigh. “Thomas, I mean it.”
The next plunge was hard, filling her completely, then he withdrew and dove in again and again.
As her climax neared, Mary grabbed Thomas’ face and brought his mouth to hers. She kissed him with fervor, needing more contact as her body began to shudder. At the sensation of losing control, she trailed her mouth to his throat and bit at the soft flesh gently.
He continued driving and withdrawing, his movements harder and faster until they were both drenched in sweat. The slickness of their bodies only added to the wonderful joining experience.
“Let go beauty,” Thomas urged.
At the words, Mary’s sex tightened around his staff and she cried out as her release came so hard, she could barely keep from fainting.
Her husband continued his quest. He rolled her onto her back, lifted her hips with both hands and continued to drive. His movements harder and with less control.
Once again, Mary’s body responded seeking release. This time she wasn’t sure to survive so many sensations.
“Oh. Oh. Oh,” she repeated over and over as heat pooled in her core threatening to consume.
And then, everything burst into hundreds of pieces. Mary lost the ability to comprehend what exactly happened. Everything turned into bright bursts of color that exploded one after the other. Her muffled cries were joined by Thomas’, deeper huskier ones as he finally allowed himself release.
“Mary.” Thomas’ voice permeated through the wonderful fog that surrounded her. She wasn’t ready to open her eyes.
“Mmm?”
Thomas shook her. “How do you feel?”
“Absolutely wonderful,” Mary said opening her eyes. “Will it be like that always?”
He grinned. “I hope so.” Pressing a kiss to her lips, he whispered a soft “I love you,” and then rolled to his side pulling her against him.
“I am not in the least bit sleepy now,” Mary insisted and then attempted to hide a yawn.
“Me either.”
The house was alive with activity as Mary entered one of two dining rooms where she was to meet the women for breakfast the next morning.
It had been decided to separate the women and men for morning meals to test how everyone would like it. The room was abuzz as soon as she entered, everyone telling her how wonderful the wedding had been.
Although Mary and Thomas were to go away for a few days to spend time in one of the cottages on the estate, both had insisted on remaining in the house until after the guests left. For one thing, Mary wasn’t entirely sure she could stand missing everything that happened.
Then, there was the fact of her parents, and the Humphries visited from London. They’d all agreed to remain for the rest of the week and would be leaving in four days, which gave her plenty of time to spend with each of them.
Once everyone headed home, she’d be able to delight in long lazy days with Thomas in the cottage.
“I can’t wait to have my own wedding night,” Penelope whispered. “I am sure it will leave me glowing like you.”
Mary’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“You are absolutely luminous,” said Penelope, who had a penchant for using flowery words proclaimed. “Every inch of your face radiates with love.”
“Goodness, you make it sound almost unnatural,” Mary replied and then smiled. “I must admit to feeling as if I am floating.”
Vivian leaned closer. “As well you should.” She patted her hand. “Eat. If Thomas is anything like Alexander, you will not have a reprieve for many nights to come.”
The three giggled until Mrs. Humphries gave them a pointed look.
“Perhaps you could share what you find so comical,” Lady Barrows said, looking around to the nodding heads. “What has you three, so entertained?”
Mary exchanged alarmed looks with Penelope and Vivian. It was Vivian, always the level-headed one, and quick to think, who replied. “We were sharing antidotes of when young and the mischief we often got ourselves into.”
It was then Penelope piped in. “We once snuck into a ball at your house, Lady Barrow. We went upstairs so that we could peer down from the alcove. We were discovered by that dreadful Mrs. Goathead, who pinched our ears and made us stay in the library for hours.”
“Her name was Mrs. Bankhead, and I was glad she often caught you girls and kept you out of trouble,” Lady Barrow replied with a chuckle. “I wonder if it was all your mischief that finally drove her away.”
Both Lady Barrow and Mrs. Humphries told of other adventures they’d had as children, which thankfully drew attention away from what they’d actually been talking about.
The rest of the day was filled with card games, an excursion to the village, and time in the parlor where the guests mingled and nibbled on appetizers.
Late that night, only a couple of guests still remained in the sitting room, but most had gone to bed.
It was past midnight that Mary finally trudged to the bedroom. After using a cloth and water from the basin to wash up, she slid on her nightgown. Unsure how long it would be before Thomas joined her, she settled into a chair with her journal.
The candlelight dance across her paper as she noted her thoughts. Lips curving, she did her best to describe the wedding just as the door opened.
Thomas entered and neared to press a kiss to her lips. “It was a long day,” he said. “You shouldn’t have waited up for me.”
Mary bit her bottom lip. Was Thomas not to be like Mr. Yarnsby and not seek her in bed that night?
“We’ve barely spoken today. I wished to see you alone...” she gave up and stood. “You’re right, I should let you rest.”
Thomas took her shoulders and gave her a playful look. “I will rest, but not until after I thoroughly ravish my beautiful wife.”
Mary was intrigued that each time they made love, it was so very different. She wondered if the lovemaking would depend on their mood.
This time, they took turns, overtaking one another. Thomas taught her how to be in control, to come over him and take him. Although a bit tentative at first, the exciting sensation soon removed her inhibitions.
Much later as they lay on the bed, she with her leg across his midsection and head on his shoulder, Mary listened to his even breathing.
He barely moved when she rose up and straightened his arm. Then she pulled the blankets over them and nestled against his warmth.
THREE MONTHS LATER...
The sound of birdsong alerted Mary it was time to rise. The sun was not quite up over the horizon yet as she finished dressing and hurried into their small kitchen. Thomas, who looked to have been up for a while, was fully dressed and sat at the table drinking tea.
In the mornings, they ate breakfast at the main house every day. The new cook was wonderful. To everyone’s delight, she’d trained with the Humphries’ cook in London, so was familiar with the family favorites.
“We are spoiled,” Mary said, nearing and kissing Thomas on the jaw. “To not have to cook our meals before our duties begin.”
Thomas nodded. “I agree.” His warm gaze moving over her. “If I recall, you and Mrs. Yarnsby will be gone most of the day today.”
A large group had booked the estate for a family gathering and Vivian insisted on attending at least one event to ensure everyone felt welcome.
So far, the venture was turning out quite well, the staff at the estate barely having time to clean and organize everything before the next group arrived.
“I look forward to going, although it is a family who thrives on melodrama,” Mary said with a chuckle. “Be prepared for entertaining stories upon my return.”
Just as they were to head out, they spotted a small carriage arriving. Mary immediately recognized the Yarnsby emblem on the door and knew who it was.
Lady Yarnsby.
It was a rare visit since Mr. Yarnsby’s mother, preferred her pampered life in the city. The entire time she visited, the woman spent most of her time complaining of boredom.
“There may be a change in plans,” Thomas said in a dry tone. “Lady Yarnsby must have left in the dark to have arrived this early.
“If I know her, she probably left from a ball and is still in her cups. Hurry,” Mary tugged his arm and they raced to the back entrance of the main house.
“Fix a basket of food for Mrs. Yarnsby and myself, we must leave at once,” Mary called out as she hurried past the startled kitchen staff up the stairs and rapped on Vivian and Alexander’s bedroom door.”
“What’s the matter?” Alexander opened the door and she had to look away as he was shirtless. “Your mother is here.”
“Oh no,” Vivian exclaimed from inside. “Alexander, you must find a way to keep her busy until I can escape.”
Mr. Yarnsby gave Mary a bored look. “Is this necessary? I am sure she will insist on promptly going to bed.”
“Please,” Vivian said taking Mary’s hand and yanking her inside while managing to throw a robe at her husband.
When he staggered away sleepily, both she and Vivian began giggling. “Help me dress. Did you ask Thomas to prepare a carriage?”
“Yes, of course. Also asked for a basket of food to be prepared.”
Within minutes, they hurried out to the top of the stairs, where they stopped and listened. Below, Mr. Yarnsby guided his mother to the small sitting room to give them an opportunity to make it to the kitchen without being seen.
They hurried past the doorway and into the kitchen, where the cook gave them a questioning look.
“There’s ham, bread and...”
“Thank you so much, Mrs. Smith,” Mary interrupted, grabbing the basket. Together she and Vivian went out to find a carriage ready for them. Thomas stood by the door, holding it open with a resigned look.
“Don’t look at us like that,” Vivian said. “Alexander’s mother would have insisted on coming to the estate, which would be disastrous.”
It was obvious he tried to keep from chuckling. “Understood, Ma’am,” he said with a stern expression.
“Are you taking us?” Mary asked. “I didn’t expect you to.”
“No one else is awake,” he answered and took the basket of food. “In you go.”
As the carriage jolted forward and they were on their way, Vivian elbowed Mary. “Where is our breakfast?”
“Thomas took it.”
“I suppose we didn’t give him an opportunity to eat,” Vivian said.
“That does not excuse him taking our food,” Mary complained. “I’m hungry.” She knocked on the roof and stuck her head out the window. “You forgot to give us our basket.”
“I will give it back to you when we stop to rest.”
Mary sat back down. “I think we will have to wait until getting there to eat.”
“No matter,” Vivian answered. “I’d much rather starve, than spend the day keeping my mother-in-law from bragging to the guests, about a son she didn’t have a hand in raising. She’ll also insist on being the center of attention.”
Once again Mary stuck her head out the window. “Mrs. Yarnsby insists you return the basket.”
“No, she doesn’t,” Thomas replied.
Vivian giggled.
“He is being insubordinate. I am so very embarrassed. Please do not fire him.” Mary snapped.
Vivian pulled out a bundle and opened it. In it were ham and bread. “Mrs. Smith gave me this for Thomas. I suppose we will have to share it.”
Mary stuck her head out of the window again. “We are going to eat your breakfast.”
“I am eating yours, which I’m sure is much better,” he called back.
“The nerve of him,” Mary said with a huff.
“He’s the perfect match for you,” Vivian replied. “I like him very much.”
That night Mary joined the staff for dinner since the Yarnsby’s had gone to the Torrington’s for a family meal. Mary was glad for the reprieve, but she felt sorry for Vivian, who had to spend the evening and next day with Lady Yarnsby.
“I’m glad to see you enjoyed my stew,” Mrs. Smith said with a bright smile. “Help yourself to a third helping. A woman in your condition should eat well.”
Mary laughed. “Do you mean tired and hungry all day, because her husband ate her breakfast?”
Mrs. Smith gave Thomas a pointed look. “You should ensure Mary eats regularly. You don’t want the child to be compromised in any way.”
“What child?” both Mary and Thomas asked.
“How can you not know?” Mrs. Smith gave Mary an incredulous look. “You are with child. The last weeks, you’ve barely eaten, had an upset stomach all the time, and now you are eating as if famished.”
Mary blinked and looked at Thomas, whose eyes were wide like saucers.
“I have felt rather oddly,” she finally admitted mentally calculating the last time she’d run her courses. “It’s been a long time since...” she left the words hanging, her mouth falling open.
“Oh, my goodness,” Mrs. Smith said with a smile. “You certainly are with child.”
A huge grin split Thomas’ face and he lifted her hand to his lips. “I can’t believe it.” He pressed a kiss to the back of her hand while Mary was torn between wanting to cry or laugh.
So then, she did both.