Chapter Thirty-Eight

Serena soon returned to her husband somewhat breathless. He offered her cool champagne. She accepted it, and winked playfully. “Do we stay here tonight, Geoffrey?”

“I thought we would quench our fires in my chambers. Neville will show the men to their rooms after they have drunk their fill. “Shall I have a maid see Josephine and Emma to their rooms? There is no proper female clothing, but the housekeeper purchased some bed clothes and dressing gowns.” He gave a hearty laugh.

“What is so humorous, my Duke?”

“It is difficult to describe a dress size when all I can do is show how your curves fit my hands.”

“Tell me you did not do that, Geoffrey. How wicked you are.”

“Yes. Yet you love me as I am, do you not?” He kissed her forehead and followed to the tip of her nose. “There is something upstairs, too. Balm and cloths are in your vanity. Your room adjoins mine.”

“I would say good night to the two ladies. It would not do to neglect them since they have done so much for me.”

“For us, Serena.”

“Yes, my love. For us.”

Serena arose, went to them. “I will see you in the morning at the breakfast table.” She kissed them good night.

Josephine giggled. “I learned how to dance, Serena. Oh, pardon me—it is now—your Grace. Lord Carleton has spoken to me about all your honorifics.”

“It does take getting used to.”

“Dancing is such a joy. May I stay down a little longer with Emma?”

“Yes, but not too late. You two will have a busy week ahead of you in London.” Serena’s exhaustion from the long, treacherous but wonderful day overwhelmed.

The housekeeper appeared out of nowhere. “His Grace has asked me to show you to your chambers. He will be up soon. The men want to give him one last toast.”

“Men will be men. I believe your name is Mrs. Farnsworth. Am I correct?”

The housekeeper nodded. “This way, Duchess.” As proper, she led Serena to the bedroom and opened the door. “I do hope the clothes I purchased will suit you.”

“I am confident they will be lovely, Mrs. Farnsworth. Please instruct the ladies not to stay up late. Give them twenty minutes or so and then seek them out at my request and lead them to their rooms. They are exhausted, too. Besides, I feel the men may want to tease my husband before he retires.”

“Breakfast will be buffet style and it is set up at six in the morning through eleven.”

“Mrs. Farnsworth, I will leave everything in your capable hands. I am so tired I did not ask my husband about our plans for tomorrow.”

“I shall have a maid attend you, your Grace.”

“It is appreciated.” When the door closed, she observed her new lodgings.

A knock sounded on the door. “Enter.” Serena turned as the portal opened.

“My name is Sophie. I am normally the downstairs maid, but will attend you tonight if you wish. May I say you are beautiful? His Grace is a lucky gentleman.” She curtsied and giggled.

“You have a lovely name. It will be easy to remember. If I can forego a bath, it will suffice to use a pitcher and awl. Please help me remove these dusty clothes.”

“Which of the night rails do you wish to wear?” She looked in the armoire. “I do believe this is your size.”

“It will suffice. I see there is a wrapper, too.”

She performed her ablutions in haste, fatigued yet excited—a mixture of potent emotions.

“The bell pull is on the far wall. When you need me in the morning, just tug on it and I will appear. Goodnight.” She curtsied and left.

Serena sat at the vanity, reached for the antique brush and ran it through her hair. When finished, she admired the heirloom wedding band on her finger. It held a large center diamond with variegated black and white gems. Her right hand fingered the beautiful ring. She held it up and stared. “I am a married lady, wed to a man who loves me. Imagine that.”

****

Neville entered the room, and handed Lord Geoffrey an envelope. He tore it open and read the contents. “Place it on my desk,” he instructed and returned to the jocular men.

“Is something amiss?” Carleton knew Geoffrey too well.

“No, all is as it should be, my friend.” He didn’t want to spoil his wedding night with the news that Sir Henry Worthington had been arrested by Scotland Yard officers on allegations of seditionist treason to the Crown. There would be nothing more for Serena and Geoffrey to fear from him.

“I say there, Geoffrey. If you are too tired to go up to your waiting bride, just let us know. We would be happy to assist,” Lord Kevin teased.

“You forget who I am. If you think I put us through this risky adventure to drink and sleep this night away while my wife awaits me upstairs, you wound me,” Geoffrey mocked. “Just remember I moved heaven and earth to claim her, and she is mine and mine alone.”

“Aye. It is a pity we cannot boast about this feat, but we are bound to our honor code. I am still amazed we pulled it off. It will be something we may tell our children and grandchildren one day.” Lord Sebastian winked. “If you wish to excuse yourself, we will understand. You are a lucky hound.”

“Yes, I think it is time I did. My wife sometimes sleeps at the most inopportune times, but I do not think it will be the case this night.” His wide grin spoke volumes. He rose from his chair and walked to the staircase, turned, saluted them all—and bowed. “Again, thank you for this wondrous gift you have given me—my life and my wife.”

Geoffrey climbed the steps two by two, entered his chamber and closed the door. He strode to her bedroom and found Serena standing near the fireplace, the light dancing like ballerinas on her dark tresses.

“There you are, dearest. Come into my room. Let me get out of my jacket and waistcoat; there’s something I want to show you. “Geoffrey gave her a rakish grin and extended his hand to her. “You can watch me undress.”

“Gladly,” she whispered. Serena arched her eyebrows when he led her to his bed. His lips nuzzled her face while his nostrils breathed in the sweet scent of her.

“Lord Cedric told me your reputation served the Saint’s cause well.”

“God’s blood, am I to have no secrets? I had hoped you would think you redeemed me.” His voice sounded contemplative since he preferred to leave his roguish past where it belonged.

“Geoffrey, I considered your redemption belonged in my capable hands.”

He saw the hungry look in her eyes when he started to undress.

“I had forgotten how you made undressing an art form.” Her words were silky and sultry.

He blew her a kiss, put on his dressing gown and cinched the belt. “The fire warms and I see there is champagne for us. May I pour you a glass? Come Serena, please sit on the bed.” He extended his hand.

“You said, please.” Serena’s smile glowed.

“You might say I am practicing for later.” He touched her cheek, a decadent smile graced his face. He handed her a fluted glass of champagne and toasted her. “To our happiness.”

She accepted it and their glasses clinked.

“I will help you to my bed each and every night. I am not the type of husband who relishes sleeping alone when I can share a bed with my wife. I choose it so. The warmth of your eager body tempts me.”

“Your words please me, husband.”

He gave her another salacious gaze, and the undercurrent of sensuality began to form between them. “Under the pillow is a gift for you I purchased in London. I wanted to shower you in gems in the hope you would come away with me. However, fickle fate made other plans, and I arrived at an empty house.” Geoffrey bit his lower lip. “Open it, my love. It is a wedding present. See how you have bewitched me. I want to lavish you with all I possess—jewels, furs, and my love. Enough of each to satisfy your every desire. “

“You have told me you love me. That is satisfaction enough,” she answered, caressing his cheek. “I don’t need extravagance when I can have the luxury of your body on mine. You are a special man.”

Serena placed the fluted glass on the bedside table, took the black velvet box from its resting place and flipped the latch.

He watched her eyes brighten when she saw the contents. “Geoffrey, this is beautiful.” Serena fingered the deep hued black pearl centered in a necklace of shimmering diamonds.” She handed the box to him. “Such an outrageous gift. You spoil me. Will you place it around my neck? I would like to wear it all night.”

“All night as naked as the day you were born except for the necklace? What a vision it conjures. Well worth the price I paid if it makes you happy.”

Geoffrey took the necklace from the case. She turned her back to him while she moved her hair to one side. He secured the latch.

He removed her dressing gown and when he saw the night rail, he laughed in good humor. “I can see Mrs. Farnsworth is a practical woman. It is sweet to wear the shift, but it covers too much. Let me take it off. I am a hungry man and I deserve a reward for my efforts to secure you.”

When his fingers touched her body, he heard her inhale. Her eyes closed. “You touch me and my body thrums.” She reached up to him. “No more talk. Can we start on our baby? Will you take off your dressing robe or shall I?”

“Brazen hussy.” He removed his garment in a flash. “I just want to hold you for a moment. My love, do you remember when I spoke something to you in Italian and you asked me the meaning, and I said I would tell you later?”

“Yes, but I don’t remember the exact words.”

“Penso che sto per cadere nell’amore con voi. The translation is: I think I am about to fall in love with you.” He cupped her face with his hands. “I would rephrase it now. I have fallen in love with you. Mi sono inamorato di te.”

“Dearest husband, I fell in love with you the first time I gazed upon you…and your horse.” Laughter bubbled in her voice, free and no longer afraid. “Being like this is all I thought about during those trying days and nights without you.”

Her hands touched his chest; her fingertips tantalized, and caused delightful currents to course through him.

“Oh, my Geoffrey, to be in your arms is all I need.” Her voice softened to a seductive tone. “I adore your broad shoulders. You are indeed a statue to be replicated, except nothing could do your masculinity justice. I do not want to share you, just yet.”

“Minx, I am afraid there will be no sharing of either of us. I can be a green-eyed monster.”

“I can be a jealous witch.”

“That said, we start to build our future. Shall we proceed to our bed sport with the intent to start our family?” He laid her back deep into the soft mattress. “When we’ve finished, I will massage you. Would you like that?” Geoffrey coaxed.

“Yes, but first I want to feel the length of you inside me. I want to please you in every imaginable way. You are my world and always will be. I love you, Geoffrey. Our life together will be beautiful because we both have been tortured enough.”

He centered himself over her. “You saw my soul and you nurtured it. Let us have our wanton way with each other.”

“Take me, Geoffrey. Take me forever and ever.”

His decadent kiss claimed her lips and sent her senses reeling in anticipation of what it promised. His tongue found hers, hinting what he would soon do to her body. She gasped, and whispered his name again.

His mouth sealed her voice while his hand journeyed downward to her neck and lingered at the side of her throat, sending decadent ripples of desire through her core. Liquid pooled, no, flooded—slick, wet and impossible to contain. Her body ached. Her hands implored and explored the hard muscle of his massive back. Serena arched against his maleness, inviting him to seek the pleasure she offered. The urgent need begged for the true length of him to enter her moist sheath. Only then would the excruciating, wondrous pain of wanting within her be sated. She welcomed the surge of his thrusts, filling her with his seed—a promise of satisfaction taking them to the edge of infinity.

They lived in the moment of this extraordinary experience. To be intimate and feel the powerful emotion in this most personal of intimate acts, rewarded them with ultimate pleasure. Out of breath, he whispered, “I look forward to captivity.”

“Be careful what you wish for, my Duke.”

Time stood still as they returned to earth, still joined together in a heated embrace that cooled to contentment as their strength returned.

“You are a magnificent woman, my equal and so much more. I am the most fortunate of men. Your handcuffs are indeed golden. I submit.”

“I will be sure to remind you of your words when it is appropriate, my love.”

Geoffrey moved from her and their eyes held each other for what could have been an eternity.