Eight Hunting Lyons (The Lyon’s Den Connected World)

Chapter Eight

H onoria stared at the empty place where her husband had been standing scarcely a minute before and frowned. Had she said or done something to make him run from the room like banshees were after him? Slowly, she slid down off the bed, suddenly at a loss for what to do.

Thomas had said her maid would be in to assist her, but she couldn’t think who that would be or exactly what they would do. The few articles of clothing she’d brought from the vicarage were made in such a way that Honoria could get into and out of them herself. She’d never had a maid before, and so had always dressed herself. The bulk of her clothing was still at Lord Danford’s and would likely remain there if Lady Danford didn’t order them to be removed and burned. Had she found out about her husband’s foul behavior toward Honoria? She fervently hoped not.

Wandering about the room, Honoria settled for sitting on a pretty little chaise, done in a delicate blue and green floral, before the fireplace. She could still scarcely believe she was married, Lady Braeton. Like a dream she couldn’t seem to wake herself from. But awake she must. As lady of the house, she would need to take charge of the day-to-day running of the establishment. Of all Lord Braeton’s homes, wherever they were in residence.

He’d said they were journeying tomorrow to Knowlton’s Keep in Sussex. She didn’t know how long they would be there, but she hoped it was long enough for her to be able to establish herself as mistress of the house. She meant to be the best wife possible for Thomas, to make him never regret that he’d married her. The first way she could do that would be to show him she could manage the house and staff with ease.

It seemed a daunting task, but she’d observed her mother run the vicarage effortlessly her whole life. Those lessons would stand her in good stead now. They might have had only a few servants, but her mother had taken them in hand and the house had run seamlessly. Once Honoria and Thomas were settled somewhere, she was certain she’d be able to do the same thing, even though it would be on a much grander scale.

The door opened, and Honoria jumped up, looking about wildly, expecting Thomas had come back already to take her to dinner.

Instead, her gaze met that of a small, brown-haired woman, older than Honoria, or so she looked, with a sweet face, though it wore a no-nonsense expression.

“I beg your pardon for startling you, my lady. I’m Paxton, Lady Rochdale’s lady’s maid. Lord Braeton asked if I could come to see to you for a week or so, or until you’d found your own.” She looked around the room and nodded. “I’ve prepared a bath for you just in here,” she pointed to the doorway, “then you may wish to rest until time to go down? I can lay out your gown for this evening.”

“Thank you, Paxon. A bath does sound wonderful.” Honoria’s shoulders sagged with fatigue. It had been a very long day. And still, dinner to come. Oh, dear. She frowned. “I’m afraid I have very little clothing to choose from in the way of gowns. I have this one,” she motioned to the dark blue traveling dress she stood up in, “and one other that is rather old and out of style. It was all that was left of my wardrobe at home. Unfortunately, the two are the sum total of my clothing at present.”

The lady’s maid seemed undaunted. “Let me unpack the older dress and see if I can freshen it up. I understand we journey to Sussex tomorrow, so you won’t be able to go to the dressmaker for additional garments.” Paxton’s face was in a deep study. “Perhaps if you will be near a major city in Sussex, you can contact a seamstress and have some clothing made there.” The maid turned, grabbed a jug of water standing beside the hearth, and hurried toward the bathing chamber with it.

“That is an excellent idea, Paxton. I will ask Lord Braeton this evening.” Thank goodness Lady Rochdale had seen fit to loan her Paxton even for a short while. The lady’s maid was already proving invaluable. She would speak to Thomas about the sad state of her wardrobe at dinner.

With that plan in place, Honoria rose and began unhooking the bodice of her traveling dress.

“My lady.”

Honoria jumped guiltily as Paxton hurried toward her.

“That is my job.” The woman quickly unhooked the bodice, drew Honoria’s arms from the garment, then quickly slid it down over her body until she stood in her stays, chemise, stockings, and shoes.

“I can remove the rest, Paxton.” The woman’s attentions unnerved Honoria. Her mother or sisters had helped her when she was at home. Since becoming a companion two years ago, she’d done for herself. It was strange to stand and let someone else undress her.

“It’s my job, my lady.” The maid had laid the traveling gown on the bed and now stood in front of Honoria, her fingers flying as she unhooked her stays. “If you will sit, my lady?”

Afraid to disobey, Honoria dropped down onto the chaise, and Paxton proceeded to strip shoes and stockings from her. When Honora stood up again, the chemise was whisked over her head, leaving her completely naked.

Blushing from head to toe, Honoria scampered into the bathing chamber, where the tub stood half full of water. A little steam rose with it, along with a delicate scent of roses. She all but leaped into the wooden structure, landing with a splash on her bottom. Warm water enveloped her, and Honoria wiggled around until her back lay against the slanted end. With a deep sigh, she relaxed and let the water and smell of spring roses soothe her. Tensions she’d been keeping in abeyance finally lifted. All that was required of her tonight was dinner with her husband. No more. No need to fear he would force her into his bed. Thank God for an understanding husband.

As she settled deeper into the water, the idea emerged that she needed to devise some way to show a return of that kindness to him. At present, she had no idea what she could do, but as she came to know him better in the next days and weeks, she’d try to discover ways to demonstrate to him how grateful she was for his generosity in all things.

With that decision made, Honoria took the ball of soap and began to rub it briskly over her skin. Thanks to Lord Danford’s treachery, this new beginning to her life might well be the best thing to ever happen to her.

Self-conscious and unsure, Honoria walked slowly down the main staircase, hoping she was heading to the dining room. The dinner gong had rung only moments ago, and Paxton had told her the custom at Lady Rochdale’s home was for the lady of the house to lead everyone into dinner. Since tonight it would be only herself and Thomas, Honoria wasn’t certain if she needed to be so formal. It was unnerving not to know the simplest things.

Just as she reached the bottom step, Thomas appeared from what looked like a reception room. Looking elegant and handsome in well-cut black evening clothes, he smiled up at her and offered his arm.

Her heart sped up as it always seemed to do around her attractive husband. She simply must not let him see she was trembling. So, she returned his smile and placed her arm in the crook of his. Immediately, warmth spread through her as though she’d drunk spirits. For some reason, this man bewitched her. Not that she’d complain.

“Good evening, my dear.” He seemed to scrutinize her, which made her all the more nervous. “You look fresh and lovely, despite the events of the day. Were you able to rest?”

Honoria nodded and forced herself to speak. “I was able to bathe and nap, thanks to Paxton. You must convey my thanks to your sister. Her maid has already been a godsend.”

“Joanna insisted we take Paxton with us to Sussex. Meanwhile, she will advertise here in London for a lady’s maid for you.” He ushered her into the dining room, a long, narrow room with rich maroon walls and a table that would accommodate at least ten people.

Honoria swallowed hard. They had no one dining with them tonight, but soon enough she would be expected to play hostess to dinner parties with twenty or more guests. She must remember she promised to be an excellent wife. This was one of the things she would learn.

“As we will dine alone tonight, I thought we might dispense with some formality and sit at the same end of the table.” Thomas smiled as he helped her into the chair at the end of the table—her rightful place from now on—and took the chair to her right where the place settings had been laid.

“That was very thoughtful of you, Thomas.” She settled into the chair and removed her gloves as a footman came forward and poured wine into their glasses.

He smiled and raised his glass. “To our marriage, my dear. May it be long and happy.”

Honoria raised her glass as well, sending a prayer heavenward that his words would come true. She must make him never regret rescuing her. After sipping the light wine, she set her glass down and raised her gaze to his face. “I believe you were going to tell me about your childhood, Thomas. You learned so much about me this afternoon, but I still know almost nothing about you, save you have a sister.”

He chuckled, and laid his napkin in his lap as the first course was served, a white soup that smelled delicious.

Hoping her stomach wouldn’t growl, Honoria began to eat, her appetite suddenly ravenous.

Thomas took turns eating and talking as the meal wore on—courses of meat, fish, fowl, vegetables, and salad with cheeses—until even Honoria’s empty stomach was sated. During the course of the meal, she learned of his boyhood at Knowlton’s Keep, his university days, something of his time in Italy, granted in lieu of a Grand Tour, and a little about his family.

“More wine, my dear?” Thomas motioned to the footman to fill his glass.

“Oh, no thank you. I cannot manage another thing.” She’d never imagined she’d eat so much, but listening to Thomas had taken her mind off her nervousness. He was a wonderful conversationalist. “Paxton will never be able to get me out of this gown, much less into the one I must wear tomorrow.”

“I meant to tell you earlier, Honoria, that that gown is quite lovely on you.” His gaze roamed all over her, spreading a wonderful warmth wherever it touched.

“That credit must go to Paxton, Thomas. She took my old gown from home and remade it quickly while I was in the bath.”

A sudden gasp from him was odd, but he nodded and grabbed his glass. “She is very talented.”

“She suggested when we arrive at Knowlton’s Keep, I should go to the nearest large town and engage a modiste to supplement my clothing.” Honoria disliked the waste of the clothing she’d left behind at Lady Danford’s, but there was nothing to be done about it.

“Why did you not bring more clothing from the vicarage?” His gaze hadn’t left her all the while she’d been speaking, a hungry look in his eyes.

“Almost everything I owned, I took with me when I went to live with Mrs. Tyne. Then it went with me again when I went to Mrs. Edwards.” Honoria shrugged. It was lost now. “I doubt Lady Danford will trouble herself with packing it up and sending it back to the vicarage. She’ll be so angry with me for disappearing…or worse,” she shuddered, “if word reaches her ears about Lord Danford and the Lyon’s Den.”

Chuckling, Thomas relaxed and sipped some more wine. “Be easy on that account, my dear. Joanna has begun a campaign to absolve you from any blame about your abrupt disappearance.”

“Whatever do you mean?” This was certainly news to Honoria.

“Joanna is putting it about that ours is an arranged marriage. That you were summoned home unexpectedly as the ceremony had to be carried out without delay. Trust me, she will embellish the story with just the right kinds of details to feed the frenzy for scandalous tales in London yet give it the ring of truth.”

“Goodness.” Honoria could scarcely take it in. “And you think Lady Danford will believe this?”

“All of London will believe it, my dear.” Thomas grinned at her. “So, I will write to Lady Danford in the morning, asking her to kindly have a maid pack up all your belongings in a trunk, which I will provide, and give said trunk to a footman I will send the following day. Once he has your things, I’ll instruct the coachman to have a cart sent after us to Knowlton’s Keep. So, you only need be without your gowns for a couple of days. I know there is no way to have one made up here in such little time, but perhaps Joanna has an older gown that Paxton can make over until the others arrive at the Keep.”

“If we waited for a couple of days before leaving, we could take the trunk with us, and I’d have my clothing all the faster.” Honoria hated to contradict him, but it seemed like the most logical way to arrange things.

“I would not remove from London at all, my dear, if I trusted Danford to act the gentleman.” Thomas tossed back the rest of his wine. “But the things he said about you while we were in the Lyon’s Den make me believe I need to spirit you away where he cannot find you, at least until his ardor cools sufficiently—or he finds another young woman to fixate his attention on.”

“Oh.” Honoria had wondered why they were leaving London in such haste. Considering the look in Lord Danford’s eyes in the carriage the day he tried to kidnap her, Thomas was being prudent. “And he will not follow us into Sussex?”

“No one will know where we are going, save my servants. Even Joanna will put it about that we have gone in quite the opposite direction, in the event he proves persistent.” Thomas’s lips firmed into a straight line. “I pray he does not.”

“I, as well.” His news had sobered Honoria.

“If you are done, my lady?” Thomas nodded to her, and hastily Honoria rose. “I didn’t think we wanted to pass through to the drawing room for tea. We have a very early morning.”

“No, I am rather tired, even with my earlier nap.” All the exquisite food was acting as to make her even more sleepy. “I think I shall retire.”

“Allow me to escort you to your chambers, Lady Braeton.” Smiling, he rose and once more offered his arm, which she took most willingly. Honoria liked that he seemed to constantly think of her protection from Lord Danford. Never had she felt so safe.

They wound their way back up to their apartment suites, and he stopped before her door. His light amber eyes had turned dark again. Was it a trick of the light in this corridor that did that? It made him look so…hungry.

A shiver raced down her back.

“As today is our wedding day, Honoria…”

Every muscle in her body tensed. Would he go back on his word not to press her so soon? Her heart raced and her body heated. Did she want him to press her?

“Yes?” The single word was barely a breath.

“I wondered if you would allow me…”

She held her breath. Allow him…what?

“A kiss?”

Gasping, Honoria didn’t know whether to laugh or scowl at him. Thomas could be a rascal it seemed. “I believe that would be in order.” They had not even kissed after the ceremony. Papa had always frowned upon such public displays. “It is, as you say, our wedding day.”

“Yes, it is.” Suddenly he loomed so close to her that all the air seemed to have been sucked out of the corridor. Gently, he raised her chin and lowered his head until her mouth was mere inches from his.

Unable to stare into those darkening eyes any longer, Honoria closed hers and waited breathlessly.

Suddenly, his lips pressed against her, soft and warm. Everything about the man made her feel warm. He held her head in both hands and turned it ever so slightly until their mouths seemed to merge into one. With that small change came an overawing feeling of rightness, as though this was the way a kiss was meant to be.

She shifted just a little toward him, drawn ever closer to his masculine presence.

In response, he pressed his lips against her harder, more insistent.

A thrill of longing shot through her. As though she wanted more of that.

Then something brushed against her lips. Was that his tongue? Before she could wrap her head around that idea, he pressed again, more persistently at the seam of her closed lips. As though he wanted… She gasped, opening her mouth.

As though he’d been waiting for this very moment, Thomas slid smoothly through her lips.

She stopped dead still, appalled and yet exhilarated by the tingles now cascading over her body. And this was her husband. And it was their wedding day…

Gently, he explored here and there, as though he wanted to delve into every part of her mouth. Every part of her. Oh, good, Lord. Now that he’d done this , would he think she wished to do more?

Of its own accord, her body stiffened, as though expecting a blow.

With a little groan, Thomas slowly retreated until they stood apart. He gazed down at her, his eyes now black with that hunger she now instinctively knew to be desire.

Helplessly, she stared back into the darkened eyes. What must she do now?

“Good night, my dear.” His lips grazed her cheek, and he stepped back. “Pleasant dreams.” Then he slowly turned and headed toward his chamber door at the end of the corridor.

Breath still coming in ragged gasps, Honoria followed his slow gait until he opened his door and disappeared from sight.

A part of her, the part deep down at her core that now ached for more of his kisses, wanted to run down the hall and knock on his door. Go in and let her husband bring back those wonderful, wicked feelings.

The other part of her, the one that remembered they had only met three days ago, warned that she had been scarcely ready for the intimacy of this kiss. How would she react when she had to disrobe in front of Thomas? She’d become embarrassed when her maid had stripped her for her bath.

Slowly, her heartbeat came back to normal. The tingles throughout her body subsided, and she took a step back into her room and shut the door. Much as she’d enjoyed Thomas’s kiss, deep down she understood she wasn’t ready for more.

Honoria sighed. Not yet. But maybe sooner than she’d thought.