Chapter Ten #3
He held his hand out, still not comfortable with how close she was to the brown, furry spider with ridiculously long legs. “Yes, I know who he was. Why would a spider be named after a cardinal? Is its bite so terrible that people become saints for living through it?”
She walked toward him, smiling. “No, but I like that interpretation. These spiders are so named because he was terribly afraid of them.”
When she finally clasped his hand, he brought her out of the stone building, holding tight so she wouldn’t wander off. “And am I to guess that you learned about such insects at that Curious Ladies school you attended?”
“Yes, the Belinda School for Curious Ladies. One of the courses we take in our first year is on the flora and fauna of England. That’s when I first discovered birds. How many doves should we have?”
He led her toward the house. “How many could that dovecote hold?”
“At least a hundred, but that would be far too many, as I don’t want to disturb the other birds who already live here with an influx of others. I think ten would be enough. But we will have to take their eggs if we wish them to remain at that number.”
“I’m sure the gardeners can take care of that. Now I suggest we find Mrs. Newman so you can meet the staff and then go to your rooms to rest.”
“But I’m not tired. It was so stifling at my family’s house in Town that it feels wonderful to walk about freely.” Suddenly she halted, forcing him to stop.
“What is it? Did you forget something?”
“No, I rarely forget, which is part of why I can’t keep a secret. The information stays in my head forever. No, I wanted to ask you if we would be returning to Town together?”
The worry in her gaze was very obvious. At least he never needed to fear that she would or could hide anything from him.
“Yes. Lord and Lady Tamworth have offered their rented townhouse in Mayfair for the rest of the Season. They are only planning to stay there another sennight, so we will take it over.”
She squeezed his hand with both of hers. “I’m most grateful. As much as I love your home, I’d miss the activities and my friends while they’re about Town.”
“Our home.”
She blinked for a moment before a half-smile lifted her lips. When she smiled like that, he found he wanted to kiss her.
“Our home.” Her voice was soft.
Philip was so used to having to keep his distance as a gentleman, it took him a moment to recognize that she was his wife now and he had every right to kiss her.
Gently, he cupped her cheek with his free hand and stared into her eyes, round eyes that looked at him with confusion.
He leaned in, brushing his lips across hers.
Her lips parted as she sucked in her breath. Slowly, he moved his tongue between her lips. She tasted sweet, and his nostrils filled with her flowery scent once again.
When her free hand grasped his upper arm, he moved his tongue more deliberately and tangled it with hers, pleased by her willingness.
As his body began to respond, he broke the kiss and looked at her. Her eyes were closed and she let out a soft sigh before her lids opened and she smiled shyly at him. “That was nicer than…nicer than hot cocoa with cinnamon.”
At first, he thought she compared him to the last man that had kissed her, but her expression was far too honest. “Hot cocoa with cinnamon? I’d never thought of a kiss in quite that way.”
Georgina cocked her head. “Truly? Does it not warm you on the inside and make it feel as if all the world is happy? That’s how I feel.”
Her innocence surprised him, especially since she was not innocent. “I’m very glad I can make you feel that way.”
“I am too. Maybe you could make me feel that way again?”
They were standing not far from the house. Anyone looking out the window would see them, but he was the master of Crestfield, and if he wanted to kiss his wife outside in the garden, he would. “I’d be pleased to grant your request.”
This time she stepped up to him and pulled her hand from his so she could loop her arms around his neck. “Thank you.”
Her gratefulness felt odd. She was his wife. He wrapped one arm about her waist and pulled her tight against him, feeling her pert breasts once more. She was his, forever. The knowledge fed his passion, and he brought his free hand up to the back of her head before lowering his mouth to hers.
Immediately, he broached her lips and swept his tongue inside.
Hers battled with his even as she pulled herself closer, pressing her body to his as if she couldn’t wait to have him.
At her enthusiasm, he let go of her head and cupped her arse, pulling her against his erection.
Despite her skirts, she had to have felt him, but she suddenly turned her head away and dropped her hands.
He let her go. “Is something wrong?”
She shrugged, but didn’t look at him. “No. Thank you for the kiss.” In the next moment, she headed for the house.
He remained where he was, watching her hips sway with her brisk stride. He was quite sure something was wrong, and tonight would be the perfect time to find out. Surprisingly, he was more attracted to his new wife than he’d expected, and he planned to act upon that for his wedding night.