Chapter Thirty-Five
Clad in her sleeping gown, Josie sat at her new dressing table, in her new bed chamber, in her new townhouse, brushing her hair and reminiscing about her wedding day.
She’d felt lovely in her cream-colored gown embellished with delicate, embroidered red roses.
Although she would have worn a borrowed dress to the ceremony, it was delightful to have something special designed just for her.
Madame had even made her a matching bonnet and gloves that Josie had paid for with her own money.
Imagine that. Jabbing Josie had enough blunt to purchase a lacy bonnet and silk gloves.
Throughout the church service, Josie had been unable to take her eyes off her dashing husband with his all-consuming dimples and bright blue eyes.
His tailcoat was the same shade of red as the roses on her gown, and instead of trousers, he’d worn formal, tight breeches.
If she looked close enough, she could see the outline of his perfectly formed thighs. Even now, the memory made her salivate.
After church, Agatha hosted a celebratory breakfast. Franny, Coach, Bridget, Griffendale, Lady Siddons, and, of course, the Davenports celebrated the joyous occasion with them.
The meal culminated with a three-tiered cake iced with flowers that resembled the ones on her gown.
Josie had shamelessly consumed two large pieces.
Now, since this was their first night as husband and wife, Bridget stayed at Greenpark House, allowing Nicolas and Josie their home to themselves.
A light knock on her door interrupted Josie’s reverie. Before she had a chance to stand, Nicolas opened the door. Without hesitation, she rushed into his arms.
“Hello, wife.” He kissed the top of her head.
“Hello, husband.”
He ran his palms up and down her back as he looked around their shared chamber. “’Tis quite cozy, is it not?”
She sighed in contentment. “Quite.”
Their new home was beyond perfect. Although small, it was lovely and more than she’d ever hoped for. Nicolas had even arranged for a cook and a maid to visit each day. Their massive bed, covered in fluffy pillows and a damask counterpane that had to be at least two inches thick, was the best part.
Inhaling, Nicolas ran his nose along her jaw. “I thought Agatha meant to keep us there forever, and all I could think about was coming home and making love to you.”
“I know.” She ran her hand down the front of his waistcoat. “You look so very handsome in this.” For the past five or so hours, Josie had wanted to find a corner and palm his crotch, which she would do as soon as she gave him his wedding present.
He nuzzled her ear. “I believe we are both wearing entirely too many clothes.”
In a few moments, she’d strip him naked, then pounce. “First, I have something for you,” she said.
“Oh?” he asked.
“A wedding present.”
“Mmm.” He rubbed his bulge against her hip and whispered into her ear. “Does this present include us being naked?”
She pushed her palm into his chest to hold her randy husband in place as she backed away. She playfully shook her finger at him and feigned disgust. The truth was, she wanted him so much she struggled to maintain her discipline.
“Eventually,” she conceded.
His gaze heated her backside as she retrieved the small box she’d wrapped in brown paper. Her heart fluttered with excitement as she approached and handed it to him.
He gently shook the box.
“Nicolas, don’t. You will break it.”
“Hmm. What is it?”
Josie bounced on her heels. “For heaven’s sake. Open it.”
He lifted the box to his nose and sniffed.
“Nicolas!”
“Patience, my darling.” Taunting her, he held the package to his ear. “Shh. I’m listening.”
Josie huffed. “The sooner you open it, the sooner we can get naked.”
Nicolas tore the paper off and lifted the lid. Peering into the box, he swallowed.
Josie’s heart, which had been flitting wildly seconds before, plummeted. She’d been so certain he’d love the present.
“I’m speechless,” he said.
“Are you disappointed?” she asked.
He stared at her as if she’d said the grass was purple. “’Tis the greatest gift I’ve ever received.” He closed the lid, placed the box on a side table, and pulled her into his arms. “I do not know how it is possible, but I love you more every day.”
She traced her fingertip over his perfect lips. “I love you, too, Nicolas. Now, may we get naked?”