Chapter 15
Chapter 15
29th of April 1814
The next fortnight had been a whirl of fittings and Grandmamma whisking Jane from one end of London to the other—if not for fabric, it was for gloves or slippers or bonnets as well as any and every accoutrement one could imagine. A part of her was exhausted with the never-ending travelling to and fro, but the other could not stop shaking. She could barely contain herself. She would finally wed Henry and start her life. She had begun to believe no man would ever want her, then through the oddest of circumstances, the best of men almost fell into her path. If asked six months ago, she would have laughed at the notion. Now, she marvelled at her good fortune.
“Good morning, Miss Montford,” said Mr. Taft as he opened the door. At the butler’s nod, Sutton and two of her grandfather’s footmen—not to mention two of Henry’s footmen—either made their way to the mews of Albemarle House or back to Richmond House. After Lord Bath’s attention at Lady Vranes’s ball, neither Henry nor her grandfather were scrimping on her safety. Lizzy would have bristled at being followed around with such vigilance, but Jane would not argue. The interaction between her and the infamous Granville brother at the ball was enough to never desire his presence again. He was a liar and a rake to boot! As much as her heart wanted to ascribe the best of motives to everyone, she had the living truth of Simon’s betrayal whenever she looked at Jules. Thankfully, the sweet child did not take after Lord Bath in temperament!
“Good morning.” Jane entered and removed her spencer as Mrs. Tanner stepped into the hall.
“Miss Montford, I appreciate you coming. I thought we would inspect the mistress’s chambers, then if you could visit with Lady Emmeline and Lady Juliana, we would be very appreciative. His Grace told them you were to be here, and they have spoken of little else since. Miss Fletcher is at her wit’s end.”
“They are so dear. I do not mind spending time with them.”
“Very good. If you will follow me.” With a wave of her hand, the housekeeper led her up two flights of stairs then made a right. No sooner had they entered the corridor than Mrs. Tanner entered a room and stood beside the door while Jane followed. “These are the duchess’s rooms. The last time they were decorated was for His Grace’s mother before she became ill. She had a preference for gold as you can see.”
Jane pivoted as she viewed the room in a full circuit. Her grandmother had mentioned the overdone tastes of some, but to have different hues and shades of gold on every wall was far too much. How would one sleep? Would not the moonlight or firelight reflect off every surface?
“Yes,” said Jane, “she seemed to be quite fond of the colour. I must thank you for sending the note. I do not like changing perfectly serviceable rooms, but I fear I would not sleep with these colours everywhere.”
The housekeeper chuckled. “’Tis not to my preference either, Miss, which was why I took the liberty of contacting you.”
“What has the duke said? Will he object to my decorating the rooms?” She would not wish to upset him.
“When I mentioned it, he agreed you should see them. His most fervent wish is for you to be comfortable. He declared we were to spare no expense. You must also understand; he insisted upon the death of his father that most of the rooms his mother decorated be redone. I understand he has also made a great many changes at Hemel Hill and Clitheroe.”
“I should not think the task for this room alone too costly.” Jane bit her cheek for a moment, then inhaled. “You mentioned His Grace’s mother, but would not his late wife have resided in these rooms?” She was horrible for asking, but a part of her did not relish the idea of being in the same bedchamber—of sleeping in the same bed.
“No, Miss. The late duke passed only a few months before she died. His Grace’s late wife was superstitious. She refused to take these rooms until the mourning was complete, so they remained in their suite of rooms on the other side of the staircase until she died. The duke moved to his father’s chambers after Lady Juliana’s birth.”
She nodded, her heart squeezing at all Henry must have felt at that time. “I shall need to find a moment to visit Uncle Gardiner’s warehouse if this is to be completed before our return from Hemel Hill.” They would remain at the estate for a week after their marriage so they would have some time alone together—well, time alone with a household full of servants, that is.
“If you will forgive me my presumption,” said Mrs. Tanner. “I sent out for samples of wall fabrics for you to choose from. Should nothing be to your liking, you only need tell us where, and we shall purchase whatever is your choice. We usually make our selections at Gardiner’s if that pleases you.”
With a nod, Jane stepped over to the table where a large number of fabrics were set out. “Yes, we make any decorating purchases there as well as fabrics. ’Tis rare we make a purchase somewhere else.” Her grandparents were too good to bring all of their custom to her uncle’s business.
“His Grace indicated you would prefer more simple patterns.”
“He is correct.” She fingered through the samples until she happened upon an ivory wall covering with a soft almost azure blue design of nightingales and flowers. “This is lovely.” After she set the piece to one side, she flipped through the silks and velvets, pulling several bits in blue before shifting the stack to one side. Henry had given his housekeeper the perfect instruction. Almost all of the samples were to her liking, but she preferred the one she selected. She had eyed it often at Uncle Gardiner’s warehouse. It was just what she would have picked.
“What do you think of the ivory and blue wall fabric with this heavy blue for the draperies and bed curtains, this same shade from the pattern in the wall covering for the inside of the canopy, and this silk for the coverlet?”
Mrs. Tanner had stepped beside Jane while she set the fabrics beside each other and nodded. “That should look very well together—very well. If you would prefer, we have furniture in one of the guest rooms that would match what you have selected admirably. The bed has carvings that would complement the wall coverings too.”
She led Jane to the other end of the house and opened the door. True to the housekeeper’s word, a sofa and chairs sat in one corner covered in a similar-coloured blue silk. The remaining furniture did not have that gold hue of the duchess’s and was more pleasing to the eye. Mrs. Tanner was a godsend.
“Should you prefer it, we can move this into your suite of rooms and use the other in here. The carpet here will complement your fabrics, and the one in your bedchamber will work well in this room. We can ensure no more is required once you are wed.”
Jane nodded. She preferred to practise economy where she could, and this would do well. “Your suggestions are excellent. Thank you for making this so simple. My grandmother has had me run from one end of London to the other ordering gowns and whatever else she believes I require. Having samples ready for me to select was a welcome change.”
Mrs. Tanner gave a reserved smile. “I am glad I could be of such aid, Miss.”
With that settled, Mrs. Tanner showed Jane to the nursery where she spent an enjoyable hour with Emmeline and Juliana, reading them stories and singing songs. When she descended the stairs, Henry caught her as she reached the floor with the family apartments.
“I had hoped to see you before you departed. You will stay for refreshments, will you not?” His hand grasped hers and his thumb caressed mind-numbing circles along the top. How did such simple gestures of affection make her dizzy?
“I should be pleased to join you. My grandmother and Fiona were making calls this morning, and Grandpapa and Nicholas went to their club.”
“Did Mrs. Tanner show you your rooms?” He tugged her into the mistress’s chambers. “As you can see, my mother loved gold. Her gowns were oft times trimmed in the colour whether it was becoming or not. When my housekeeper mentioned it, I could not envision you liking these colours.”
She placed her hand upon the samples she selected that were set apart from the rest. “I have chosen new fabrics, and Mrs. Tanner suggested furniture from the guest wing that would look well in here.”
“Excellent,” he said. He glanced down to the samples under her fingers and grinned. “Do you know, I saw those and thought they fit you perfectly? I see I was right.”
She tilted her head to one side. “You know me so well, do you?” Why did that bring a stutter to her heart?
He wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her to him. “I like to think I do.” She held her breath as he claimed her mouth without reserve. His tongue could have driven her to madness, caressing hers as it was, not to mention the little nips he was bestowing upon her lips between the more encompassing kisses that rendered her weak in the knees. She would faint soon if he continued as he was.
When he released her, he wore a boyish grin that made her smile. “I wish we were marrying tomorrow.”
She cupped his cheeks and bestowed a small peck to his chin. “I do too.” Her hand took the liberty of rubbing up and down his chest while he kept her close. “Henry, what does your room look like?”
With a groan, he buried his face in her neck and let his hands wander about her back and hips. “I fear if I take you in that room, I shall not let you out. Your grandfather will be forced to challenge me. We would be the latest scandal of the Season.”
“Which door?” she whispered. Whenever he spoke of his desire so, it made it difficult to breathe.
Her gaze held his as she backed away and towards a door not far from the bed. She trusted him. If they anticipated their vows, she would be equally to blame.
Once she opened the door, she backed inside while watching him. As soon as she turned, the bedchamber stood before her, decorated in forest green and ivory. She was trailing her fingers along the coverlet when strong arms wrapped around her from behind.
“We should return downstairs before we are missed.” His hands rubbed along her stomach before covering her breasts. His thumbs grazed over them, and her toes curled in her slippers.
Her head fell back upon his shoulder. “I just wanted to be alone with you for a moment. We have not had the opportunity since we left Hemel Hill.”
“I have missed you too.” His lips traced down her neck and suckled lightly at the spot where her shoulder started. “I cannot be trusted, Jane.”
“You would never go further than I wish. Besides, we are to be wed in ten days.”
She looked over her shoulder to catch his mouth with hers. The kiss, that began as heartfelt, became much more in a moment. Her hand wove into the hair at his nape while his hands continued to explore her breasts, kneading then slipping his hand under the fabric of her gown. When his fingers touched her nipple, a whimper bubbled from her throat.
“Jane!” He ripped himself from her and shook his head, her knees almost giving way when he jolted from her. “You undo me, my love. You must understand that as much as I love you and want you, I could not look your grandfather in the eye if we lost ourselves and anticipated our vows.” He scrubbed his face with his hands. “If you could await me in your bedchamber, I shall join you in a moment. I cannot show myself downstairs as I am now.”
Her gaze shifted to the bulge between his legs. Was that what had pressed against her on one or two occasions? She bit her lip.
At his chuckle, she ripped her eyes from whatever it was to his face. “What amuses you?”
“Your expression leaves me in no doubt that you are an innocent. Soon enough, you will know what that is but for now, pray, give me a moment.”
As much as she had no wish to go, she stepped into the mistress’s chambers and sat on the bed. Her breasts ached and were heavy, begging for his touch. Did he not experience something similar—some ache from denying himself and her more?
After almost five minutes, he returned, appearing as though he had refreshed himself. No one seemed to notice their disappearance when they returned downstairs. They dined on a light repast of cold meats, cheeses, and bread before Henry saw her back to Richmond House.
6th of May 1814
Jane awoke with a start to a bubbling laughter she knew well. How odd! She had been dreaming of a handsome duke with chestnut hair and vivid hazel eyes. In her dream, Henry had not sent her from his bedchamber that day and continued kissing and touching her until that place between her legs throbbed. Why would he not make it stop? And why would Lizzy’s laughter suddenly make an appearance?
At another burst of laughter, she opened her eyes. Lizzy sat on the edge of the bed with a hand covering her mouth, her eyes sparkling.
“Lizzy!” Without delay, she sat up and hugged her dearest sister, Lizzy’s burgeoning stomach pressing against hers. “What are you doing here?”
“I talked Fitzwilliam into coming for your wedding. You did not think I would miss it, did you?”
“Well, yes. Due to the babe, I certainly thought you would. Fitzwilliam must be a mess of nerves journeying from Derbyshire with you so close to your confinement.” Her husband was likely beside himself!
Her younger sister gave a wave of her hand. “I have at least eight more weeks if the midwife is to be believed. My husband wished me to remain at Pemberley, but I merely cajoled and cajoled until he admitted defeat and made the arrangements to journey here. You know I can sway him to my way of thinking if need be.”
“You pestered him without pause until you wore him down, more like,” said Jane.
Lizzy’s jaw gaped. “I cannot believe you spoke so. Brava, Jane.”
With a sigh, Jane relaxed against her pillows. “Regardless of how, I must admit I am happy you came. I never imagined I would be wed without you by my side.”
“Amelia convinced Sir Anthony to come as well, so we shall be a very merry family. Although when Gran mentioned how much shopping the two of you have accomplished, I must say Georgiana became melancholy. She had hoped to join you. Why she requires so many gowns when she does not attend balls and performances is a question I have yet to answer.”
Jane sat forward and wrapped her arms around her knees. “I need to see to the progress on my chambers at Albemarle House. She could join me for that and having tea with the duke’s daughters.”
“Yes, the children you have written so much about in your letters. I look forward to making their acquaintance. They sound delightful.”
“They are the sweetest of children.” When Lizzy bit her lip, Jane exhaled. “What has you trying not to laugh?”
“Whatever do you mean?” Lizzy’s eyes were so wide the expression was obviously feigned.
“You were laughing when I woke up, and even now, I can tell you are fighting your amusement. What is so funny?”
Lizzy’s face contorted a bit before she let her shoulders drop. “Very well. Gran told me I could come up and wake you. We have woken each other in the past, so I thought nothing of it. But then you moaned in your sleep and whispered, ‘Henry.’ Forgive me, but it was all so unexpected.”
Jane’s cheeks began to burn. Dear God, she could not have been so indiscreet, could she? Her dream had been one she experienced more and more, and with each subsequent time, the experience became more intense—to where the ache that bloomed between her legs persisted when she woke. This morning was no different.
“We have not anticipated our vows,” she said quickly.
“I had not said you did.” Lizzy took Jane’s hand and held it between her own. “If you are like most couples in love, you have likely shared some kisses and touched enough to stir some desire between you. That desire is a wonderful thing, Jane, and despite what most say, nothing is amiss in you experiencing it.
“Fitzwilliam and I tried Richard’s and Georgiana’s patience with stealing away for kisses and more. We never anticipated our vows, but we came quite close. If Amelia had not been forced to wed, I am certain she would have had a similar courtship.”
“We have not done much more than kiss. Henry says he could not look Grandpapa in the eye if we went further.”
“Well, you will be wed in two days, and Gran has tasked me with speaking to you of your wedding night. She tried to have a talk with me when I married, but when Amelia wed, she insisted I do it. I think she was greatly relieved when we arrived in London. I believe she was dreading the discussion.”
In some ways what followed was mortifying, but Lizzy’s talk was in other ways reassuring. After all, she now understood about that bulge—even if she did not know exactly what it was or what it looked like. Lizzy’s explanation was too vague. She sighed. She would discover on her wedding night, it seemed.
“The most important thing is to trust him,” said Lizzy. “People can love each other in many different ways. He may wish to kiss you in places that at first seem odd and embarrassing, but if he loves you, he will stop if you do not enjoy it.”
Jane crossed her arms around her chest. “What do you mean?” How could embarrassment be pleasurable?
Lizzy waved a hand in front of her. “I shall not give details.”
With a huff, Jane gave her sister a glare. “That is of no aid.”
Her sister burst into chuckles. “Oh, Jane! I do not believe I have ever witnessed you so put out. If this duke has broken through your reserve, I should be pleased to have him as my brother.”
“Can you imagine Mrs. Bennet’s crowing when she finds out I am a duchess?”
“If only we could be flies upon that wall!”