Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
She leaned into my hand, and I cupped her cheek.
“You are so beautiful, Maddie.”
“Father told me I was ugly.”
“Your father, as we determined earlier, is a cad and a bastard.”
Her giggle made me smile.
“Tomorrow, we shall go into the village and see the healer. And the dressmaker.”
“But I have new frocks,” she protested. “You purchased them for me when we were married. And you ordered Constance to procure some from London.”
I shook my head. “I did, but Constance convinced me to purchase only a few and that we should venture to London in the future and you will have a complete new wardrobe from the best modiste in the city. But I wish you to have everything you desire or need right now as well. I want you to have all of it. I want you to eat. Sleep. Relax. I want your body strong and healthy.” I paused. “Not right away, but we will want to entertain. When word reaches the ears of those in London that I have married, we will have guests. Perhaps a ball.” I smiled at her. “I will dance with my wife wearing a beautiful gown, only outshone by her own loveliness.”
She blinked and looked down. Then she raised her eyes to mine and studied me as if she was unsure how to take me. “You are a gift, sir,” she whispered. “One I am not sure I deserve.”
“You do,” I assured her. “And I am happy you are here with me.”
“Thank you.”
The air around us changed, grew warmer. My gaze dropped to her mouth. Her full lips I wanted to kiss.
Her breath caught as our eyes met and locked. Her mouth opened slightly, and I lowered my head, giving her the chance to move or protest.
She did not.
I pressed my mouth to hers, feeling the softness of her lips underneath mine.
She gasped softly as I wound my arm around her waist, pulling her to my lap and cupping her head. I kissed her again, tracing the seam of her lips with my tongue and sliding inside as she opened for me.
I teased her tongue, coaxing her to kiss me back. I felt a tremor go through her, and I held her, exploring her thoroughly. Licking deep into her mouth, smiling as she kissed me back, tentative and soft, then slowly responding to my ardor. She was sweet and perfect. She tasted of lemonade, jam, and pure Madeleine. She grew bolder, sliding a hand around my neck and playing with the hair on my nape. Her full breasts pressed into my chest, and I longed to lay her on the blanket and undress her, expose her to the fresh air and my mouth. But I knew it was too soon and it would overwhelm her. Frighten her. I had no wish for that to happen, so I slowed my kisses until I drew back, staring down at her, liking what I saw.
Her cheeks were flushed, the pink spreading down her neck and chest. Her breathing was rapid, her eyes shut. One hand fisted my shirt, the linen crushed in her fingers. She opened her eyes, the bottomless pools of blue filled with wonder and what I hoped was passion.
“You stopped,” she whispered.
“I had to, Maddie mine.”
She frowned.
“I do not wish to frighten you.”
“You did not. I liked it.”
I smiled, running my hand along her cheek. “As did I. What I want to do to you would frighten you very much, I fear. But we will take our time. Get to know each other. And I will teach you everything.”
“There is more?” she whispered.
“So much more, my darling girl. And I will show you everything. And you will tell me what you like and what you don’t.”
“And you will do the same?”
I laughed quietly. “I doubt there is anything you can do I will not enjoy, but yes, my love. I will tell you too.”
I pressed another kiss to her tempting mouth. “But for now, we will enjoy the day and our new closeness, yes?”
She nodded.
“Let us take a walk. Maybe we can find more flowers for my mantel.”
“You like them?”
“I do. In fact, I expect fresh ones all the time now.”
She smiled eagerly. “I can do that. I love to work in the gardens. Father thought I hated it, so it became one of the tasks I had to do every day. But I loved being out and away from his sight. And I loved to grow things.”
“Then we will get the gardener to give you a plot and help you.”
She threw her arms around my neck, holding me, her emotions getting the better of her. I hugged her back, loving her affectionate nature.
She drew back, smiling at me. “Thank you.”
I pressed her hand to my lips, turning and kissing her scarred palm.
“You are welcome, my wife.”