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She gasped and stepped back from him, putting some distance between them.

“I… I apologize. I don’t know what came over me.” She worried her bottom lip between her teeth. “I was just so happy and relieved and needed a hug.”

He laughed softly. “It is all right.” He smiled. “Feel free to use me any time.”

Her eyes widened, and a hot blush bloomed in her cheeks. It was only then Edward realized the double meaning in his words.

He coughed into his hands awkwardly and held out his arm to her.

“I was serious about taking you to see the village,” he told her when she took his arm. He could feel her tense up at first, but when she relaxed, he smiled. “I heard you didn’t come down for breakfast, and I was coming to see if you were all right.”

He didn’t know why he admitted his concern for her health, but she’d already broken the ice between them, and it had warmed to a considerably tepid state that scared and excited him in equal measure.

Arabella looked as shocked as he’d expected, but her smile widened, and he couldn’t help but think she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen.

“I am well now,” she answered. “I had a slight headache when I woke up, but I feel better now. Your concern is much appreciated.”

He nodded, not knowing how to respond.

“I do hope you’re wearing comfortable shoes?” he asked. “We’ll be walking to the village.”

She shot him a mischievous half-smile that had him imagining her sending him that same look as she proceeded to wreak havoc on his senses with her lush mouth. He shook the vision out of his head.

“I’m always prepared, husband.”

ChapterTwelve

“I’m always prepared, husband,” Arabella told him, feeling comfortable enough to tease him.

He’d shocked and delighted her with his concern for her health, and now she felt the need to return the favor.

“Is that so?” he asked, a lopsided smile touching his lips.

God. She groaned inwardly. He was unfairly handsome.

How was a lady to keep her wits about her when he went around, looking the way he did?

Today he looked less put together than he had usually looked in her family home, with his hair a wild array of curls that she itched to run her hands through. He was sporting a five o’clock shadow that gave a rugged edge to his dark looks. She bit her lip as she eyed the exposed skin at his collar, as he’d forgone the cravat. Her eyes took in his toned arms and broad shoulders, which were accentuated by his close-fitting linen shirt.

Her eyes met his, and she saw a knowing gleam in them that had her blushing as they walked.

“Did you ask a question, Edward?” she asked.

“Are we back to first names now, wife?” he teased.

She didn’t feign ignorance.

“Husband, did you ask a question?”

“I did, indeed.” He rubbed his chin. “I asked how you were settling in, so far. Have you written to your sisters yet?”

Guilt settled in her stomach as she realized she’d been so caught up in settling into her new life with Edward’s family that she had forgotten her family.

“I haven’t.” She bit her lip. “Would you mind if we get parchment and ink? I must write once we return. Oh, how they must have worried.”

“I am sure they’re thinking you are simply enjoying marital bliss.”

She knew he was only trying to reassure her and decided not to dampen the mood. She was already feeling much better from the exercise.