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“Someone’s very possessive of you, Your Grace,” Arabella teased.

“I’m surprised she allowed you to marry me.” He laughed.

“What can I say?” Arabella smiled. “I have my way with children.”

“You seem to have stolen Noah’s heart,” he commented.

“I know. He’s declared his love for me several times.”

“You must enjoy it.”

“I do.” She laughed.

“Indeed, you do.” He shook his head. “Come. There’s a lot you have to see.”

He took her arm and proceeded to show her around the village, pointing out his favorite spots. Several villagers stopped to pay them compliments about the pretty couple they made, and she blushed as he introduced her as his wife.

He also took her with him when he went to check on the farmers at the edge of the village that had been affected by the flood. She admired the way he walked and how everyone seemed to lean in to hear what he had to say. He seemed to care deeply for his people.

The villagers presented them with wedding gifts, and while the men pulled Edward to the side, a couple of villagewomen pulled Arabella to the other side and handed her a small package.

“What is this?” she asked.

“It’s a tea that helps keep things sweet for His Grace,” the first villagewoman, a pretty brunette, answered.

“Things?” Arabella asked.

“It makes you burn hot with desire for him,” the second one answered, sporting a naughty grin.

Arabella reddened and tried to look away, but her eyes met Edward’s, and her blush deepened further.

“Ye still blush like a maiden,” the first woman commented.

“His Grace probably wants to ease her into it.” The second one laughed.

“Don’t be so innocent in the bedroom, Your Grace,” the first woman advised. “Men always say they want a prim and proper lady, but that’s only outside the bedroom.”

“Here, here,” the second woman assented.

“You have to treat him like a…”

“And what are you all teaching my wife?” Edward asked, approaching them.

“Nothing, Your Grace,” they villagewomen chorused, flashing cherubic smiles.

He shot Arabella a lopsided grin and winked at her.

“Are you all doing well?” he asked them. “Mrs. Dougherty, how are Mara and Michael?”

“They’re doing better, Your Grace,” the first woman answered. “The doctor said they’d be as right as rain in a couple of days.”

“You’re welcome.” He nodded. “Would you all be so kind as to let me borrow my wife?”

“You can have her, Your Grace.” Mrs. Dougherty nudged Arabella towards him. “You have a good eye.”

He waved them goodbye and hurriedly led her away.

“Thank you,” Arabella whispered.