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“Tell me,” she breathed, grabbing fistfuls of his hair to ride him better, “Tell me all of the ways you missed me. I need to know.”

As their lovemaking grew more intense and their journey home continued, Nathaniel whispered his cravings into Grace’s ear. Sultry, seductive things. And deplorable, blush-worthy things that all sounded devilishly enticing, and she couldn’t help but climax as he continued to whisper into her ear.

The ride home was long, but not once, no matter how many times either of them reached orgasm, could they seem to stop. Even as the carriage finally pulled up to the driveway of the manor, they couldn’t bring themselves to let go of one another. Haphazardly, they helped one another dress, only to tear their clothes once more after reaching the privacy of Nathaniel’s rooms.

It was only when they heard Mrs. Snievely cry of joy when she saw them that they paused on the staircase.

“Oh, my lands!” she exclaimed, hurrying up the steps from the second floor. “Thank heavens you are both home; thank heavens!” Unaware of what she was interrupting, Mrs. Snievely threw her arms around both of them and pressed the couple tightly to her.

“It’s all right, Mrs. Snievely,” Nathaniel comforted, patting the beloved housekeeper on the back. “She’s home now.”

“It’s good to have you back home where you belong,” she sobbed, pulling back to look at them. “What do you require? A drink? A hot meal? Whatever it is, I shall fetch it for you personally.”

In their pause, Grace and Nathaniel grinned sheepishly at one another.

“We need some time to get reacquainted, Mrs. Snievely,” Nathaniel informed her as she let them go. “But perhaps you could start preparing some food and bathwater for us to have in an hour or two.” He paused, shooting Grace an erotic look. “We shall surely need it then.”

Understanding dawning on her, Mrs. Snievely suddenly turned bright red and nodded.

“Of course, Your Grace,” she agreed, already backing away. “Please, take all the time you need.”

“We surely will,” Nathaniel stated, smiling devilishly at Grace as he continued to lead her toward his rooms.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

One Month Later

“Put my family on the third floor, please,” Grace directed Mrs. Snievely as Brigette did her hair. “In adjoining rooms if possible. They like to be close. And put the Stanpooles on the second floor. I fear Sir Joffrey cannot manage stairs as he used to. And be sure to put lilies in their room. Mrs. Stanpoole adores them…”

Grace went on as Brigette continued to help her get ready for the ball. The celebration had been Nathaniel’s idea. To properly celebrate their wedding nuptials, they had invited nearly every member of the London Ton as well as nobles from surrounding lands. All was nearly ready, save for a few room changes.

“Very good, Your Grace. I shall see these changes made right away,” Mrs. Snievely agreed, beaming at Grace with pride.

Grace turned from the mirror to Mrs. Snievely and smiled.

“How am I doing?” she asked.

“Perfectly, Your Grace,” Mrs. Snievely praised. “You are truly a duchess who has mastered all of her responsibilities.”

Grace reached for the housekeeper’s hand and gave it a warm squeeze.

“I wouldn’t be so without your help, Mrs. Snievely,” she replied sincerely. “I must admit too that I’ve come a long since I first arrived.”

“A more accomplished woman I never did meet,” Mrs. Snievely replied proudly, patting Grace’s hand. “Now, I shall go and make the arrangements. I believe your family will be arriving within the next half hour, and the other guests will start coming along not long after that.”

As Mrs. Snievely went to open the door to leave, Nathaniel stepped in, dressed in his newly tailored suit.

“What say you, Mrs. Snievely?” he asked cordially, adjusting his cravat.

Mrs. Snievely looked from Nathaniel to Grace and smiled. “Pretty as a painting, the two of you are. Come, Brigitte, let us give Our Lord and Lady some privacy.”

Bridgette curtseyed gracefully and joined the housekeeper.

“I shall be right outside if you need me, Your Grace,” she told Grace.

“No need,” Nathaniel stated, his eyes on Grace. “I shall finish helping Her Grace get ready. Go on and help Mrs. Snievely with the final arrangements.”

Grace felt her body grow warm with excitement as the two servants quickly left, leaving her alone with her husband. She stood up from her vanity’s chair and took her husband’s hands as he reached for her. He still wore gloves on occasions such as this, but now, when they had the estate to themselves, Nathaniel would take them off.