Page 12

The route involved exiting the inn through the kitchens, walking along a narrow path fortunately shielded from the elements by an awning. After skipping across some cobblestones, they entered a tiny compound through a small gate. There was a round stone cottage on one side and a smaller, square stone and wood structure on the other.

The publican led them to the smaller shelter, opening the door to reveal a single chamber containing a bed, a fireplace with a pile of wood stacked beside it, a small table with a lamp already burning upon it, and a small bench on which they could sit.

There were two large wooden windows that were currently closed against the elements. The room was quite dim aside from the light cast by the fire and the lamp.

Georgiana stared at the single bed with trepidation. The publican bid them both a good night and closed the door behind him. She suddenly realized that this would only be the third time she had been alone with her husband since their wedding night.

“Do not worry. I have already arranged for us to be provided with dinner and a bath. Since your only gown must be quite damp, I thought you could hang it over the fire while we rest in the bed.”

Georgiana gave him a sharp, suspicious look. “Oh, did you? What a splendid idea. Me divesting myself of my gown in front of you. How normal and comfortable would that be?” she said sarcastically.

He snorted derisively. “Well, if you would rather remain in damp clothes, that is your prerogative. I do hope you do not expect me to do the same.”

She narrowed her eyes at him. “What is that supposed to mean?”

He shrugged as he began to undo the buttons of his shirt. She stared at him wide-eyed, unable to believe her eyes.

“What are youdoing?”

He ignored her, removed his shirt, and hung it on a hook over the fireplace. As he reached for the ties of his breeches, Georgiana gaped at him and felt her eyes become so wide that she feared they would pop out of her head, but she could not force herself to look away.

His toned, muscular arms were lightly furred and flexed as he began to remove his breeches. She could see the hard outline of his chest and suddenly yearned to trace her fingertips across it.

“Your Grace. What are you doing?” she repeated as she shook her head to clear it of its lustful thoughts.

Robert just ignored her.

“I am merely getting comfortable, wife.”

Robert watched Georgiana closely, wondering if she would faint from their proximity. He could not help but think back to their wedding night, and how she had cowered away from him on the other side of what was to be their spousal bed as if he was a beast.

All he could think of doing was to turn away from her and leave. He had ended up striding angrily to the stables, saddling a horse, and riding off to Emberford Hall.

He pulled down his breeches, smoothing them out before laying them on the stone slab before the fire. His clothes were very damp, and he had no intention of coming down with catarrh if he could avoid it.

Georgiana was hunched in on herself on the bed with her arms tightly wrapped around both knees, her big blue eyes staring at him as if she had never seen him before.

“As my wife, you should know that I rarely sleep clothed, unless the night gets very cold,” he said.

She nodded, made a noncommittal sound deep in her throat, and dropped her gaze.

“What of you?” he asked, just for the conversation while he debated removing his small clothes as well.

“What of me?” she asked in surprise, lashes sweeping upward so she could give him a blue look. “I have a nightgown, like any proper lady.”

He smirked. “You would be surprised,” he said, deciding to take his small clothes off. It was high time his bride saw him naked.

She squeaked, turning her body so she was facing away from him. “What would I be surprised about?”

“The variety of things a lady might sleep in. Or lack thereof.”

“Is that so? Have you had occasion to sleep with many ladies?”

He stared at her back in surprise.What a question to ask!

“A gentleman does not disclose that kind of information,” he responded.

“A gentleman would also not strip naked in front of a lady,” she sniped.