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Her mouth turned down. “Oh no, I am afraid my dance card is full.”

He laughed. “Then I am afraid you will have to cross off everyone’s names.”

She sighed theatrically. “I suppose I shall.”

She put her hand in his and let him help her to her feet. He could not help but notice how much her skin glowed, and that her eyes were like crystal blue pools on a summer’s day. She was breathtaking.

He led her to the ballroom floor and turned, circling her waist with his other arm as he lifted their linked hands. He stared into her eyes as he propelled her around the floor.

“Mama and Papa will be displeased by the toast Lionel made. I shall not hear the end of it, I am sure.”

“Well, Lionel cannot be faulted for speaking the truth. They will just have to get over it.”

She expelled a breath and then grinned. “That is as likely as it is them suddenly having a good relationship with your grandmother. Thank heaven for guest cottages, otherwise these last few days would have been a nightmare.”

“Grandmother just does not like how they treat you. And who can blame her?”

She shook her head slowly. “Not me.”

As soon as Georgiana’s parents had arrived, they had been unreasonable in their demands and expectations. Robert had managed to convince them that as guests of honor, they needed their own abode and had banished them to the bottom of the garden with their own group of servants so they would not be too much of a bother to the other guests.

He knew it was a great relief for Georgiana to have them out of her immediate sight. He had enjoyed the last few days with the Stanmores and all their London friends, but he was ready to be alone again with his wife.

Their last three months together had been a study in wedded bliss. For the life of him, he could not understand what he had been so terrified about. He was looking forward to spending his very first Christmas with his wife. He had a feeling it would be an incredibly special one.

Before that, however, they had to get through the celebration.

A few dances later Georgiana and Robert were ready to call it a night. Daisy’s younger friends were just getting started on their night and Robert was inclined to leave it to them.

He waved goodnight to Lionel and kissed his grandmother on the cheek before taking Georgiana by the hand and leading her away to their joint chambers.

EPILOGUE

As soon as he closed the door behind them, he removed his coat and threw it on their sitting room sofa.

Their suite of rooms consisted of a sitting room, a water closet, two changing rooms, and two bed chambers.

They spent what little free time they had snuggled together in their sitting room, reading poetry to each other and talking. By mutual unspoken agreement, they spent most nights in Georgiana’s bed, though Robert was free to transfer to his own bed if he developed the urge to sleep alone. That rarely happened.

The Emberford Estates was a working farm and there was always much to do, but after the day was done, this was their little retreat from the world, and they loved it.

Georgiana sat on the sofa with a sigh and began to take off her shoes and stockings. She had already dismissed Cecile for the evening.

Robert helped her unlace her stays. Her lady’s maid rarely waited up for her anymore unless the gown she was wearing was particularly complicated or Robert was away.

Otherwise, he took much delight in delicately unlacing her stays, undoing her bodice, and setting her breasts free. He was fascinated at how they changed in size and sensitivity depending on the time of the month. Every day he undressed her was like a gift to him.

After divesting himself of his boots and stockings, he sat down beside her and began to unlace her gown.

“What a great party,” he murmured. “You and Grandmother outdid yourselves.”

“Thank you, dearest. I think the guests enjoyed themselves. Even the serving girls had their own little party in the summer kitchen with all the visiting servants. Cecile told me about it when she dressed me.”

“Yes. Food was taken to the village as well for the crofters to enjoy. Very thoughtful of you to think of them.”

She shrugged. “It was a joyous occasion. Everyone should be able to partake.”

“And that is why my tenants love you so much. Not more than I do, of course.”