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Cecile’s eyes lit up. “Is that so? I shall fetch you some hot water.”

“Thank you,” Georgiana said with relief. She was grateful for the hot water, but even more thankful that Cecile did not ask any questions.

She needed some time to sit with her feelings and absorb what had happened.

After a long, hot bath, and after Cecile had brushed her hair to shining perfection, she slid into bed with a sigh of relief. Cecile bid her goodnight and left without another word.

Georgiana lay with her arms spread wide, her lips tingling from remembered kisses, and her body warm and pliant. She still shuddered from occasional zings of sensation and smiled as she recollected the events of the evening.

Is it like this for everyone, or just me?

She could not imagine anyone refraining from engaging in lovemaking if the ecstasy she had experienced was anywhere close to the norm.

She threw off her bedcovers and placed one foot on the floor, then hesitated.

She did not know if she had the courage to walk into Robert’s private chambers. She had not been there since the night of their aborted consummation. There had been no reason for her to return.

Thunder cracked outside and she took that as a warning. Laying back down, she covered her head with the blankets. She listened to her loud breathing, trying to calm herself.

She really did hate the thunder.

There was a knock at the door, and she pushed off the blanket. “Yes?”

“May I come in?” Robert’s deep baritone voice floated towards her.

She raised her eyebrows in surprise. “Yes.”

He opened the door and poked his head in. “I heard the thunder and thought that you might appreciate some company.”

Her heart melted. “You remembered.”

He stepped into the room with a smile and closed the door behind him. “Of course I do. It was a memorable time.”

She giggled. “Well, it is very kind of you to keep me company.”

Another clap of thunder made her jump, and she uttered a small scream.

He hurried over to the bed in his bare feet, sat on its edge, and gathered her into his arms. “You are safe. The thunder cannot hurt you.”

She sighed onto his chest. “My head knows that, but my body always recoils in fear.”

“I understand,” he said, “would you like me to stay with you until you fall asleep?”

“Yes please,” she said meekly.

He chuckled, “It will be my pleasure.”

They sat in silence for a while as he swayed her back and forth like a child, as though rocking her to sleep.

“Did Daisy ask any uncomfortable questions?” he asked out of the blue.

She chuckled at the memory. “Just some gentle teasing.”

“Good. And you? Do you have any uncomfortable questions?”

She sighed softly. “I just… I did not expect that. I am mostly still incredibly surprised. I am just trying to take it all in.”

“I see.”