Page 89

“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. I have never been one for making myself small and I am too old to start now. However, now that you mention it…”

“Mmm? However?” he murmured, his mouth against the skin of her neck.

“However, I shall allow you to take care of me for the rest of the day. You can start by arranging for breakfast to be brought to us.”

“Uh-uh,” he shook his head, “hush. Taking care of you means that I anticipate your needs. You are not permitted to manage me.”

She grinned happily. “Apologies then.” She leaned back heavily against his chest. “I must return to bed now.” She gave him a cheeky grin over her shoulder.

Without further ado, he picked her up, and she squealed in surprise as he whirled her around and carried her back to bed. She kicked her legs with excitement as she laughed. She could not recall the last time anyone had picked her up. It was dizzying.

He gently put her down on the bed, then arranged the pillows behind her so she could sit up comfortably. He then went to the bedside table, rang the bell, sat on the edge of the bed, and waited.

It did not take long for Cecile to poke her head into the room with a smile. “Good morning, Your Graces.”

“Good morning, Cecile,” Robert said. “Kindly relay the message to the kitchen that we will be breaking our fast here in Her Grace’s chambers.”

Cecile nodded delightedly. “Right away, Your Graces.” She quickly closed the door and went off to do as she was told.

Georgiana sighed. “You know she will not rest until she hears about every detail of our morning,” she said mournfully.

“Ah well, what I do with Stanley is tell him bluntly that it is none of his business. He might pout for a bit but will ultimately respect my wishes.”

“Yes, well men behave differently from women.”

“Would you like me to speak with her?” he asked, his brow furrowed with concern.

She shook her head. “No, no, it is fine.” She smiled and rubbed his thigh. “I was speaking with a light touch. Nothing to worry about. Cecile is wonderful; she seems to instinctively know when to speak and when to let things go. She has been the greatest gift of this marriage.”

Robert’s mouth turned down. “Shehas? Not me?”

Georgiana threw back her head and laughed. “No, it is most definitely Cecile.”

Robert lay back against the pillows feigning disappointment. “Well, I see I have my work cut out for me if I mean to be appreciated.”

“Indeed, you do.” She looked him up and down. He was dressed in just his shirt and stockings. “Would you like to take thoseoff and crawl under the blankets with me? It might be more comfortable.”

He gasped at her in pretend shock as he put a hand across his chest.

“Duchess… Are you trying to seduce me?” he asked in a scandalized tone.

She giggled. “No, I am trying to help you. Now take off your shirt and come here.” She gestured to him with her hand.

With a great show of reluctance, he took off his shirt and stockings, lifted the covers, and climbed into bed with her.

He sighed with contentment as he put an arm around her waist and pulled her towards him. “Now, this is the very definition of a cozy morning.”

It was still drizzling outside. Rivulets of water trickled down the window, and the long, grey-green leaves of the nearby willow tree dripped rainwater onto the cobblestone road.

It was not a day one wanted to be out and about if it could be helped.

There was a knock on the door. “Come in,” Robert called before turning to Georgiana. “That was fast.”

Georgiana nodded in agreement. However, when the door opened, it was not servants carrying their breakfast, but Cecile.

“Would you like me to build up the fire for you?” she asked. “And what about a bath? Shall I have some hot water brought up?”

Georgiana and Robert exchanged glances. The idea of a hot bath by the fire sounded wonderful, but she did not want to send Robert away or have Cecile take his place so she could help her bathe.