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“Oh, well, there is always next time,” Modesty suggested.

“Yes, there is always next time. Unless we happen to have plans again. I shall not keep you, Mother. You must want to get cleaned up so you can get back in there with your friends.”

“Yes, that is where I was going.” Modesty hesitated for a moment. “Is it noticeable? Do I need to clean up, or do I look fine?”

Edwin looked at his mother’s paint-smeared face. “It might be best to clean up a little before you go back in,” he suggested.

Modesty patted his cheek, and he could feel the paint she left there. “Enjoy your day out with your lovely wife.”

Edwin pulled his handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped his face as he walked away and headed back upstairs.

He entered his room, and Beatrice looked over from the bed, still mostly covered by the blankets. She smiled at him, but upon seeing the stain on his cheek, she frowned in confusion.

“You have something on your cheek,” she told him.

“Paint,” Edwin said. “I shall explain on the ride into town. We must go out, and I will also explain why.”

Beatrice looked disappointed not to have him back in bed with her, but she brightened almost immediately. “A day out will be great fun.”

ChapterNineteen

A Day Out

Beatrice could not stop laughing as they rode in the coach toward the center of London. Every time she thought she had composed herself, she burst into laughter again.

“Oh, I wish I had seen it,” she wheezed. “It can’t have been that much paint, can it?”

“You would not believe how much paint it was.” Edwin tutted. “I thought some savage warrior had entered my house to attack me.”

Beatrice burst into giggles again. She took a deep breath to try and steady herself. “I love your family, but I am not sure if I am ready to join a painting class yet. You did well to get us out of that.”

“I did, but it spoiled our morning,” Edwin pointed out. “I would much rather spend the day in bed with you today than have to leave the house.”

Beatrice blushed. “I would too,” she admitted. “Still, I have not been into town for such a long time. What shall we do today?”

“Whatever you wish,” Edwin replied. “I have nowhere I need to be, so let’s take the entire day to ensure we are not roped into the painting class when we get back.”

Beatrice folded her hands over her stomach. “We didn’t get to have breakfast before we left, and I am feeling rather hungry.”

“I know just the place.” Edwin relayed instructions to the driver.

Beatrice could not help but feel excited. She looked at the Duke in his tailored frock coat over a waistcoat and a crisp white shirt, and she felt they were a real couple for a day. They had made love multiple times the night before, and how she had been woken up was nerve-racking but beautiful. If they had married for love and not because of what she had done, this is the sort of thing they might do regularly.

Stop it, Beatrice!

She did not want to be caught up in the day, but she gave herself permission to enjoy it. It would not be a regular thing, so she might as well have fun while she could.

The Duke orchestrated it to get us out of the manor and nothing more.

Beatrice did not know what the night held, but she wished to feel his hands on her body again. He had made her feel things the previous night that she did not think she could ever feel. Her aching body knew that the next time they made love would feel even better.

The coach came to a stop, and Edwin waited for the driver to alight and open the door for them. He exited first and then took Beatrice’s hand to help her out of the coach.

Beatrice was glad she had chosen to wear a fashionable day dress. They had no plans to go anywhere specific, so she had made the choice that she hoped would fit any situation. She stared at the facade of the private club where Edwin was taking her for breakfast.

Edwin offered her his arm, and she took it. He escorted her into the private club, and they were shown to one of the best tables in the establishment.

“It is wonderful in here,” Beatrice breathed.