Page 12 of A Winter’s Romance

Paynton Hall, July 1814

B en looked across the park as their carriage approached the Hall, pleased to be home with his new wife. Kate peered out of the same window, her head enticingly close to his, and her scent mingling with the aroma of cut grass drying in the sun. He reached for his coat and put it on; he envied women their light muslin gowns on warm days like this.

“Oh, we can see your pavilion from here!”

Kate’s delight pleased him; he hoped his plan for the afternoon would please her. Then he groaned as the front of the Hall came into view. “Mother has all the staff lined up to greet us.” His fault for sending a note from last night’s inn, letting his parents know when to expect them.

“Is that bad?” Kate asked. “Mama said it is usually done.”

“Only that I’m longing to stretch my legs.” The carriage drew to a stop. Ben didn’t wait for the door to be opened, but jumped out and let down the step. He looked up to where his valet sat beside Kate’s maid on the roof, and the man gave a quick nod. Good—he recalled his instructions.

Ben handed Kate down. “Welcome to your new home, my love. For now, at least. I will show you the Dower House tomorrow.”

“And what you plan to have done to it?”

“Indeed, if I can persuade Father to give me a free hand.” He offered his elbow, and she laid her fingers lightly on his arm as they walked up the front steps together.

“Welcome, my dear.” Mother kissed Kate’s cheek, and Father bowed over her hand.

Behind them, the carriage went on to the stables for their luggage to be unloaded. While Kate was being introduced to the staff, Ben had a quiet word with Foster. “You received my note?”

The butler nodded. “Yes, sir. All is arranged.”

Finally, the introductions were over, and Mother led the way into a parlour where tea had been set out. “You must have a proper tour of the house, Kate, dear.”

“But not until tomorrow, Mother,” Ben stated firmly.

“Of course, Ben. Kate will want to rest after your journey. Did you enjoy your wedding tour?”

“Very much.” Very much indeed. He looked at Kate, and her blush showed she understood exactly which parts of their trip he had enjoyed the most. But she kept a straight face as she gave her own answer.

“I particularly enjoyed seeing all the houses we visited. My father is interested in architecture, but never took us to see examples. It was most educational.”

Mother frowned briefly before smiling. “Oh, I see you are joking, Kate.” She stood. “Well, I will leave you to refresh yourselves. Water has been sent up to your rooms.”

“I haven’t offended her, have I?” Kate asked as Lady Paynton left the room.

“Not at all. She is sensible enough to know that we still appreciate time alone together. And will do for many years, I hope. Now, shall we retire?”

She felt her cheeks heating again as she took his arm. But he led her out into the garden, not upstairs. “Where are we going, Ben? I would like to have a wash and change my gown.”

“Can’t you guess?”

Ahead, the pale stone of the pavilion made a shimmering reflection on the lake, and there was even a pair of swans gliding serenely across the water just as she had imagined… was it only five months ago?

He glanced down at her, with what she thought of as his bedroom look. “All the gardeners are busy on the other side of the Hall.”

“Oh.” But there was no bed in the pavilion.

He grinned. “I can guess what you’re thinking, but you’re wrong.”

When they reached the pavilion, she found that there was a bed—upstairs, in a room she hadn’t seen last time. The window looked to the back, along an avenue in the woodland.

“We can use this as our own private place while the Dower House is renovated for us,” Ben suggested, putting his arm around her. That would be lovely. But, to her surprise, he led her back down the stairs and into a side chamber—a small room lit only by a single window high in the wall. Benches lined two sides, with hooks above. Ben crossed the room and opened a cupboard. One shelf was filled with folded towels, the other with…

“Are those some of my chemises?”

“And a couple of my shirts, yes. My valet brought them down.”

Towels. Spare clothing. Another door that must lead to the lake outside…

“I can’t swim!”

He laughed. “I can teach you, if you wish, but the part of the lake nearest the pavilion is only waist deep.” His smile faded. “We don’t have to bathe if you don’t wish to, but I thought in this warm weather, it would…”

His words trailed off as she stepped towards him and turned her back; she felt the gentle tugs as he undid her gown’s ties at neck and waist. By the time she had stepped out of her gown, he had shed his coat, waistcoat, and breeches.

The water was cold at first, then only blissfully cool on her skin. She enjoyed the sensation until Ben splashed her and she pretended to try to escape, laughing as he caught her. And kissed her.

“Shall we go inside?” he whispered in her ear.

She nodded, smiling in anticipation as he took her hand. There would be many happy times here with Ben and, God willing, with their children.