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D ru had smiled so much, her cheeks were hurting, but she would take this kind of joy any day.

She was now Drusilla Beaumont, Countess of Martindale.

Tenderness filled her as she glanced at her new husband. His hair, usually the color of wheat, had lightened even further with all the time he had spent outdoors during the autumn harvest. She longed to run her fingers through it and knew she would do that very thing the moment they were alone.

They had spoken their vows that morning at the church in the village in front of her family.

Perry had wanted to invite Lord Tilsbury and Mr. Hollis to the ceremony, as well, the viscount being the closest thing he had to family.

She had asked him about his mother attending, but he told her the door was now closed on that relationship, explaining his solicitor had found a house for her and that she had vacated his London townhouse for it.

When Dru worried aloud about their strained relationship, her fiancé had told her not to worry, assuring her that his mother would be pleasant and polite when they came across her at social events, but they had agreed that would be all to their relationship, mere cordial greetings, with no visiting.

It saddened her to think their future children would not have any relationship with the dowager countess.

While she knew her mother would not be interested, Dru determined that she would ask her father to visit regularly so he might get to know his grandchildren.

Besides, their children would be raised with doting parents, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins whom they would see all throughout the Season each year.

It amazed her to think of having her own children, but she was eager to do so.

Because she loved her husband so very, very much.

He had certainly charmed her mother, and Dru had thought that an impossible task.

Something told her that Mama realized she had met her match in Perry and would do whatever was necessary to keep the peace in the family.

In a way, she felt sorry for Con’s future bride.

The future Countess of Marley would have far more to do with Mama than Dru and Lucy did, now that they were both wed and living far from Marleyfield.

Dru would do what she could to smooth the way once Con chose a bride.

She hoped they might even become good friends.

Of course, her brother still showed no interest in marriage, and she couldn’t blame him.

He wasn’t expected to settle down for several years.

Thankfully, Con got along splendidly with Perry.

Although they were very different in nature, they seemed to enjoy one another’s company.

She was pleased that Judson and Julian also seemed to be growing closer to her new husband.

It would make not only life in the country more fun, it would also make for an enjoyable time each spring when they all went to town for the Season.

Relief filled her now, knowing she would not have to be paraded about on the Marriage Mart.

She would enter Polite Society as a married woman and not have to go through a stressful come-out.

In fact, she now looked forward to the Season.

Lucy had described many of the social events to her, and Dru was eager to participate.

Why, even balls now sounded fun to her. Not only because she enjoyed dancing—but she would be dancing with the most handsome, loving man in the world at them.

“You look like a cat who has lapped up all the cream,” Lucy said, joining her. Her sister slipped an arm about Dru’s waist. “I am so happy that you are pleased with the marriage you have made.”

“I am. I never thought to wed, much less wed a man whom I love. Perry has changed everything about me. My life. My perspective.”

“I do hope you will want to have children,” her sister said. “And not just mother animals.”

“I plan to do both,” she said. “For now, Toby will be it. Perry said he would like to have a dog or two, beyond hunters. I am agreeable to that. Now, whether Toby is or not, remains to be seen.”

“I cannot believe how that cat took to Perry,” Lucy said. “His entire temperament is much calmer these days. Toby’s,” Lucy clarified, laughing. “Perry has also changed since falling in love with you. He is more open. More carefree.”

She liked that her sister and cousin had encouraged being addressed by their Christian names and could tell it had also meant a great deal to her husband.

He did seem more relaxed. She had not asked him about his nightmares, however.

Dru did not believe that they would disappear, simply because Perry was happier than when he had returned to England from the war.

But she would do whatever was in her power to comfort him when they did occur.

“I think it is time for you and your husband to leave,” Lucy suggested. She touched her fingers to Dru’s cheek. “I know Ariadne and I have prepared you the best we could so that you understand what the marriage bed is about.”

“I do thank you for that. Mama did us no favors in keeping things from us.”

“Mama never loved Papa,” Lucy said flatly.

“You will have a better marriage than she ever did. You have an attentive, loving husband, and you will learn and grow together. That includes the intimacy which passes between you. Remember, anything you do with your husband is acceptable. No limits, Dru.”

She laughed, kissing her sister’s cheek. “Thank you for asking me to come to Huntsworth for an extended visit. If I had not done so, I would not be Lady Martindale now.”

Lucy smoothed Dru’s hair. “I will take full credit for your happiness then,” she teased. “Come along.”

Her sister took her hand and led her to Perry, who was talking with Lord Tilsbury.

“It is time for the happy couple to say their goodbyes,” Lucy said.

Perry’s gaze immediately connected to hers, and Dru felt her pulse speed up.

“Everything is ready for your departure,” her sister continued. “Dru’s trunks, both the ones she brought for her visit and the others Mama brought with her from Marleyfield, have been taken to Beauville. The only thing lacking is a lady’s maid. You will need to hire one soon, Dru.”

“I can play lady’s maid for the time being,” Perry said. “As long as my wife tends to her own hair.”

Everyone laughed, and Lucy motioned for the others present to gather around.

Perry took the lead. “I must thank Ariadne and Julian for hosting this lovely wedding breakfast for us. Your friendship means a great deal to the both of us. And thanks to everyone else who witnessed us speak our vows.”

“Will you go on a honeymoon?” her mother asked.

“We have decided not to do so at the moment,” Perry replied. “Perhaps after the apple crop is brought in. For now, we merely wish to settle into marriage with one another.”

Her husband offered her his arm, and Dru took it, letting him lead her out to the waiting carriage. Perry handed her up and joined her, and they waved goodbye before the vehicle turned and rolled down the lane of Aldridge Manor.

Slipping an arm about her shoulders, he said, “It is good to finally be alone, Lady Martindale.”

“I agree. Though it is going to take some time for me to get used to being addressed in that fashion. I am a countess. A countess!”

He kissed her, softly brushing his lips against hers.

“That is all for now, Lady Martindale,” he told her. “If I continue to kiss you, I might not be able to stop. Best we leave that for the privacy of our bedchamber.”

“Are you... certain you wish for us to share a bed?” she asked quietly.

Perry had told her that both Judson and Julian had confided in him that they slept each night with their wives in their beds and encouraged him to do the same. Of course, neither knew the trauma Perry faced and the nightmares which plagued him.

“We discussed it before,” he reminded her. “While I am reluctant to expose you to what I am like when I am haunted by bad dreams, I realize now having your support to comfort me could make a huge difference.”

He framed her face with his hands. “If it gets to be too much for you, do not hide that from me, Dru. I would rather you feel safe and protected in your own bed if that is what you want.”

“I want to be with you. By your side. No matter what,” she insisted.

“Good.”

He brought her close, kissing her temple, making her feel very married.

They arrived at Beauville, being greeted by the butler and housekeeper, as well as two long lines of servants.

“Would you care to address the staff, my lady?” Foster asked, as Mrs. Foster gave her an encouraging nod.

“Yes, Foster.”

Dru gazed out over the people who would be taking care of her for decades to come.

“Thank you all for the work you do at Beauville. I look forward to getting to know each of you. I hope if you have any problem, you will come to me so that we might solve it. I wish for you to enjoy working at Beauville, and I appreciate your warm welcome.”

The Fosters led them inside, and Mrs. Foster said, “Your things have been placed in your rooms upstairs, my lady. Allow me to show you to them.”

She looked to Perry, who said, “Once you have done so, Mrs. Foster, please see that a light supper is brought to my sitting room upstairs.”

“Certainly, my lord,” the housekeeper replied, guiding Dru up the stairs.

The rooms designated for the countess were large and airy. Thankfully, they were also devoid of anything which might have belonged to the now Dowager Countess of Martindale.

“I hope you don’t think me presumptuous, my lady, but I noticed you brought no lady’s maid with you.”

“I have never had one,” she explained. “One of our maids at Marleyfield always helped me to dress, and another did my hair. Mama had said a lady’s maid would be hired for me once I was to make my come-out next spring.

While I have been with my sister at Huntsworth, I shared Annie, her maid.

I will need to hire one. Until then, I hope that I might have your assistance, Mrs. Foster. ”

“I am happy to assist you, my lady. What I wish to say is that my sister’s girl would make for a good lady’s maid for you. She is skilled with a needle and doing hair.”

“Where is she now?”

“Her employer in Kent recently passed, and she is looking for a new position.”

“Then I will take your recommendation, Mrs. Foster. See that she is brought to Beauville at once.”

The housekeeper beamed. “I appreciate you trusting my judgment, my lady. Might I help you into your night rail now?” she asked, indicating the one lying on the bed. “I set it out for you earlier.”

Dru supposed this would be a good idea since she doubted she and Perry would wish to be interrupted after their supper.

“Yes, please.”

Lucy had insisted they go into town in order to see her modiste.

They had commissioned a few new gowns to be made up, including the one she wore as her wedding gown today.

The others would be ready soon, but Madame had also created some beautiful night rails for Dru.

They were of the most delicate of materials, and she had felt like a princess trying them on.

The housekeeper helped her undress and placed the night rail on her, offering her dressing gown to wrap around her for the time being.

“You do look lovely if I may say so, my lady.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Foster.”

“Might I make one more suggestion? Men seem to like a lady’s hair down. I could remove the pins for you.”

She almost acquiesced, and then she thought how Perry might enjoy doing so.

“No, I will leave the pins in for now.”

“Ring if you need anything else,” the housekeeper told Dru, exiting the room.

She roamed about the bedchamber for a few minutes, seeing where things had been placed. Then she heard a light tap and looked up. Perry stood in the door which led from her bedchamber into her dressing room. They must have adjoining rooms.

“Would you like something to eat and drink?”

No words came from her. He stood in his banyan, with bare legs and feet, and though belted, she could see a glimpse of his bare chest. Her mouth grew dry. All she wanted to do was touch him.

“Perhaps a little something,” she agreed.

He took her hand and led her back to his set of rooms, where a small table held a platter of fruits and cheeses. Taking a champagne flute in hand, he poured into the glass and filled a second one for himself.

Handing her a flute, he said, “To us—and a long, happy marriage.”

“To us,” she echoed, sipping the cold liquid, its bubbles tickling her nose. “I have never had champagne before today. Now, I have had a glass at our wedding breakfast and again here.”

“It can go straight to your head,” he warned. “Drink it sparingly.”

He seated her, and they nibbled on the selection before them. Everything was so easy between them, assuring her that her choice in a husband had been the right one.

“I think you are the only man I could ever have wed,” she told him. “You... complete me.”

His smile made her belly do flip-flops. Taking her hand, he kissed it. “Without a doubt, you are—and forever will be—the only woman for me.” He kissed her fingers, causing desire to ripple through her.

Dru set down her flute. “Enough talk, Lord Martindale. I am ready for action,” she said saucily.

“Oh, you are?” he asked, coming to his feet and yanking her against him.

She could feel the bulge beneath his banyan and shivered.

“Teach me,” Dru told him. “I want to learn everything from you. About you.”

His eyes gleamed. “Then we should retreat to the bedchamber and begin those lessons.”