Page 94 of Marry in Scandal

“In a hotel? I assumed we’d be living in Galbraith House.”

“We will, but it hasn’t been used for years.” He grimaced. “I inspected it before the wedding and realized it needed a complete refurbishment. They’ll still be working on it—I was hoping it would be ready by the time we’d finished our honeymoon, but since we came home early...” He frowned at her expression. “Didn’t I mention it?”

“No, you didn’t.”

He shrugged. “I didn’t think you’d be interested in the details. There was water damage, so the whole job was bigger than I’d imagined. They’ve had to fix the roof, replace a good deal of plumbing—I ordered some more modern installations while they were at it—and once all the repairs are done, they’ll need to replaster a number of rooms. And then there are the furnishings and decoration to arrange—the old furniture is completely out of date, and much of the wallpaper is water damaged and stained.”

“I see.”

He shrugged, his mind clearly elsewhere. “That’s why I thought you’d prefer to stay at Tremayne Park. But no harmdone, we’ll live here until the house is ready. Now, if you’ll pardon me, my dear—”

“Who is arranging the new wallpaper and furnishings?”

He frowned. “I left the running of things in the hands of my man of business, Atkins. He’ll hire someone.” He paused. “Why? Do you wish to be involved? I thought you’d find it tedious.”

Lily laughed. “Tedious? Setting up my own home and making it just as I would like it? Choosing wallpaper and curtains and furniture and rugs? I would love it.”

He blinked. “Really? You could be bothered with all that nonsense?”

“Truly I could imagine nothing better.”

“Then do whatever you’d like.” He took a sheet of the hotel notepaper and scribbled a note. “I’ll have this sent to Atkins and tell him he’s to work under your orders. And now...” He picked up his hat and walked toward the door.

“Wait,” Lily said. “Isn’t there anything you want to tell me before you leave?”

He looked wary. “What sort of thing?”

“Any furniture you want to keep, rooms you have a particular fondness for, anything you don’t want changed?”

He snorted. “I haven’t lived in that house since I was six. As far as I’m concerned you could toss everything out and start new—in fact, that’s what I’d prefer. Whatever you do will be fine by me. Now, I really must go.”

Lily was stunned by his apparent indifference. But he’d given hercarte blancheto arrange his house—her new home, and she couldn’t wait to see it.

Leaving Edward’s valet and her maid to see to the luggage and unpacking, Lily went immediately to Ashendon House, her old family home.

Cal and Emm were out, but Rose and George, and even Finn the lugubrious wolfhound, gave her a rapturous welcome.

“You’re back early,” Rose said once the initial greetings were over. “Has something happened? Has that man—”

Lily cut her off. “There’s nothing wrong, Rose. I’m very happy.”

“She looks well—even glowing,” George observed.

Lily laughed. “I don’t know about glowing, but I am well, and very happy.”

Rose looked skeptical. “Then why are you back early from your honeymoon?”

“Oh, some business Edward had to attend to,” she said airily. She wished she knew what he was doing, but she had business of her own to see to now. “I have two reasons for coming straight here,” she said. “The first is, of course, to see you both—I missed you so much.”

Rose exchanged glances with George. “And the second?”

Lily decided to ignore their suspicions. They’d soon realize that Edward was good to her. It might not be the love match she wanted, but she was happy enough.

“Edward is having Galbraith House refurbished. He arranged for the physical repairs to be done while we were away, and they’re not quite finished, but that’s not important. The thing is, he’s given me permission to make all the decisions about the decoration and furnishings. I have a free hand with everything: wallpaper, lighting, floor coverings, curtains, furniture—everything!”

George frowned. “And you’re happy about this? Sounds like a lot of work.”

“It’ll be fun, George,” Rose said.