Page 59 of Second Duke's the Charm

“It’s not really something one wears at eleven o’clock in the morning,” she protested. “But I’ll be sure to wear it for the next dinner or ball we attend.”

It felt strange, sayingweinstead ofI.

Thornton nodded. “If you’re not hungry, we could make an early start to Wansford Hall. The weather is fine, but it will take several hours to get there, and I’d like to arrive before dark. I’ve already sent my majordomo, Simms, ahead to liaise with the staff for our arrival.”

Tess nodded and went to say her goodbyes.

“Want us to follow you to Wansford and pretend the dower house is on fire?” Daisy joked quietly. “We can, you know.”

“Not this time,” Tess laughed. “And I’ve packed my pistol, in case of a real emergency.”

Ellie gave her another hug. “If you need us at any time, just send word.”

“And don’t worry about tonight,” Daisy whispered. “Just enjoy yourself. It will be wonderful.”

“We’ll write if we get another demand from Stockdale,” Ellie added.

Daisy nudged her in the ribs. “Stop talking business! It’s her wedding day, for goodness’ sake.”

“Sorry. But hopefully we won’t hear anything from himuntil you’re back here next week. It would be a shame to cut short your honeymoon.”

“Definitely a shame.” Daisy grinned. “And don’t worry about us. I’ll take care of this poor, lonely cake in your absence.” She took another huge bite from the slice in her hand.

Tess hugged them both and made her way out to the carriage, and her cheeks heated as she realized it was the same unmarked one Thornton had used the night he’d discovered her at Case’s house.

Thornton obviously preferred discretion over conspicuous display. Considering the alarming number of coaches reportedly being held up by highwaymen on Hampstead Heath, not having a crest painted on the panels was probably a wise move.

Tess had thought he’d travel in the carriage with her, so she was a little deflated when she saw a groom holding a fine black stallion by the reins.

Thornton handed her into the carriage.

“You’re not coming in here with me?”

“I prefer to ride and avoid temptation. Someone once told me that anticipation is good for a man.” His lips twitched in good humor.

Tess couldn’t help but laugh. “I suppose I deserve that.”

“Yes, you do.”

He pointed at a wicker hamper on the floor between the seats. “There’s a hot brick for your feet, blankets if you get cold, and food in that hamper if you’re hungry.”

“You seem to have thought of everything.”

“Oh, not me. Simms. I must admit that food and hot bricks have been quite far from my mind this past week.”

Tess lifted her brows, and a delighted flush warmed her. His tone suggested he’d been thinking of her. Just as she’d been thinking of him.

“Busy at work?” she taunted.

“No.” His gaze traveled to her mouth and lingered. “I’ve been distracted by all the things we’re going to do when we get to Wansford Hall.”

Her stomach somersaulted, but she sent him a teasing smile. “You mean meet the tenants, explore the house, that kind of thing?”

He growled low in his throat. “Amongst other things.”

He shut the carriage door, and mounted his horse in one fluid movement. The carriage driver snapped his whip, and Tess waved goodbye to Ellie and Daisy, who were hovering on the doorstep.

They soon left London, heading up the Great North Road, a trip Tess had done many times over the past year. She passed the time by reading one of her favorite novels,Pride and Prejudice, and catching occasional glimpses of Thornton whenever he drew parallel to the carriage window. He looked just as attractive on horseback as he did in a drawing room, and the closer they got to their destination the more her nervousness increased.