He turned her around to kiss her gently where she had bitten her lip. “My pleasure. Is your lip sore?” he asked against her mouth.
“No.” She wiggled herself into a position on top of him. “I don’t seem to be sore at all this morning.”
“Isabel, are you trying to seduce me?”
“It’s all right for me to do that now, as you have already seduced me,” she pointed out reasonably. Then to emphasize her intention, she moved her hand down to his hard stomach and the nest of hair above his sex.
Now that his anxiety about hurting her had disappeared, Chetwynd relaxed and allowed himself to enjoy her exploration of his body. Her curiosity excited him, but he forced himself to remain still until her hand closed around his arousal. Afraid her soft caresses would make him lose control, he rolled on top of her and found her ready for him. He entered her gently, moving slowly in and out of her warmth.
Isabel found his slow pace heavenly and groaned her pleasure. But soon it wasn’t enough. Wanting more, she used her hands on his hips to urge him deeper and faster. When she finally tightened around him, they exploded together, and Isabel shouted her amazement at the intense waves that carried her to fulfillment.
Later when she regained the ability to speak, Isabel whispered in Chetwynd’s ear, “Do you think anyone heard us shouting?”
Chetwynd started to laugh, and the feel of his shaking body against hers made Isabel laugh as well. “I think everyone is probably sound asleep. But even if not, it doesn’t matter. I doubt anyone would be surprised by my enthusiastic ardor for my wife.”
“Your wife. That does sound very nice.”
They lay together for a while, enjoying the novelty, until Chetwynd’s stomach growled. “Do you want to find something to eat?” he asked. “We missed our evening meal.”
They had the kitchen to themselves, and they found plenty of food left over from the previous evening.
“I guess they were too tired to clean up last night,” Chetwynd said as he cleared a spot at the table for them to sit. There was lots of bread and leftover chicken, and Isabel poured them each a tankard of ale. “No one will be stirring until noon, I’m sure.”
“I do like this kitchen, Chetwynd.” Isabel watched him tearing into a crust of stale bread, his white teeth gleaming.
“What are you smiling about, my love?”
“Gertrude was so proud of the fact that you like her bread.” She became thoughtful. “You have a nice way with people, showing them you appreciate them. I noticed it first in the way you treated Jerome and Ingram.”
“I think Jerome has shifted his loyalty from me to you, Isabel.”
“Do you mind, Chetwynd?”
“It shouldn’t be a problem now that we are truly man and wife. We will be as one in his eyes. I’m just glad he isn’t older. He might have challenged me to a battle over you.”
“I doubt that. But I have a question, my lord.” She hesitated, but knew it had to be discussed. “What happened to your resolution to wait for Justin’s approval of our match?”
Chetwynd took a long drink. “Somehow my desire overcame my resolve. Maybe you did seduce me, my love.”
“Chetwynd! You said . . .”
“I’m teasing. I thought about Justin and my desire for his approval after I left you that first night. I realized that if he objected to our marriage, his objection wouldn’t change my determination to have you as my wife. Now it’s a done deed, and I have to make him believe I deserve you.”
“Hmmm. I had wondered what you would do if Justin objected. I’m glad to hear he wouldn’t change your mind.”
“My decision may cause us trouble, and I’m sure it won’t be easy. But we’ll just have to convince your brother that we belong together.”
After taking a big bite of an apple, Isabel held it out for Chetwynd to taste. His bite took most of the remaining apple and filled his mouth. Since Isabel’s mouth was still full, she tried to keep from laughing as he struggled to chew the huge portion. She could feel apple juice dripping down her chin.
Chetwynd couldn’t help staring at her rosy mouth. When he found he was aroused again, he knew he might never get enough of his beautiful wife. Quickly swallowing the apple, he asked, “Do you wish to go back to bed for a while, Isabel?”
“Yes,” was all she said as she jumped from her stool and raced him back to the bedchamber.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
IT WAS LATE AFTERNOON WHEN ONE OF THE farmers arrived at the manor house to announce that riders were approaching. Everyone had slept late, and there was a subdued atmosphere at the manor house. Isabel was helping with the cleanup in the kitchen, while Chetwynd and Bosco, seated at a table in the dining hall, examined the account books.
The afternoon sun was burning brightly as Isabel and Chetwynd stood together in the courtyard to watch the approaching riders. Chetwynd found Isabel’s hand among the folds of her skirt and held it tightly. No words were necessary to convey the nervous anticipation they both felt. Although they had not discussed strategy, there was an unspoken understanding that they would stand firm against any opposition to their marriage.
They were relieved to see that Ingram and Jerome were in the small party of men who accompanied Justin. Chetwynd held back, watching Isabel run toward her brother and greet him with a warm embrace. Justin stared at Chetwynd over Isabel’s shoulder. Even from a distance, Chetwynd recognized the barely restrained fury in Justin’s expression.
Chetwynd received a warmer greeting from Ingram and Jerome. They moved to stand facing Chetwynd as though to shield him from Justin. It was clear they wished a word with him first, and they used the fact that Justin was occupied with Isabel to achieve their goal.
“We got here as soon
