His smile broadened. “I am yours to command. We can do this whenever you like.” He glanced down the length of her body. “But truth insists I point out that we should not repeat this tonight. You gave me the gift of your virginity, Ivy. I treasure it as I treasure you. But the giving does not go completely unnoticed. Your body is going to need a bit of time to recover.”
“Um.” She thought about that as he eased himself off the bed. He had a very nice bottom, she noted. Firm and round.
He returned with a cloth and made her squeak with embarrassment as he cleaned her intimate places. “You shouldn’t…” she protested.
“Hush. You’ll sleep more comfortably.” He finished his task, then pulled the covers over her.
“Here? You want me to sleep here?” She gaped at him over the edge of the quilt.
He returned to the bed and slid in beside her. “Where else?”
Pulling her close, he tucked her bottom up against him and snugged her into his body. “This is our bed, sweetheart. I hope you will sleep here every night.”
“Mmm.”
The warmth of him was a wondrous sensation, completely unexpected, but most delightful. Yes, she could certainly imagine herself sleeping here every night. Her heart sang at the thought even as she dozed, feeling oddly secure with his arms around her.
This was how it should be, she thought. Loving someone, trusting them, giving them the most precious of gifts.
Yes, she knew in her soul that she loved him. It had crept up quietly, but become strong enough to guide her actions, even as she sought for practical reasons to do what her heart was suggesting.
She’d married Colly because of the scandal, she’d told herself. But she knew now she’d lied. She was married to Colly because she’d fallen in love with him.
In the moments before sleep claimed her, one niggling doubt lingered.
At no point in this eventful night had he said he loved her.
Chapter Fifteen
It had not been easy to bid farewell to her new husband so soon after their wedding, but Ivy managed it, holding back tears until after she’d exchanged a final hug and waved goodbye to him.
She spared a moment to pray for the success of his journey, standing quietly on the front steps of Hartsmere House as the carriage turned the corner and was lost to sight.
“He’ll be fine, your Grace,” said Woodleigh at her side. “He’s not one to get himself into a foolish scrape.”
She couldn’t stop a quick sigh as she glanced at him. “I’m pleased to hear you say it, Woodleigh. I understand you’ve known him for many years, so I will trust your opinions above my own right now.”
He bowed approvingly and led her back inside. “It seems his Grace has once again made a very wise choice, Ma’am, if you’ll forgive my plain speaking. Now if you could see your way to making a small public appearance in a day or so on his behalf, it might serve to quell one or two of the adverse comments circulating about town.”
“What do you suggest?” She tilted her head and glanced at him as they walked across the impressive hall to the breakfast parlour.
“Lady Glenowen is a friend to the Maidenbrookes. She and the Duke’s late Mama were bosom bows at one time.”
“I have heard of her, I believe.”
“Well,” continued Woodleigh, “Her Ladyship hosts a book club, and invites all those interested to attend.”
“Ah.” Ivy waited for him to continue.
“Should you have a favourite novel you’d like to discuss with others, that is certainly the place to go. I understand many reputable ladies are in regular attendance. They meet once a month…”
“And the next one happens to be…?”
“Tomorrow, your Grace.” Woodleigh bowed.
“Hmm.” She considered the notion. “It would have been even better to take Prudence with me, but she doesn’t return for a couple more days yet.”
“I believe your Grace does have some acquaintances in town?”
Ivy ran through her list of close friends. There was really only one who would be the ideal companion. “I shall send a note to Lady Maud Sydenham today, Woodleigh, if you would have a messenger take it over in a little while?”
“Of course, your Grace.” He nodded respectfully.
“And have the carriage ready for me in plenty of time to get to Lady Glenowen’s tomorrow. I shall take great pleasure in discussing Sir Walter Scott’s latest publication which, it so happens, I finished a month ago.”
The two exchanged conspiratorial grins, and the deal was concluded.
Ivy’s mention of Prudence recalled that she had yet to speak with Sir Ronan or anyone from his crew about the progress of the fountain. With everything going on around her, that had pretty much skipped her mind.
Now that she was alone at Hartsmere, and with every right to be there, she was free to wander toward the rear of the house and check on any developments. Pulling back one of the heavy drapes covering a rear window, she blinked at the sight of a lovely and decorative arrangement of marble stones, topped with a delicate marble nymph, glowing brightly in the morning light.
It was perfect, and she stifled a little sigh of delight, instead hurrying to the door in the next room which led outside.
In her haste, she missed the figure rounding the corner and crashed headlong into the firm and masculine chest attached to Sir Ronan.
“And a lovely day to you too, Miss Ivy,” he grinned, holding her as she staggered.
“Oh goodness, I am so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention,” she said, struggling to free herself.
“My fault entirely. But it’s not every day one has the pleasure of cuddling a brand-new Duchess…” His lips quirked as he reluctantly let her go.
