She understood that he had been frightened by the whole ordeal and shocked by the truth of his brother’s demise, but since he wasn’t prone to discussing his feelings, he could only express them physically. Previously, he would have gone to his room to work off the excess energy, but it seemed her body had become a better alternative.

Her body grew hot instantly as his lips traveled even lower, desire coursing through her veins. She couldn’t help but wonder if it would always be like this between them.

“Husband, I feel positively dirty, and if my nose is correct, then you are too,” she protested, trying to free herself of his hold.

“I do not mind at all, wife,” he said playfully. “You’re always too proper anyway.”

She shook her head and pushed at his shoulders. “We need a bath and food.”

“Fine,” he grumbled, looking so much like a petulant child that she couldn’t help but laugh.

He rose from the bed, and her eyes widened as they landed on his jutting member. The darned man didn’t seem in the least bit disturbed. He even stretched out his arms above his head, winking at her.

“Enjoying the view, aren’t you?” he teased with a naughty smile.

She shook her head, tossing a pillow at him. “Get dressed quickly,” she ordered. “Or you’ll give Anne a fright.”

He laughed and then thankfully shrugged on a robe before ringing for the maid.

“Won’t you get dressed too, dear wife?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Or do you want to give the young footmen a good view?”

Louisa shook her head and rose, walking past him shyly to get a robe. She could feel heat everywhere his eyes caressed her, which made her dress even slower.

He stepped closer to her, wrapping a hand around her waist and pulling her back into him, and for a second, she wondered if he would take her from behind as he had the night before. A thrill shot through her at the thought.

“You’re much too beautiful for me, Louisa,” he whispered, turning her around to face him. “Much too beautiful.”

He lowered his head to kiss her but then stopped as a knock sounded at the door. He groaned, causing her to giggle.

“Come in,” Louisa called.

“Good morning, Your Grace,” Anne greeted.

“Good morning, Anne.” Louisa smiled. “His Grace and I would like to have a bath and some food.”

Anne curtsied and left, only to return moments later with a large tray laden with more than enough food for the two of them. Tobias’s nephews followed behind her with the huge bathing tub.

Louisa caught the fond look Anne gave Lawrence, who had finally proposed, and smiled as she recognized it as the same look Percival gave her.

They ate as the men filled the tub, surprised by their appetite as they cleared the tray.

“Will that be all, Your Grace?” Anne asked once the bath was ready.

“Yes, Anne,” Percival answered for his wife. “The Duchess and I are not to be disturbed for the rest of the day. If anyone needs anything, I believe Tobias and your mother are capable of sorting it out.”

Anne nodded, blushing, before she hurried out of the chambers, much to Louisa’s chagrin. She swatted her husband’s hand, shaking her head at the unrepentant look on his face.

“You have positively scandalized her,” she scolded him.

“She is to be married soon,” he argued. “She needs to understand early enough.”

“I do not think it is our job to educate her on such matters.”

“Didn’tyoursisters educate you on such matters?” he asked pointedly.

“They did, but?—”

“Anne doesn’t have sisters, and she would rather not ask her mother about such things. You’re around the same age, so be prepared to encourage her when the time comes.”