Page 34 of Wicked Is the Duke
"I'm honored he chose me. I do love him, you know."
"Henry might keep his feelings close to his heart, but I know he feels the same. Just give him time to express his feelings."
Anna took a sip of tea and placed the cup back into the saucer on the table. "His actions show me what his thoughts are." As she said the words, she wondered if her friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law understood what she was implying.
***
After an evening ofcards with the ladies, Henry excused himself. With the wedding the day after tomorrow, he knew not only did he have a lot to tend to but was sure Anna could use a reprieve. He climbed into his carriage knowing the next time they met it would be at Blackmont Crest.
Some of her things had arrived from London, Robert having had them sent from their townhouse. The remainder would arrive tomorrow. Everything was going according to schedule.
After the ceremony, he intended to steal his bride away to the cottage next to the lake. There they would spend the afternoon and night alone, away from the prying eyes of servants and family.
They would partake in the wedding breakfast, but as soon as he could, they would slip away. Blackmont knew Anna would want to stay as long as she could as it would probably be the last time she saw her brother for many months.
He had wanted to include his younger siblings in the event, but as Jane pointed out, there wasn't time to get them, nor should they be away from their studies. He agreed. Later he would send for them, and they would celebrate as a family.
They would soon return to London for a few weeks. He had business that required his attention. Anna would want to shop, not only for dresses and such, but for her rooms. He was delighted by how excited she was to be able to make something her own. Soon she would be choosing wall coverings and paint, along with carpets, new draperies, and who knew what else.
If all went as planned, and if Anna were willing, he would take her to see firsthand what pleasures could be found in the bedroom. Certainly he could teach her what he found erotic, but seeing it done by others might be what his bride needed to feel comfortable.
She was already a willing participant, but as with other inexperienced young women, she had no idea of what to expect or what was expected of her. He had no idea what Anna's aunt might have told her. Some women viewed the sexual act as a necessary evil. They lay with their husbands for the sole purpose of making a child.
He would begin teaching her the art of seduction. She was shy, but he knew she would warm up. Their encounter at the lake had gone far better than he’d imagined. She was curious and eager to please.
His mind wandered back to that day, and he smiled at the thought of waking up to her in his bed every day.
As the carriage stopped in front of the manor house, he looked around, unsure what he was looking for. He halfway expected Carlisle to pop out of the bushes.
Until the wedding was over, no one could let their guard down. Carlisle wanted Anna too badly, but what part did Lady Caroline have in all this? How had she managed to slip away with the earl? Her parents surely had no idea what she was up to. He thought perhaps to send her father a letter, describing what had happened.
He should have done it already, but his concern had been for Anna and not Lady Caroline. She wasn't his concern. Not unless she was part of some elaborate scheme the earl was about to reveal.
Henry was certain this hadn't ended with the incident in the gardens. Carlisle’s lingering in the village sounded an alarm, to beware and to keep Anna close.
On the other hand, it could be as simple as the women suggested. That one of them was ill, which was why they were still in the village. Still, no physician had been called. An uneasy feeling coursed through his body as he turned and headed up the steps to the house.
The butler stood at the door waiting on him. "Everything quiet?" he asked as he handed his great coat and hat to the man.
"Yes, Your Grace. Perhaps the earl has had a change of heart."
"That would be nice, but I doubt that. Make sure the men keep a vigil tonight."
He nodded. "They will. I trust the earl has men in place at his home?"
"Yes. Miss Grover's brother is also in residence, so I feel a little better should anything occur. He's quite protective of his sister."
"Very good. Will there be anything else, Your Grace?"
Henry shook his head and peered up at the staircase. He needed to go to bed, but first he wanted to enjoy a brandy in front of the fire in his study. In a few hours, his life would change forever.
"No. I think I'll go to my study for a brandy." He began to head down the hall but stopped short. "Everything is ready at the cottage?"
"Yes, it is, Your Grace. I believe Her Grace will be quite delighted."
"Excellent. I guess I'll see you in the morning."
"Indeed you will, Your Grace."
