Page 20 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“I am confident you can fulfill the requirements of the countess, managing the estate and producing an heir. Although this was not what you wanted, I only ask that you give us time to grow. We can be good together, good for each other.”
Elizabeth gazed deeply into his eyes. “I will be a dutiful wife, Alexander. You have been kind to me. You care. I will not give you cause to regret this union.”
Alexander was relieved by Elizabeth’s answer for she seemed less resentful of her circumstances. They resumed walking but Alexander did not release her hand. He could feel the heat through Elizabeth’s glove and his skin tingled at the thought of her hands exploring his body. They strolled arm-in-arm back to the carriage and made their way home to Thornton Manor.
He had sent word ahead so the staff would ensure that the manor was prepared. He was sure there was much speculation about the countess, but he would pay no attention to it. The one person he could not ignore was his mother. He would visit her soon enough as she was entitled to an explanation. He decided to delay informing her until after he dealt with Elizabeth’s parents. One step at a time he cautioned. There were already a considerable number of moving parts.
* * *
Thornton Manor, Kent
Alexander stoodby the window in his bedchamber with a glass of port in his hand. He gazed out over the courtyard and gardens as he mused. Shortly after the walk they arrived at Thornton Estate where he was pleased to see that all the staff were present in the courtyard on both sides of the main entrance. Alexander made the introductions and Elizabeth greeted the staff warmly. The butler had promptly taken control, and the lady’s maid assigned to Elizabeth had taken her to her room. Elizabeth was placed in the bedchamber adjoining his. She had time to refresh herself and rest before supper.
There was a knock on his door before the butler announced that dinner was ready to be served. Alexander proceeded to the dining room where the footman poured him another port. Elizabeth arrived as he took the first sip of his drink. He pulled her chair out for her and she sat.
“I hope you had some rest.” He regarded her quizzically for a moment.
“Thank you, Alexander. I did. You have a beautiful home. I cannot wait to explore it,” she said softly, rubbing her hand on her dress.
Her voice shook slightly. Was she nervous?
Alexander gazed into Elizabeth’s eyes, and he could see that she meant it. She was genuinely interested in the old manor, and it pleased him. The footman entered the dining room and served the first course of a rich pumpkin soup. He paused as the spicy aroma filled the dining room.
He relaxed measurably. “The manor has been in my family for generations, as a matter of fact, its roots can be traced to medieval times.”
“How fascinating. It is almost as big as a castle.” He heard the smile in her voice and it touched her eyes. His heartbeat quickened.
“Indeed. It is heavily fortified with towers, battlements, and high walls, but we do not have a moat. This manor was built more for comfort and domestic use. I have renovated it with these requirements in mind.”
Her expression was open. “I have only just arrived, but I declare it feels much more beautiful, warmer, and cozier than any castle I have ever seen.”
“It is kind of you to say so. I will take you on a tour of the estate for there is much to see.”
“I would enjoy that,” she replied.
Alexander was comforted by her response. Apparently, she was making an effort. She attacked her food with gusto and it was only then that he realized she must have been famished.
“Is your bedchamber to your liking? You may wish to decorate it to your own taste for it has not been changed for some time.”
Her face lit up with a smile and he was reminded of her beauty.
“I confess that it is not to my taste. I will think on it and make a decision once I have seen the rest of the manor.”
Alexander paused as the footman served the main course. He decided on roast goose with stuffing, fish, Yorkshire pudding, and vegetables. This would suffice. For some reason, he did not feel as hungry as he would normally be. He suspected that it was because he was apprehensive about consummating their marriage. He had given Elizabeth ample time to become accustomed to the fact that he was her husband. By now Elizabeth must know that the viscount would never return. They had spent enough time in each other’s company without any distractions so he believed she had grown more comfortable with him. He did not have to wait. He could have taken her on their wedding night, but he chose not to. He also preferred for her to be comfortable at Thornton Manor. He would make love to her for the first time in her own bedchamber.
It had not been an easy task, traveling so closely with her where he would only feast his eyes but refrain from touch. As he sat gazing at her across the dinner table, he felt a stirring in his loins. He wanted her now.
Alexander took a sip of his port and focused on his meal. They had grown silent and he could feel Elizabeth’s regard upon him. He lifted his gaze to meet hers. Her expression stilled and grew serious.
“Is all well, Alexander?”
He loved the way she said his name. It flowed subtly from her lips.
“I apologize, I was distracted. All is well,” Alexander replied.Your lips made me forget. He thought she blushed but he was not sure if he was imagining it. “As I mentioned earlier there is much to see here such as the vast expanse of woods, orchards, gardens, and lakes where fish can be found. On the manor lands we have a church, mill, bakery, and blacksmith. There is a village close by. I am proud to say that we are largely self-sufficient.”
She rallied well. “It sounds like quite a large estate. Is it difficult to manage?”
Alexander stroked his chin and reflected for a moment. “I would not say difficult, but rather challenging, and fulfilling in the same breath.”
