Page 30 of The Earl's Reluctant Bride
“I was thinking only this morning that you know much more about me than I do about you, Alexander,” she gazed at him steadily.
“Is that so?”
“Well, yes. You know that I enjoy drawing and painting, and I love dogs.”
“True. I am not much of a man of mystery so I enjoy the usual pursuits. I love horses and riding. Perhaps you would like to join me for a ride tomorrow.”
Pleasure lit in her expressive eyes. “I would enjoy that.”
“Very well, that is settled.”
“I gather that while I was away you toured some aspects of the manor. Is there anywhere in particular that you would like us to see today.”
“Would you have time in your schedule to allow for this?” She arched a brow.
“For you, always. This is now your home Elizabeth, and I hope that you will come to love it as much as I do. I cannot think of anyone more suited to show you the manor.”
“In that case I would most certainly like to see the wine cellar.”
“Done. We will view it after breaking our fast.”
Blushing she responded, “I would enjoy that.”
Alexander meant what he said, every word, for he wanted Elizabeth to love Thornton Manor and make it her home. He would ensure she was comfortable here and that she felt confident about making any of the changes that she desired.
“My dearest friends Amelia and Eleanor came to visit for a few days.”
“They are truly your dear friends as they have not abandoned you despite thehaute tonsgossip.”
“It made me realize how lucky I am to have them. One cannot choose their family but you can choose friends, and I am pleased they have remained loyal to me.”
“You also have my loyalty Elizabeth,” Alexander said with a depth of feeling. She would know that he meant it. “Teague and Princess will also be loyal; they will keep your company and watch over you.”
“They are so adorable, Alexander.”
“Not nearly as adorable as you.”
Elizabeth had bent her head to take a sip of her tea and her hands stilled. Her head lifted and she met his gaze, “You are kind and caring but if that should change when Teague and Princess are grown, they may have something to say about it.”
Alexander laughed to cover the warmth he felt when she described him as kind and caring. After all, kind and caring are progress. It warmed his heart to see how much Elizabeth appreciated his gift of the pups. He wanted her to know that he was thinking about her even when he was not with her. He sought to bring her happiness.
After breaking their fast Alexander led the way to the wine cellar. “It is a few meters underground in order to maintain a cool temperature, further ventilation for humidity must be controlled.”
They descended underground and Alexander lit the way with only a candle, for any more of an exposure to light could change the wine’s flavor and aroma. It took a moment for her eyes to adjust to the darkness. Elizabeth followed closely behind him for the candle barely cast a shadow of light. The cellar was large and made of stones with a floor made of clay. There were large wine barrels stored on one section of the floor.
Alexander stopped abruptly and Elizabeth bumped into him. The softness of her body against his back made him shiver. He turned toward Elizabeth. She was close, so close. Her cheeks flushed.
Alexander cleared his throat. “These are oak barrels and there is an interesting story behind their use.” Oak barrels were the last thing on Alexander’s mind.
“Is there? And what would that be?” Elizabeth asked.
“The barrels are made of oak, which is tight and fine-grained, which makes the barrels watertight. It was only perchance that we discovered that oak has an impact on the wine's flavor. Apparently, some aromatic compounds from oak are released into the wine which makes it more pleasing,” Alexander explained.
“How extraordinary and a chance discovery no less,” Elizabeth said.
“It was sheer luck. I suppose one would say it was a bit of an accidental discovery.”
Elizabeth moved toward a wooden table and took up a large, globe-like bottle in a hand-woven wicker. “What is this?” She moved her hands over the bottle as if she was caressing it. He imagined her caressing his cock and he felt a stir.
