Page 85 of My Darling Rogue
If Celia decided they must attend the Buckholts’ gathering, Gabriel would happily do as she wished and accompany her.
Indeed, this could be the perfect event for easing his way into society with Celia at his side.
* * *
When Gabriel arrived home,Celia met him in Rosenthorne Hall’s cavernous, white marble foyer. Frowning, he thought she appeared even more fatigued than she had the night before. The nightmare she suffered must have been more distressing than he initially thought.
“Celia, did you go against my orders and take part in moving things and unpacking your belongings?”
Celia shook her head, her chin lifting as she came close enough that Gabriel could press a kiss to her lips. She blushed at the unexpected show of affection.
“I did as you asked, my lord, and did nothing more than watch others while they worked.”
“I’m glad to hear it and yet disappointed to not have a reason to mete out a punishment.” Gabriel slipped an arm around her waist as Celia flushed even brighter pink with his husky words. “The Earl of Buckholt and the countess have invited us to dinner at their home tonight. I told him I would not commit unless you gave your blessing.”
Celia smiled. “Oh, I would love to. Margaret, the countess, is very sweet. How kind of them to think of us.” She regarded Gabriel, her gaze expectant as she asked hesitantly, “Did your day go well then?”
Gabriel nodded. “It did. And yours, little wife?”
A strange expression passed over her face before she gave him a bright smile. “It was fine although confusing. This house is so huge that it’s easy to get lost. I wandered through most of the rooms this afternoon, attempting to gain an understanding of its layout.”
“I’ve thought the same. In fact, I’ve yet to explore all of it. Did you have a chance to visit the stables? I know your fondness for horseflesh, so if none of the mounts here appeal to you, I shall take you to Tattersalls. You may choose a horse to be kept here while we are in residence. Then we can both ride when I’ve the time and if you are available. I would enjoy spending those moments with you.”
Celia grew a shade paler with the mention of the stables, and Gabriel thought it strange. But once again, she smiled radiantly at him.
“Oh, that would be lovely, Gabriel. And very thoughtful. However, I do not think I shall spend much time riding while we are in London.”
Gabriel frowned, knowing how much she enjoyed the activity. Her reluctance to share that time with him was far more disturbing than anticipated, but he shrugged it off. No doubt, she just required time to adjust to both married life and life in society’s crosshairs.
“We shall discuss it later, but right now, let us make a decision as to whether we go tonight or remain at home,” he said, giving her yet another kiss because he could not seem to help himself. “I will do what you think is best. After all, you have all the expertise in such matters.”
He sensed how she struggled with the decision, but in the end, she agreed the opportunity was too great to let pass. They would attend the dinner later that evening.
It was a strange thing, Gabriel decided. This preparing to go out into the world as an official married couple. Celia’s maid went about getting all the necessities ready, and he watched as Celia was dressed for the evening knowing he would be the one undoing all those preparations at night’s end. This first time making love to his wife within the walls of this house would be something they would both remember.
Once they were both ready for the evening, they descended the stairs and exited onto the stone terrace as the coach was brought round. Celia’s unease was pronounced when one of the grooms appeared. Stepping forward to take one of the horses by the bit, the man held the matched black geldings in place.
Celia fumbled with her reticule, dropping it.
Gabriel retrieved the small bag, holding it out to her with a puzzled tilt of his head. She clutched it so tight her fingers were crushing the beaded fabric.
“I shall not embarrass you,petite femme, if that is what has you so nervous,” Gabriel murmured, drawing her startled gaze away from the coach.
She stared at him in surprise. “What do you mean?”
Gabriel shrugged while adjusting the lightweight cloak Celia wore over a gown of deep sapphire blue. His fingers lingered on the curve of her collarbone, the expanse of skin exposed by the gown’s scooped bodice. “It is our first true appearance in society as husband and wife. It’s only natural that you might be concerned over my reception as marquess. However, I shall be on my best behavior so you have no cause for worry.”
Celia’s features softened. “I am not worried. You shall know precisely what to say and do. You always do.”
Taking her gloved hand in his, Gabriel wished he could strip it away and press his lips to the warmth of her creamy skin. How he loved touching her. Inhaling her delicate scent. Hearing her musical laughter. “But never on so grand a stage, sugarplum. I am nervous, if you must know the truth. And I am not invincible to the distress it will cause me if I should prove to be an embarrassment to you.”
Her mouth tightened. “You must not think that, Gabriel. Do not allow thetonto keep you from being who you are.”
“Having you beside me is all that is keeping me sane right now, Celia.” He handed her up into the coach, then settled on the seat beside her. “And I willneverbe as proud as the moment I enter the room with you on my arm.”
Celia turned toward him, brushing away the lock of dark hair that was forever falling across his scarred brow. “I am the one honored, Gabriel. Never doubt that for an instant. You were born for this world, and it’s time you claim your place in it.”
The small, intimate party at Lord Buckholt’s had swelled from twenty attendees to nearly double in size. Margaret, however, apparently anticipated this possibility. Her manner remained calm and steady, despite having just pulled off the upset of the Season.
