Page 21 of Revealing a Rogue
“Peyton.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Doyouknow how consummation occurs?”
Her friend blushed bright red. “Ah. Didn’t your mum explain?”
“We didn’t have time to discuss much of anything before I left. And you know how tough it is to obtain privacy in my house.”
Peyton’s brow creased. “Remember the time we saw the horses playing in the meadow?”
“Aye. But that’s not what I’m inquiring about. I understand what must go where and such. What I want to know is how am I to please him. He needs me to produce an heir.” Bronwyn began to pace as she continued with her concerns. “I’m well aware that it might require the act to be repeated. How do I ensure he’ll want to…well, you know.”
Hands-on her hips, Peyton asked, “Why do you believe I’d know the answer?”
“You have five older brothers. Both you and Emma have had a series of beaus while I’ve had none. Plus, you’re my maid, and so you are supposed to have all the answers.”
A burst of laughter escaped Peyton, and she bent at the waist. “I’ve been your maid for less than a week. My brothers are useless sources of information. Besides a few stolen kisses, I’ve not a clue as to what occurs between husband and wife. However, I am determined to be an excellent maid. While you get hitched, I’ll make inquires and report back when you return.”
“I knew I could count on you. I’d never have been able to ask anyone else about such matters.”
Peyton gave her a hug. “I’ll always be here for you.”
“And I for you.” Bronwyn pulled back to ask, “Now that you are part of the Hadfield staff, do you think your brothers will be less likely to scare off possible suitors?”
“Not likely. Regardless of our new positions, or the new world we will be thrust in, the Network will always protect and shelter us.” Peyton turned her about to face the door. “If I were to find someone mad enough to marry me willingly, the poor sod would still have to seek out my dad and brothers’ approvals, and if he wasn’t already a member of the Network, he’d have to seek out permission from the elders.”
Midstride, Bronwyn swiveled to face Peyton. The elders were a protective bunch. Had Landon sought out permission from the elders? He needn’t have. Peyton’s chuckles broke her train of thought.
With a knowing smile, Peyton said, “Lord Hadfield didn’t have to seek anyone’s approval. As head of the PORFs, the man can do as he pleases. But I heard he did meet with your dad and the Network elders and was given a good roasting. Only after a long night of negotiations did they give him their approval to marry you.”
“He did that all for me?”
“My lady, I believe Lord Hadfield is smitten with you. He gave into nearly every demand the elders made in order to have you as his wife.”
Bronwyn shook her head. Why would Landon do such a thing?
Her maid brushed the back of her finger over the top of her cheekbone. “You are worthy of his love.”
Was she?
Chapter Ten
Tired of pacing in his room, Landon ventured downstairs.
Addair approached, eyeing Landon’s traveling desk. “Lord Hadfield, allow me to escort you to the private parlor.”
“My thanks, Mr. Addair, but I’d prefer to be seated where I may promptly greet my bride as soon as she descends.”
The innkeeper shooed patrons from a trestle table that would afford Landon a clear view of the stairs. “Here ye go, Lord Hadfield.”
Landon slid onto the bench, flipping his tailcoat out. With practiced movements, he arranged his writing equipment and sheets of parchment. During the last two years, Landon had spent more time traveling by coach than he ever had in his life. Traveling between London, the two crumbling country estates he’d inherited, and the Continent to locate the rondure, Landon had seen more of the world than he ever expected to. He’d been pleased with his lot in life before inheriting the Hadfield title from Theo’s papa. However, the idea of scurrying between his office and court no longer held the appeal it once did. His uncle had left the Hadfield estate in near ruin, but the challenge of refilling the family coffers and learning the generations-old duty as a PORF opened Landon’s eyes to a life he’d not known—one he now relished.
“If there’s nothin’ else ye need, my lord, I’m off to check to make sure everything is readied.” Bronwyn had requested Addair, a longtime member of the Network, conduct the ceremony rather than the local blacksmith.
Landon absent-mindedly nodded as he began to draft a reply to Archbroke. Having recently attended a series of weddings, Landon was unperturbed by what was to occur next. Granted, none of them were a handfasting or conducted over an anvil, but how different could it really be?
Letter in hand, he looked up when a shadow fell over the table.
