Page 23 of Irresistible
“For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.”
Dougal looked at her in open admiration that wasn’t remotely artificial.
Mrs. Chesmore laughed softly. “That is one of my favorite passages. How appropriate that you will be in Wordsworth. It is our loveliest chamber aside from the one I share with my knight—that is the Blake Room. It is in the opposite corner facing the sea, so similarly situated to yours.”
She led them to the right of the stairs and followed the gallery to a door on the left. “It’s dark now, but in the morning, you will have the most glorious view of the sea.”
Mrs. Chesmore opened the door and went directly to the mantel, where she found flint and lit a lantern. Light spilled across the large corner chamber with windows on the far and right-hand walls. The hearth sat between two of those windows on the right wall, opposite the wide, four-poster bed that looked as though it could easily hold four adults. That was rather helpful since he and Jess needed to share a bed. They hadn’t discussed any specifics, and he wondered if she, like he, had thought of how it would work. This bed was large enough for them to probably not even realize the other was in the same room.
“Pardon me,” a high, feminine voice said from behind them.
Dougal escorted Jess farther into the room, making way for the maid to hurry inside. She went to the hearth and quickly laid a fire.
“Thank you, Polly,” Mrs. Chesmore said. “Is the bath coming?”
“On its way, ma’am,” the young maid said as she worked to get the fire going.
Once there were flames, Jess moved as close as possible to the hearth. Seashells were carved into the stone and a cockle shell sat on one side of the mantel.
“You poor dear,” Mrs. Chesmore said to her. “What a terrible ordeal you’ve suffered. Are you hungry? I’ll have refreshment sent up as well.” She glanced toward a table situated in front of the window that faced the sea.
Two footmen entered, carrying a tub.
“Put it near the fire instead of in the dressing room.” Mrs. Chesmore gestured in front of the hearth. “Make sure the water is nice and hot.”
Jess stepped to the side so the footmen could set the tub down. They then bustled from the room.
“Polly can help you disrobe,” Mrs. Chesmore offered. “I take it you have no maid or valet?” She looked toward Dougal.
“Not even a groom,” Dougal replied, removing his hat and gloves and placing them on a small table near the door. “We are taking a second honeymoon and wished for privacy.” He sent a loving look to Jess, who gave him a coy smile in return.
Mrs. Chesmore’s features glowed. “How positively romantic. Well then, you must accept Polly as your maid while you’re here.”
“Actually, I prefer to allow my love to attend me,” Jess said, her gaze settling on him as if he were a sweetmeat and she was famished.
Dougal put his palm against his breast, which he immediately regretted since his coat was quite wet. “That is my preference as well, my sweet.”
“You are the most charming couple,” Mrs. Chesmore said, clasping her hands in front of her chest.
Dougal was relieved their plan was working as expected. There’d been no knowing how much sentiment would be too much. However, it seemed with the Chesmores, no sentiment would be too great.
Jess tried to remove her bonnet, but Dougal could see she was having trouble because the ribbon was soggy, and her hands were shaking. She was still wearing gloves, which were also soaked. He moved to remove her gloves first.
“Just leave your wet clothes in the dressing room. It’s there.” Mrs. Chesmore pointed to a door on the same wall as the bed. “I’ll have Polly tend to them.”
“That would be much appreciated,” Jess said with a relieved smile as Dougal peeled one glove away. Her hand was pink and puckered. He removed the other glove, then hesitated as he tried to think of where to deposit them while he untied her bonnet.
Understanding his dilemma, Jess took the gloves from him so he could remove the bonnet.
