Page 24 of Irresistible
“We make an excellent team,” he murmured. It wouldn’t matter if Mrs. Chesmore heard that. She’d likely find it just another adorable attribute of their marriage.
“We do indeed,” Jess said just as quietly.
He carefully removed the bonnet so that he didn’t dishevel her wig. Thankfully, it was dry due to the bonnet’s protection. He took the gloves from her and went to deposit them and the hat on the dresser. Then he thought better of it and tossed them into the dressing room. At a quick glance, he noted it was a decent size, with an armoire and a dressing table.
The footmen returned with the first buckets and began to fill the tub with steaming water. Because the servants would be in and out of the room even after the bath, they needed to keep their wigs on, and he’d continue to wear his spectacles.
He went back to her side, noting, “Your hair is surprisingly dry.” He hoped she understood what he was trying to convey—that she could wait to remove that until later.
Jess touched her head as her gaze met his. Yes, she understood. “I suppose I shall leave it for now.”
“And now I shall remove myself,” Mrs. Chesmore said brightly. “I’m sure you’re anxious to get out of those wet clothes. Please ask for whatever you require from Polly. She’ll be glad to help. Then get a good night’s sleep, and we’ll talk in the morning.” She went to Jess and took her hand briefly. “I feel this was a most fortuitous event, that we shall be great friends. That you immediately quoted Wordsworth…” Shaking her head, she clucked her tongue. “Marvelous. We break our fast in our room every morning, so I suggest you do the same. Just ring when you are ready for it.” Sailing to the door, she called, “Sleep well!” Then she was gone.
Dougal would have relaxed, but the footmen would return at any moment. “We’re almost there,” he said softly. “Do you want to get undressed?”
She cocked her head slightly, giving him a look that seemed to ask if he was serious.
“You need to get warm,” he said. “And those wet clothes are doing more harm than good.”
“I wish I had a dressing gown.”
“I expect the trunks will be here shortly.” And hopefully, the contents would be dry, but he didn’t say that out loud. “Let me find a blanket.” He went to a dresser and looked through the drawers, but there was nothing. “I’ll get something from Polly when she returns.”
More water arrived, and just after the footmen left again, Polly entered with a tray, which she carried to the table. “There are sandwiches, biscuits, and tea.”
Jess’s lips curved into an alluring smile that caused Dougal to stare at her mouth again. “Tea would be divine.”
“Shall I prepare it for you, ma’am?” Polly asked. Petite and young—younger than Jess—with dark auburn hair and round brown eyes, she seemed eager to please.
Dougal smiled at the maid. “Actually, if you could find a blanket or a dressing gown—something Mrs. Smythe could don while she’s awaiting the bath. She really needs to get out of those wet clothes.”
“I’ll see to it directly.” Polly rushed from the room.
“I’ll pour you some tea.” Dougal went to the table, knowing she liked milk and sugar.
“Thank you—for the tea and for directing Polly.” Jess came to the table, whose pair of chairs had no cushions. She sat and began to remove her boot. “I feel as though my brain is too cold to think at the moment.”
“Allow me.” Dougal finished preparing her cup and handed it to her. “Drink.”
She cupped the vessel and brought it before her face. Her eyes closed in rapture, and for a moment, Dougal felt as though he may be enraptured right along with her. “Absolutely heavenly.”
Dougal crouched down. She held her foot out, and he unlaced the boot. As he removed it, he slid his hand down her ankle. A surprising jolt of heat stole through him. “This is most domestic,” he said, glancing up at her.
Her gaze was fixed on him, adding to the slow pulse of desire winding its way through him. “Quite.” She wriggled her toes.
Her boots were thoroughly wet, and he could see the stocking was soaked through. He plucked gently at the cotton covering her foot. “Shall I remove this as well?”
“If you don’t mind?”
He smiled up at her. “I’m here, aren’t I?”
She sipped her tea, and if he had to describe her expression, he would have said it was intoxicated. Or as though she had just reached her climax.
Shit.He should not think such things about her, particularly when he was caressing her bare ankle, as he was now that he’d removed the stocking. This was a disturbing combination of the roles they were playing and the natural chemistry occurring between them. He hadn’t considered the latter happening and now realized that was a glaring oversight.
He cast the stocking to the floor and moved on to her other foot. The footmen brought more water, and Polly returned with another footman. “Your trunks are here. I instructed him to bring Mrs. Smythe’s first. He’s taking it directly to the dressing chamber, then he’ll fetch Mr. Smythe’s.”
“Bless you,” Jess said as Dougal removed her second stocking and tried not to trace his finger along the delicate top of her foot.
