Page 61 of Suddenly a (The St. Clairs 5)

Chapter Nineteen

Mia awoke, herhusband’s arms around her. She stroked his arm as he began nibbling on her neck.

They had returned from their honeymoon at Meadowbrook late last night. Rain had muddied the roads, making the return journey even longer. It had passed faster, though, in her mind, thanks to hours of leisurely kissing and two interesting bouts of lovemaking as the coach bounced along.

“Are you going to the warehouse this morning?” Hudson asked.

“No. I’m still a little tired from yesterday,” she admitted. “I also should go see Aunt Fanny and Uncle Trentham.”

He kissed her shoulder. “She seemed to be coming around to our marriage by the wedding.”

“All the female St. Clairs helped in that respect by including Aunt Fanny in every decision and making her opinions valued. My uncle also had something to do with it.”

“I like Trentham. I can see why he was so good at diplomacy.”

Turning her toward him, he kissed her soundly. “That’s all you get from me. After yesterday’s carriage ride, I’m sure you are sore.”

She smiled. “It was another interesting experiment. Worthy of being repeated, I believe.”

They had conducted many such experiments in the week they were at Meadowbrook. Mia had no idea some of the things they tried were even possible but she had enjoyed it all. The physical side of marriage suited her.

“Would you have time to write a few quick notes to let the family know we are back in London?” he asked. “I have quite a bit to catch up on.”

“I can do so—but you’ll have to pay the price,” she declared.

Mischief twinkled in his emerald eyes. “What might that be?”

“I’ll have to consider it. I will let you know how much you are in my debt.”

Hudson kissed her soundly and then left their bed. “I’ll have breakfast sent up to you. I don’t have time for it today. I’ll be sure George is waiting for you when you’re ready to go to your aunt’s.”

Within fifteen minutes, a tray was delivered to her, complete with several letters that had come while they were gone. She went through the posts as she ate her toast and sipped on her tea. After dressing, she dashed off brief notes to everyone and then went downstairs. George awaited her outside and she handed him the letters.

“Good morning, Mrs. St. Clair. It looks as if marriage agrees with you as much as it does Mr. St. Clair.”

She noted how he addressed her and knew Hudson had requested the change. When she had told him she preferred using his name, he had puffed up with masculine pride, making her glad she’d decided to forego being Lady Mia.

“I’d like to go to my aunt’s. If you could deliver these while I’m there, it shouldn’t take you long. They all live within a few blocks of each other.”

“Happy to do so, Mrs. St. Clair. When are we getting back to our work?”

“Have you missed it, George?”

“I went every day to the warehouse. Everything is in order, just awaiting you. Nelson, too.”

“We are thinking of moving everything here,” she told him.

“Hmm. That might be a bit crowded.”

“These rooms would strictly be for our work though Mr. St. Clair said he might keep an office here. We would live elsewhere.”

He brightened. “That’s a splendid idea. You’d have plenty of room. Do you have a house in mind?”

“No. Since we just returned last night, we haven’t had a chance to discuss it.”

He handed her into the vehicle and drove her to her aunt’s townhouse. She found her aunt and uncle still at breakfast.

“Oh, Mia, it’s so good to see you,” Aunt Fanny said, kissing both of Mia’s cheeks and taking her hands. “You are positively glowing. I assume Mr. St. Clair is treating you well.”

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