“I’m sorry to hear of your strained relationship with her.”
“You mustn’t worry about that. We shall have Hutchinson House to ourselves, and in our tour, I want you to be thinking about what you want inyourhouse. You will have free rein in remodeling and redecorating anything you’d like. Your dowry will help with some much-needed repairs to tenant cottages, and there are some outstanding invoices that need to be paid, but after that, you may do what you like.”
“Thank you. I promise to be frugal in my suggestions for redecorating.”
“You’re a gem, my darling. Thank you for being so understanding,” he said, squeezing her hand.
“Of course. The tenants are most important, and I’d hate to think tradespeople weren’t being paid.”
“I agree and will pay the outstanding invoices as soon as the money is deposited in my account.”
George pulled up outside Hutchinson House, where a groom rushed out to hold the horses, and jumped down before helping Lydia down.
“Oh, George. The house is quite beautiful,” she said, gazing at the three-story building with its stone facade.
“Come along, and let’s see what you think of the inside,” he said.
Peters opened the door. “Welcome back, Lord Hutchinson.”
“Peters, I’d like to introduce you to your new mistress, Miss Weston.”
“Good day, Miss Weston. The staff and I are so pleased you’ll be joining the household.”
“Thank you, Peters,” Lydia said.
An older woman came hurrying into the foyer. “My lord, I apologize for not greeting you when you entered the house,” she said.
“Mrs. Grady, this is Miss Weston, your new mistress,” George said.
Mrs. Grady curtseyed. “I’m so very pleased to meet you, Miss Weston. Would you like a tour of the house?”
“Yes, that would be lovely,” Lydia said.
After they toured the public rooms, George took over, showing Lydia the bedchambers. “This is your suite of rooms, my dear.”
Lydia walked into the marchioness’s bedchamber. “Oh my, it’s quite dreary,” she said, looking around the room. There were heavy maroon drapes pulled across the windows, shrouding the room in darkness. She went and pulled the drapes back, letting in some much-needed light. “That’s better.” There was a large bed, armoire, and desk in dark wood. “Would you mind if we painted the furniture a lighter color and, perhaps, refreshed the walls? I do prefer a brighter bedchamber.”
“You may do whatever you like with the room. I want you to feel comfortable here. Through that door is a shared sitting room, and my bedchamber is on the other side. Shall I show you?”
Lydia nodded and followed George through the adjoining sitting room to his bedchamber. “Such a handsome room.”
“Do you approve?”
“I do. It suits you.”
“I hope it will suit you as well, as I hope we’ll be sharing a bed at night.”
A blush stole up Lydia’s face. “Perhaps I’d feel more comfortable here in your room if you kissed me.”
“Gladly, my darling,” George said, devouring her mouth. He couldn’t get enough of her. She tasted so sweet. When she moaned, he deepened the kiss. It went on and on before he stepped back. “I’m afraid we must stop, my darling, if we don’t want to anticipate our vows.”
“Would that be such a bad thing?” she asked with a cheeky grin.
“Minx. I’m afraid if I get you in my bed, we won’t leave for a very long time. Your father would definitely not approve.”
“I suppose you’re right. How about one more kiss before we leave?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
