He had to love her the way she loved him. If only he would say the words. On the other hand, she had not told him how she felt.
Geoffrey took her hand as she reached the bottom tread. “You are enchanting.”
“Thank you.” His look and his touch warmed her in a way no one or nothing had before. “You look very handsome.”
“I’m glad I please you.” He led her to the door. “I have a surprise for you after tea.”
“Will you give me a hint?” He lifted her to the step of his phaeton, his large hands lingering on her waist.
“I shall tell you that it is a tradition in my family.” He leaned forward, his lips close to her cheek. “I wish I could kiss you.”
Tingles started from where he held her and spread through her body. “I would like to kiss you as well.”
“Perhaps later.” He helped her the rest of the way onto the seat before going around to the other side and climbing in.
Where did he think they would find a place to be alone to indulge in her new favorite pastime? They would be in his grandmother’s house and after that the Park. Granted, some people made use of the paths into the woods, but she was not sure she would wish to do something that daring. “I must confess that I am a little anxious.”
“You aren’t alone.” Geoffrey cut her a swift look. “My grandmother can be formidable when she chooses to be.”
“In a way, she reminds me of Lady Bellamny.” Although, actually very nice, Lady Bellamny, one of the leaders of theton,had been terrorizing the younger set for years. Elizabeth always found herself being on her best behavior around the lady.
“I don’t think Lady Bellamny is nearly as hard on ladies as she is gentlemen,” Geoffrey retorted. “I live in dread of receiving one of her set-downs. Poor Bentley had the misfortune of receiving one, and he didn’t attend a ball for a week.”
“I shall simply mind my manners.” Elizabeth prayed she would not do anything stupid around Lady Markham.
Geoff checked his pair for a second as two young ladies crossed the street followed by a maid. Elizabeth wasn’t the only one who was nervous about what Grandmamma would do. He only prayed that she would not have that dratted bird with her and that she didn’t ask him about his feelings toward Elizabeth.
He liked her a great deal, better than he had thought it possible to like a lady, but that was all he truly wanted. A wife with whom he could converse on a number of topics and with whom he could have an amiable marriage. Naturally, the passion he and Elizabeth seemed to share was important as well. He must produce an heir, and he looked forward to making their children. The sooner they could start the better.
He hadn’t been able to get the taste and feel of her breasts out of his mind. He couldn’t wait until she was naked and beneath him on his bed. Geoff had almost told her that earlier but thought kissing was a better thing to say. That she had been extremely receptive to his advances last evening gave him hope that she would enjoy their coupling as well as he would. Yet, he must take care not to frighten her. If he wanted her willingness to continue, he’d have to ensure that her first time was enjoyable.
While he drove his carriage through the streets, their conversation was confined to small talk about the weather and other unimportant things. That was just as well. More than half his mind was occupied with her. Whether she was with him or not, for some reason he could not seem to get Elizabeth out of his thoughts.
Every time Nettle mentioned something that needed doing or there was a decision to be made, Geoff thought of her and what she would like. There was a great deal to discuss with her and plans to be made, but before meeting with his grandmother was not the time. Afterward, they would be able to discuss their journey.
Several minutes later, he drew up in front of Markham House. All of his belongings had been carted to his family’s town house earlier today. Nettle had taken care of that while Geoff had been busy writing to his father about his betrothal and to the solicitor about the settlement agreements. He did not want Turley to know that the same agreement Father had drawn up for Lady Charlotte would be used for Elizabeth. Therefore, the lawyer would have to have the contracts carefully rewritten.
By now, his valet would have made the rooms he and Elizabeth would share more habitable. After tea, Geoff planned to give Elizabeth a ring he’d selected for her from several his grandmother had at the house. Then he’d show her their apartment. And after that . . . he had hopes they would be much closer than they had already become.
Everything was proceeding as it should, and his life was in order again. As long as nothing happened to put a spoke in his wheel, he’d be fine.
“Here we are.” He was pleased his voice didn’t reflect how nervous he was. The worst of it was that he had no idea why he should be at all worried. It was not the first time Elizabeth and his grandmother had met. Geoff gave himself a shake. Nothing could possibly go wrong.
Elizabeth smiled at Geoffrey as he lifted her from the phaeton. When her feet touched the pavement, he held out his arm. Instead of simply placing her fingers on his arm, she tucked her hand in the crook. “I am ready.” She lied. She was not at all prepared for this meeting. Praying she was making a mountain out of a molehill, she said, “Lead on. We would not wish to be late.”
An elderly butler, whom Elizabeth was certain would fall over at any minute, bowed as he opened the door. “My lord, miss, her ladyship is waiting in the back drawing room for you.”
“Thank you, Gibson. We do not need to be announced. Her ladyship has already met Miss Turley, and this is now my home as well.”
“Yes, my lord. If you insist.” Even though the older man had acquiesced, it was clear he was not happy about it. In what she was certain the butler thought was an inaudible voice, he muttered, “I shall never grow used to modern manners.”
A burble of laughter rose and Elizabeth pressed her lips firmly together. If Geoffrey insisting they not be announced upset poor Gibson so much, her laugher would not help matters.
“I dare say no one is asking you to,” Geoffrey said diplomatically.
He led her down the corridor on the left of the hall, and when they were out of hearing, said, “He is going to fall down dead one day.”
“I suppose we all will,” she replied. “What I do not understand is why he has not been retired.”
