She swallowed and her mouth dried at the thought of going into his bedroom. Elizabeth gave herself a shake. Goodness, it was not as if he was going to throw her onto the bed and have his way with her. At least she didn’t think he would. Although, if the rest of it was anything like his kisses and caresses, it would not be bad at all. In fact, it would be quite enjoyable.
Geoffrey opened the door and she entered. The first thing she saw, indeed the only thing she saw, was a massive walnut bed covered with a bright red and gold paisley duvet.
She forced herself to glance around. Two large pillows were against the headboard, but smaller, decorative pillows were scattered around. A night table stood next to one side; she could not see the other side for the bed hangings in the same red and gold. It reminded her of a description of a harem.
Unwilling to be struck dumb, Elizabeth cleared her throat and said, “It is quite grand.”
Geoffrey began to laugh. “I suppose I should be grateful you didn’t run screaming out the door.”
“No, I could not have disgraced myself so.” She began to chuckle. “I do not think it could have always been this way. The hangings look much newer than the ones in my chamber.”
“I honestly have no idea. This is the first time I’ve been in the room. Nettle brought everything over this morning while I was out.” He wrapped his arms around her. “We shall change the duvet and hangings if you like.”
She shook her head. “I shall become used to it.”
There was something about it that made her feel warm and a little tingly.
After kissing her lightly, Geoffrey sighed. “I will have Gibson arrange for fabric samples to be sent over for your bedchamber, and not in green.”
“Perhaps I should write down what I would prefer.” They went back into the parlor and she sat at the lady’s desk, unsurprised to find ink, pen, and paper ready for her use.
This was a very well-run house. That made her think of the house she and Geoffrey would have. What would a foreign house be like?
Elizabeth was excited to be starting her new life. She hoped they would have children soon. Dotty and Louisa were already expecting, and Charlotte would not be far behind them.
She finished the list and handed it to Geoffrey. It would be the first time she was able to decorate without anyone second-guessing her. “I would think the housekeeper might be the most proper person to have this.”
“You may be right, but you can depend on Gibson to know.”
It was almost five and they were to ride in the Park. She wished she had not been so missish about the bedcover and hangings. Perhaps she and Geoffrey could have kissed and touched some more. Elizabeth would have liked that.
Still, she could not forget that that bed was where she’d spend her wedding night.
Chapter Seventeen
Well, that hadn’t worked out as well as Geoff had thought it would. He had planned to forgo the carriage ride and introduce Elizabeth to one of the benefits of married life. Instead, that damn bedcover had had her acting like a spooked filly.
After the way she had responded to him last evening, he’d thought she was ready. Obviously, he was mistaken, and it was most likely his fault. He should have taken a look at the bedchamber first. As it was, at first glance, the room reminded him of a brothel, and he’d had to resist the urge to glance up at the wooden canopy and see if there was a mirror affixed. Who the devil had picked that fabric?
As for Elizabeth, Geoff would clearly have to spend more time alone with her. Fortunately, that should not be hard to arrange. From now until they reached the Continent, he would monopolize her time.
If she was in their rooms while she selected the new fabrics—the frequent thought of her naked, her light blond hair spread around her as she sprawled on that red bedcover made his cock swell—he’d be there too, helping her. It was a shame her bedchamber was such a dismal color. Who could have known color would play such a large part in how one felt? He couldn’t imagine her spending any time at all there. It must be redecorated immediately.
Curse it. He could not understand how he could be so focused on her that she filled his thoughts to the exclusion of almost everything else. And Elizabeth would be his in a way no other female had been. She would be his wife, and helpmate.
Dread filled him at the thought of losing her. He’d have to act quickly to secure her. Until they married, there was still a possibility she could jilt him. Unless he took steps, enjoyable steps, to ensure she could not leave him.
“I should tell you that I received a letter from my father earlier today. He and my mother have decided to come to Town for our wedding. M’mother doesn’t want to miss seeing me married.”
“That does not surprise me.” She glanced out one of the parlor windows. “When will they arrive?”
“I’m not precisely sure. He failed to tell me either when they were leaving or when they’d arrive.” Their visit would likely put off Geoff’s departure by a few days, days he did not have to waste—even with Elizabeth agreeing to a quick wedding—if he wished to join Sir Charles as soon as possible.
“Is your mother as daunting as your grandmother?” When Geoff looked at Elizabeth, she was staring at him.
“I have never thought so. Although I suppose she could be. I have always thought of her more as a mother hen.”
“A mother hen?” She chuckled. “You have raised my curiosity. I look forward to meeting her.”
