“Yes. As I have not seen either your brother or your father since their contretemps this morning, I did not include them in my response.”
“If Papa is in one of his moods, it is just as well that he not join us.” Elizabeth would have liked her brother to come.
“That is exactly my opinion as well.” Her aunt nodded her head once. “He seems to be getting worse.”
She worried about who would look after her father’s house and him when she was gone, but there was nothing she could do about it. Papa didn’t even want her at home anymore. It was in Gavin’s hands now. “I believe you’re right. He did not even greet me.”
Aunt handed Elizabeth a cup of tea. “I suppose I should discuss what goes on between a man and a woman with you.”
She considered telling her aunt that she’d had that conversation with Dotty and Louisa, but decided not to. Aside from that, Elizabeth wanted to know what her aunt would say, and if it was different from what she had heard and experienced with Geoffrey. “What do I need to know?”
“I gather you and Harrington have at least kissed.” Aunt’s brows came together slightly and Elizabeth nodded. “Has he been gentle?”
“I would say gentle and passionate.” Not that she would tell her aunt how passionate.
Her aunt gave her a considering look. “Has he scared you at all?”
“No. Quite the opposite.” Elizabeth’s cheeks became warmer.
“In that case, I am sure I can leave the rest of it to him.” Rising, Aunt said, “We must dress for dinner.”
Elizabeth stared at her aunt as she left the room. It was a very good thing her friends had explained what happened between men and women, and much sooner than a few days before her wedding.
* * *
Later that evening, after tea had been drunk, and the wedding discussed—Lord Richard had written a charming note to his sister claiming to be delighted to perform the wedding ceremony—Elizabeth, Aunt, and Lady Markham climbed the stairs to Elizabeth and Geoffrey’s apartments.
She opened the door to her future apartment, and stopped. The wallpaper had been removed from both rooms. In her bedchamber, the bed hangings and curtains had been taken down. In fact, only the furniture had not been touched. “How on earth did you manage this?”
Lady Markham fluttered her fingers. “It was not difficult. Our footmen assisted the decorator’s assistants. The new paper will be finished tomorrow, as will the hangings and curtains.” Her brows lifted slightly. “I trust the furniture will be recovered as well.”
“But why?” Elizabeth couldn’t imagine the amount of effort that had been expended.
“Why?” her ladyship asked. “We want you to feel at home while you are here. It may not be for long, but this will be your home whenever you are in Town.”
She blinked in a vain attempt to keep tears of joy from overflowing. Blotting her eyes with her handkerchief, Elizabeth vowed not to turn into a watering pot. Yet, not since her mother had died had anyone done anything half as wonderful for her. Well, aside from her aunt sponsoring her come out. “T-thank you.”
When they left to rejoin the gentlemen, Aunt whispered, “I could not be more pleased for you. Harrington is behaving just as he ought. He has hardly taken his eyes off you, and her ladyship is already treating you like a daughter. Your mother would have been extremely happy.”
“I hope so. I am so happy.” Never in her wildest dreams could Elizabeth have imagined such a welcome from Geoffrey’s parents.
Not to mention the lovemaking she experienced with Geoffrey this afternoon. It was everything she had been told it would be. There was no doubt in her mind that they would have a wonderful life together.
* * *
When Geoffrey entered the breakfast room the next morning, he was informed that he would be spending the day with his father. Much to his displeasure, Mama had decided that she was taking Elizabeth around to her group of friends, which included the wives of current and former diplomats as well as other influential ladies, because, “You know, dear, that it is always better to know people that can assist you if needed. I fully intend that Elizabeth be well armed, as it were. Your grandmother did as much for me.”
It had not occurred to him before then how frightening ladies could be. Naturally, Lady Bellamny, one of the gorgons of theton,scared him to death. As she did every other right-thinking male. But his mother? A shiver ran down his spine. How had he not recognized how powerful she was?
Even though he knew he would not be able to be alone with Elizabeth, he had thought they could spend time together today. He had developed a sensory need to see her, touch her soft skin, sink into her, and hold her while she slept.
“After you break your fast,” Father said, “we will go to Whitehall. There are several gentlemen I wish you to meet.” Geoff felt his father’s eyes on him. “Have you selected a wedding present for your bride?”
Damn. Another thing he hadn’t done. It was as if being with Elizabeth made him unable to think of anything other than being with her. “No. We can stop by Rundell and Bridge. I’m sure I’ll find something she will like.”
He knew the ladies would likely eat luncheon at home, but before he could mention returning to join them, his father said, “We shall have luncheon at White’s.”
“Am I not to see my betrothed until tomorrow?” He hated that he sounded like a peevish child.
