She stirred as he drew the covers over her. “Dom?”
“You are in your own bed, sweetheart. Sleep for a while longer.”
“Um.”
The desire to climb in and hold her again was almost too strong. He made his way back to his own bed before the temptation overcame good sense.
For the first time since his father died, the bed was large and lonely. Unable to sleep, he tried to sort out what had happened between Thea and him. He’d never felt anything like this before. He needed Thea the same as he needed air and water, and it scared him to death. How would he keep his love for her from destroying everything they had?
* * *
Dom entered the breakfast room as Sir Henry accepted a cup of tea from Paken. Dom’s future father-in-law was like no one he had ever met before, certainly not like the squire near Merton who typified a country gentleman. Hunting mad, a bit rough around the edges, and ever willing to curry his attention. Sir Henry was cultured and serious, yet with a wicked sense of humor that he did not mind wielding. “Good morning, sir.”
“Good morning to you as well, Dominic.”
Any attempt at formality had quickly gone by the way yesterday. Sir Henry treated Dom as if he were any young man about to wed his daughter. And in spite of all his previous misgivings, it was a relief. He had never had a comfortable home life. Perhaps now he would. Of course, he still had to pass muster with Thea’s brothers and sisters. What a strange thought that was. All of whom would descend upon them tomorrow.
Sir Henry finished his tea and stood. “Sorry to desert you, but I’ve got business to see to while I’m in Town.”
“Please feel free to do as you please. The only plans we have today are the duchess’s ball this evening.”
“Won’t do to forget that.” He chuckled. “I’d never hear the end of it.”
Dom did not doubt that at all. Between the duchess and Lady Stern, it was easy to see where Thea got her strength.
“Good morning, Papa.” Thea entered the room, reached up and gave her father a kiss on the cheek. “Are you off already?”
“Good morning to you, my dear. I should be back by tea.” He gave Thea a quick hug.
She took her seat at the table, and Paken set a fresh pot of tea before her. “Thank you, Paken.” She turned to Dom and smiled. “Tell me how you like your tea.”
After their lovemaking, he had been afraid she might remain in her chamber this morning, but she didn’t appear to be at all embarrassed by last night. He sat next to her. Marriage with her would be very easy to get used to. “Strong with milk and two lumps of sugar.”
She took a piece of toast. “We shall give it a few more minutes to brew.”
“Have you seen the picture gallery yet?”
“No.” She pulled the jam pot to her. “Your mother thought you would like to show it to me.”
“Shall we do it after breakfast?”
She picked up the teapot and poured two cups, adding milk and sugar, then handed him one. “Try this.”
He took a sip. “Perfect.”
“Thank you. After breakfast will be fine. I am to tell you our mothers are breaking their fast together and that my mother is doing much better.”
Afterward, he led her to the gallery. “The one at Merton is massive, but you’ll get an idea. I think everyone has at least a miniature here.”
“It is much the same at Bristol House.”
He’d forgotten that she would be used to the duke’s estates. “Here is the First Marquis of Merton. Before then we were viscounts.”
“From the hair and dress, he looks to have lived in Charles the Second’s time.”
“Yes. That is who elevated the house.”
She grinned. “What, no earls?”
