The back of her neck tingled as he fluttered kisses down her spine to the laces her modiste insisted upon using rather than tapes. As her gown loosened, he kissed each newly exposed place. Her chemise fell with her gown and stays. If nothing else, William was efficient.
He lifted her out of the puddle of clothing on the floor, then draped her clothes over a chair. She reached up to unhook her necklace.
“Leave it.”
Staring at him, she dropped her hands.
“I want to see you wearing nothing but the pearls.”
Eugénie stood before him wide-eyed, and a little nervous. Well she should be. Though she’d been nude with him the first time, she’d been in bed, not standing exposed before him. Will sucked in a breath. She was even lovelier now than in candlelight.
With one finger he traced from her neck, over her generous breasts, the deep pink nipples now tightly budded, to her small waist, then over the gentle swell of her hips. God, he’d never seen a more beautiful woman. The pearls looped around her neck set off her golden skin. Eugénie’s pink stockings drew his gaze to the dark curls hiding her mons. The stockings would go next, but he’d peel them down slowly. To-day was the time to savor every inch of his wife.
Will lifted Eugénie, placing her on the bed. He untied the ribbons of her sandals, then poured them both a glass of the champagne he’d had Tidwell attend to earlier. “To you, my love.”
She gazed into his eyes, and he was captured all over again. “To us, my husband.”
A gull screeched, but other than that, all was quiet. Will found he could barely speak. “Eugénie.”
She took one long drink before setting the glass down. “William.”
Dear Lord, he wasn’t going to last. Slow would have to come later. He tossed off his wine, as she held out her arms. The glass slipped from his fingers and he rolled onto the bed.
“Love me.”
“I do, sweetheart, I do.”
He touched between her legs, to find her already wet. Eugénie arched up to meet him as he slid into her. Eugénie’s legs wrapped around him, holding him tight, and he knew she was his home.
When Will awakened, it was dark. He’d never get used to the rapidity with which the sun went down here. He lit the oil lamps and was gazing at a sleeping Eugénie when a knock sounded on the door.
“My lord?”
“Give me a moment, Tidwell.” Will made sure Eugénie was covered and threw on his dressing gown before opening the door. Tidwell averted his gaze from the bed as he carried in a large tray that he placed on a table.
Marisole followed holding a large pitcher and a bottle of wine. “The water is for drinking, milord. I shall bring more for washing later.”
She busied herself picking up Will’s garments and shaking them out. Tidwell’s face turned an interesting shade of pink, but before Will could comment, Marisole said, “Teedwell, there is no need for embarrassment, they are married, no?”
A giggle, which turned quickly into a coughing fit, came from the bed. Eugénie buried her face in a pillow.
The maid helped Tidwell set out the rest of the plates, then led him out of the cabin. Before closing the door, she turned. “Milady, it is for me an immense joy you are wed. I have always wanted to be maid to a great lady.”
Eugénie waved her hand in front of her face, clearly in an attempt to stop laughing. “Thank you, Marisole. I am very glad as well.”
“Bon. Milord, you must forgive Teedwell, he will accustom himself. ” She curtseyed and left.
His wife gave herself over to the laughter. “My lord, I believe your valet is a Puritan.”
“No, a Methodist. Almost as bad.” Will started to chuckle. “Teedwell?”
“SheisFrench.”
As was his wife. “Come, my lady-wife. Let’s eat.” Will gave her his best lecherous look. “You’ll need your strength.”
“Ah, my lord, so will you.”
The following morning, Eugénie awoke in William’s arms. She glanced out the port window, where she saw a bit of spray shoot up. It was barely light. What were they doing under sail already?
