His friend’s jaw dropped. “She is that old already? Time moves too quickly, my friend.”
“It does indeed.” Nathan clasped Vincent’s shoulder. “When it is time for Jeanne to marry, she could do worse than a man like you.”
Vincent grinned. “But much younger than I am, I hope.”
“Yes.” Nathan smiled. “Much younger.”
Vincent’s valet joined their small party. “The baggage has been sent to the docks, monsieur. I shall collect the papers on my way there.”
“We’ll come immediately,” Vincent responded. “Do you have the carriage ready?”
“Oui.”
“Very well, Baron, we must depart.”
Conrad leaned heavily on his cane, giving every impression he could barely walk.
Vincent grabbed Nathan and kissed him on both cheeks. “We shall see you soon. Be careful.”
“You as well,” Nathan said.
Miss Marshall watched, concern etched in her features, as the rest of their little group left. Getting to the ship was the most dangerous part.
“They will be all right,” Nathan assured her.
She turned to him. “I can only trust in God.”
A half hour later, the dresser fussed with Miss Marshall’s gown and placed a wide-brimmed bonnet on her head before stepping back. “Bon. You will do.”
Nathan held an arm out to her. “Are you ready to take the air, ma’am?”
“Yes indeed.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Lead on.”
When they reached the street, the hairs on Nathan’s neck pricked, but he stared straight ahead. They were being watched, and it wouldn’t do for anyone to see his concern.
Eugénie flopped back in her bed, then punched the pillow. Mama’s talk consisted of the information that Eugénie probably wouldn’t enjoy her first experience in the marriage bed as there would be some pain, but with a considerate husband, she would grow to enjoy it. Then one of the nursemaids brought Jeanne up to her mother. She’d had a bad dream and wouldn’t settle, giving Eugénie the excuse to repair to her own chamber. Unfortunately, William was probably on his way back to the hotel.
This was so unfair. When she finally wanted William’s attentions with her whole heart, and he wanted her, they were parted. If only she’d thought to give him the gate key. No, even that would not have worked. He thought she’d be spending the night with her mother.
She groaned and tried not to think about his caresses and kisses. Yet her breasts swelled with want and a strange throbbing started between her legs. She let out a low moan.
“I hope that was for me.” Humor tinged William’s voice.
Eugénie struggled to free the sheets entangling her legs. “How did you know I’d be here?”
“Andrew and I were on the steps talking, when I heard one of your sisters cry out.” He found the overlap in the mosquito netting around her bed and sat. “Having younger brothers and sisters, I knew it was just a matter of time before you’d return to your chamber.” William took her hand and kissed it. “I waited until I was sure your maid was gone.”
“How clever of you.” She took his palm, pressing it against her cheek. “Will you stay with me?”
“If you still want me.” He lifted her onto his lap. “What did your mother tell you?”
Eugénie burrowed her head in his neck and breathed in. The scent of the salve was still present, but under it was his own very male musk. “That I would not enjoy marital relations the first time, but if you were a good husband, I’d come to like it.” She raised her head and trailed her tongue along his jaw as he’d done to her. “I still want you.”
“Let me see if I can make you enjoy our love making the first time.” She started to untie his cravat. “We need a light and a towel.”
Eugénie stopped. She hated to ask, then again, he knew she had no knowledge of the act. “Why?”
“The towel because you might bleed a bit.”
