Mary took a plate, placing cheese, bread, and strawberries on it. “I’m famished.”
“As am I,” Caro responded, taking some of the food. “It’s too bad they do not have chocolate.”
The cork popped. Kit handed her a glass. Once the others had theirs as well, Huntley raised his flute. “To Kit and Lady Mary Featherton, may your married life be as happy as mine.”
Caro punched him playfully in the side. “We wish you much happiness. The more I saw you together, the more confident I was that you belonged with each other.”
“Here, here.” Huntley raised his glass. “As one more of us falls to the parson’s mousetrap.”
“Indeed?” Caro arched a brow, and probably would have clobbered him if he hadn’t been looking at her with so much love.
Kit slid his chair closer, putting an arm round Mary’s shoulders. “I, for one, am glad to be caught. I cannot imagine a lovelier bride.”
“Nor I a more handsome husband.”
They toasted again, and ate. Once they’d finished the wine, Caro and Huntley took their leave.
Kit leaned over and kissed Mary. “Are you happy?”
“Never more so.”
“Come, my lady.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Rising, he lifted her into his arms, carrying her into the bedchamber. Her body slid against his when he lowered her to the floor. Mary swallowed, and her nerves flared. This, them going to the bedroom, was all going so fast. Though she hadn’t been worried last night, she was now. She prayed he didn’t expect her to know what to do.
Kit cupped her cheek, spreading his fingers so that his thumb could graze her lips. “I love you.”
She could do this. Everything would be fine. “And I love you.”
His lips teased and cajoled as they had last night. She opened her mouth, and his tongue met hers. Mary slid her hands over his broad shoulders and around his neck as his arms pulled her against him. He tilted his head, delving deeper into her mouth, possessing her as if he could not get enough.
She gasped as her bodice loosened. “I’m a little afraid.”
Nuzzling her neck, he said, “I understand. I’ll be as gentle as I can.” He gazed down at her. “Has anyone spoken with you about what goes on between a man and a woman?”
Mary fought the blush rising in her cheeks. “No.”
Although she’d been raised in the country, Mama had forbade her from being around the pastures during breeding season, and her father and brothers had continued to enforce the rule.
Concern and consternation showed in his face. “Let’s take this a bit slower.”
Unable to speak, she nodded, grateful she didn’t have to say more.
All Kit wanted to do was sink into Mary and make her his. Part of him wanted to forge ahead without explaining what would happen, and just ensure her first experience was good enough that she’dforgive him for any pain. Yet it was her body, and she deserved to know what he’d do to her. What they’d do together.
Clothing off first.
Kit bent his head to Mary’s, taking her lips again. Without breaking the kiss, he removed his cravat, then started to shrug out of his jacket.
“I want to help.” She pushed the sides apart, shoving and pulling his jacket off, then unbuttoned his waistcoat. He hadn’t planned on her wanting to be involved, but it might give her more confidence if he allowed her to remove his garments and set a precedent for him to remove hers.
Soon his chest was bare, and Mary slid her palms over his stomach and torso, seemingly mesmerized. Her curiosity was good. He carefully removed her hair pins, placing them one by one on the night table. Running his fingers through the fine silky strands, he’d never felt anything so soft and fine. He almost groaned. It shimmered gold, curling and reaching to her waist. He took her lips again, untying her stays and the ribbons holding the shoulders of her chemise, then pushed them slowly down, uncovering her breasts.
“Beautiful.”
“Am I?” Her voice was higher than usual. Reminding him she’d need reassurance.
