Page 91 of The Duke of Pain

Olivia had insisted that the staff attend the brief ceremony, for she was very fond of them already.

“The wedding breakfast is ready to be served,” Henderson announced.

“Will you stay and partake, Mr. Bledsoe?” Gideon asked.

“I am tempted, Your Grace, but I must return to the office. This is rare for me to make a house call. And at such short notice.”

“We appreciate all that you have done to accommodate us,” Olivia said. “Henderson, fix Mr. Bledsoe a small hamper of food to take with him.”

“Why, thank you, Your Grace. And my hearty congratulations.”

Oh. Your Grace.

Olivia would have to get used to that.

And the fact they were leaving straight after breakfast for London. Their wedding night would be spent at the townhouse.

They had assured the Foxmont staff that Mr. Chapman would be arriving early in the evening to stay for the foreseeable future. The steward will begin to hire more staff and oversee any repairs. Gideon asked his steward to sell every stick of furniture and fumigate the place.

Then they would begin their life together, starting by furnishing Foxmont in their own way and overseeing all improvements.

Already it felt like home, for hadn’t Olivia stood with a rifle in hand to defend it?

But more importantly, they were a couple, bearing scars within and without. In the past, they had buried the damage, becoming unfeeling, bitter people.

Not anymore. Not ever again.

Gideon held out his hand, his eyes reflecting love and devotion.

Olivia came to him, slipping her hand in his.

Not ever again.

Two more days later…

Olivia cried as she reached her peak. She collapsed on Gideon, laying her head against his heaving chest. A moment later, he growled as his own climax peaked. They were in each other arms, recovering from their exertions when a knock sounded at the door.

“Sorry to interrupt, Your Graces, but the Duchess of Whinstone and Mrs. Granholm says it is urgent,” the butler said through the door.

Gideon groaned as he nuzzled her neck. “My mother and aunt. Why can’t people leave us alone?”

“We should have stayed at Foxmont,” Olivia smiled, kissing his forehead. “If it’s urgent, we had best face it so we can move on.”

“Serve them tea,” Gideon called out. “And we will be down as soon as we can.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Hobson moved from the door, and his footfalls continued down the stairs.

Gideon jumped up and pulled on his trousers, then slipped on his dressing-gown, tying about his waist. “If they are going to come this early, they will greet me as they see me.”

Olivia laughed. “Early? It’s near eleven. I won’t be a moment. I will have Alice assist me with a layer or two.”

When Olivia entered her chamber through the adjoining door, Alice dutifully stood, waiting.

“Hobson said you will need me, Your Grace.”

“I do, indeed.”

Alice had traveled with Olivia from Foxmont and was learning her duties of a lady’s maid from the housekeeper, Mrs. Potter.