Page 81 of A Bloom for a Blacksmith

“That’s the plan,” he replied. “I did it in the kitchen where I’ve been living, so I know how to do it. As for the shower bath, I’m sure Mr. Agremon can assist with the particulars.”

Her immediate tasks done, Iris climbed the stairs, but she stopped halfway up to peek between the railings, her gaze immediately going to where he was working in front of a window. She watched as he placed one of the rods atop the two supports, giving it a nudge to center it.

“You’re already done?” she asked in surprise, hurrying up the rest of the stairs.

“Only with one of them.” He moved the chair, so it was beneath the other window.

“We’re going to have a right proper bedchamber,” she said on a sigh.

“Glad you like it. I’ll do the other one before I come down. If you have any extra bed linens or blankets, we could drape them over the rod. Give us a bit of privacy until the real drapes arrive.”

“I do,” she said, hurrying to the one box that had been moved to the middle of the room with her trunk and the cots. She pulled out two wool blankets. Although they were thin from use, they would suit the current need.

As Angus hung one of the blankets over the rod, he said, “Even with a bathing chamber at the back of this floor, I think what’s left will make for a large enough bedchamber.”

“You’re forgetting something,” she said in a quieter voice.

Angus finished adjusting the blanket. “What am I forgetting?”

“Mr. Agremon doesn’t own this building. Mrs. Agremon does.”

He shrugged. “So?”

“We need to ask her permission,” she said.

Chuckling, he hopped down from the chair and pulled her into his arms. “Mayhap you can convince her,” he said. “She rather likes you.”

Iris scoffed. “She’s already spending so much blunt,” she murmured.

“I think I can cover the cost of the pipes,” he offered. “I won’t charge her for my labor, of course.”

“I’ll have a word with her on the morrow. In the meantime, I need to return to the kitchen and make us some tea,” she said, grinning. “I’ve never been able to say that before.”

Angus made an odd sound in his throat. “That won’t be the only first for you on this day,” he teased, waggling his brows.

Iris gasped, sure she was blushing as she hurried down the stairs.

Chapter Thirty-Five

Details of an After-Dinner Conversation

Meanwhile, in the Agremon town coach

Darius sighed softly after Stella finally ended the kiss she had bestowed on him when they were barely seated in their town coach. “Do I dare ask what that was for?” he queried, grunting when he felt her gloved hand move to his groin and press against the bulge behind his pantaloons. “Careful, because I really have to take a piss.”

Despite her carnal desire, Stella giggled. “Apologies,” she said, turning so she was seated in the squabs.

“You will… resume whatever it is you’re wanting to do when we get home, I hope?” he said.

She tittered again. “Yes. I will not be deterred in my quest to be certain you never take a mistress.”

Darius gave a start. “Oh, dear. Your conversation with Lady Woodhurst must have been very different from the one I had with her husband.”

“Well, I should hope so. What did you discover?”

He seemed about to respond but held up a hand. “Does Lady Woodhurst believe her husband has taken a mistress?”

“She did—”