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The bed was too, truth be told.
“Sheena,” he said in low voice, knowing she’d hear him with her keen senses. She appeared instantly. “Have Jocelyn change the linens.”
“Of course, my Lord.” She left them as hastily as she’d joined them.
Darien carefully scooped Jade into his arms and carried her into his spacious bathroom. He set her on the ledge of the tub, encased in marble.
“This room is unbelievable,” she said, openly marveling over the opulence. “And this bathtub…it’s the size of a swimming pool.”
He chuckled as he turned on the water at three different angles. “When have you seen a swimming pool?”
“In Lisette’s books.” She watched him for a moment, then added, “You have running water to faucets?”
“Yes. I do enjoy some household amenities. Elevated water towers with air pressure and manual pumps create the flow of water. Boilers keep one tank hot. Be mindful of the temperature.”
“Duly noted,” she said. Then asked, “Why are you so adverse to electricity?”
“I haven’t found a need for it yet.” The candles nestled in the elaborate wall sconces provided dim lighting that lent a degree of sensual ambience to every room in the castle. He found the atmosphere inviting.
Jade said, “Neither have I, but Lisette recovered a hair dryer from pre-war days. I’d love to plug it in and give it a try. Hair this long takes some time to dry.”
“After thirty-five years, I’m not sure you’d want to test her relic. You might electrocute yourself.”
“Hmm. Yes, there is that.”
He stood and stripped off his shirt. Her gaze never left his chest.
“You’re going to join me?” she asked, looking so hopeful, it made his heart twist. He’d do anything she asked of him, he realized. But that would hardly be prudent. He’d already crossed too many lines where she was concerned.
“No,” he said regretfully. “I’m going to take a shower and then eat something while you relax in the tub. Take your time. Enjoy. I’ll bring you a book if you’d like.”
Her gaze swept the cavernous room. He always kept a low blaze in the fireplace and Jocelyn, his personal housekeeper, had a penchant for leaving large, fresh floral arrangements scattered about the room on various end tables that accompanied the armless chairs in corners.
“You’d better check on me periodically. I could move in here and you’d never hear from me again.”
He grinned. “If you like it, stay awhile. I’ll find you some reading material.” He left the room and went into his study. He had a wide range of novels from which to choose. Military documentaries, classic American and Britis
h literature, world history… He had a feeling she’d studied up plenty on the latter, given Lisette’s vast collection, so he selected something different.
Returning to the bathroom, he handed over the book.
“Pride and Prejudice.” She frowned. “Never heard of it.”
“That’s likely because Lisette’s idea of history doesn’t date past the early 1900s. This book was first published in 1813. I think you’ll find some interesting aspects to it.”
She flipped open the cover to find a loose sheet of paper. “What’s Wikipedia?” she asked as she eyed the printout.
“Oh that. It used to be an online encyclopedia when we had computers and the Internet. That document is a synopsis of the book.”
Her eyes widened as she scanned the text. “‘Obsequious veneration’? ‘Pedantic nature’?” Staring up at him, aghast, she said, “I have no idea what those words mean.”
He laughed. “Don’t worry about them. Just read it. The novel is hailed as one of the most romantic of all time.”
“A romance novel?” Her brow raised. “In your personal library?”
With a shrug, he said, “I like to stay abreast of all genres. Besides, I rather enjoyed the 1800s.”
“Jesus, you’re old.”
