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Somehow, Mia doubted that. Tia had always been a little more self-centered and stubborn. But Mia still missed her dreadfully today.
The next three hours flew so fast that before she knew it, she was walking down the aisle toward a completely new life. Simon smiled at her as she reached the altar. A few words, a ring and she was the Countess of Hartsfield.
They walked down the aisle toward the entrance of the church in Cheadle where their family and friends waited for them.
Her mother brought her into her arms and hugged her tight. “Congratulations, my lady.”
Mia was officially a countess. A shiver of nervousness raced up her arms. “Thank you, Mama. I just wish Tia could have been here with me.”
“Hush, Middleton will find her and bring her back home.”
She nodded. “I hope so.”
The wedding party arrived back at Hartsfield Park to a sumptuous wedding breakfast. Mia had never seen so much food laid out for people. She sat at the end of the table opposite Simon. They had barely had a word since the wedding. As conversations whirled around her, Mia could only stare at her handsome new husband. He leaned his head closer to hear what Selina had said to him and then small dimples creased his cheeks.
How had Mia become so lucky to gain his attentions? He had only proposed to keep her safe but she wondered if he would come to love her. She still questioned why he had thought marriage would keep her safe. Just staying at the house would have been enough. She could have even become his mistress. There was no need for marriage.
As the afternoon wore on, their few guests slowly filtered out until it was just Simon and Mia. Even Charlie had decided to head to London to give them privacy. She would have to thank him for that when she saw him next.
Simon handed her a sherry and sat across from her in the salon. He lifted his glass and said, “To many happy years.”
Mia smiled and raised her glass in salute. The nutty taste washed over her tongue and warmed her on this dreary day.
“We shall leave for Suffolk on Friday,” Simon announced after a sip.
“Of course.” Why did their conversation seem so stilted today?
“I already wrote to Caroline and told her you would need a dressmaker while visiting.”
“If you insist.”
“You know I do.” Simon finished his sherry and stared at her. “Are you nervous?”
“Why would I be nervous?”
“About tonight?”
Mia laughed softly. “I do believe we have already done this once. Why would I be nervous?”
His eyes narrowed on her. “I’m not quite sure. All I know is ever since I saw you walking down the aisle in that silk dress I have wanted to take it off you.”
“Indeed? And why is that?” she asked in a seductive voice.
“So I can see you naked. Kiss every inch of your soft skin. Watch your face as you reach your climax and follow you over the edge of pleasure.”
Mia attempted to swallow but her mouth went dry. “Would it be terribly rude if we asked for a tray in your bedchamber instead of eating in the dining room?”
“I already told Harris that is exactly what we would do.” He rose with a grin and held out his hand to her. “Shall we make this official, Countess?”
Make what official? “I beg your pardon?”
“Our marriage. We must consummate it.” He pulled her against his hard chest. Wrapping his arms around her, he brought her against the hardness in his breeches. “And soon or I will explode from wanting you so desperately.”
“We would not want that to happen.” Mia turned out of his arms with a smile. “I shall go make myself ready.”
“Do not remove that dress,” he warned as she reached the door. “I will do that.”
“As you wish, my lord. But the same goes for you. I will undress you.”
