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“Did you enjoy yourself, Miss Casey?” Fitz asked in a soft voice. He walked a bit behind Lord and Lady Casey so that he could have a more private conversation with his intended.
“I truly did, Your Grace. The weather was wonderful, and I do believe my parents enjoyed the outing,” Miss Casey replied as she looked up at him, seeming to be observing him as closely as he’d been observing her all afternoon.
“Regardless of either one of our intentions for this marriage, I want you to be reassured that I will be a dutiful husband and ensure your happiness the best I can,” Fitz commented. He watched as her eyes grew wide for a moment before she let her gaze drift to her parents in front of her.
“That is very considerate of you,” she replied. “I’ve come to determine that you are simply a kind and considerate man. If you had attended a Season instead of wanting an arranged marriage, I’m certain you would have had your hands full with possible young ladies to marry.” This caused Fitz to chuckle as he placed his hand on top of hers. It had been so long since he’d touched the bare flesh of a woman that he found it delightful to simply run his fingers over her knuckles.
He looked at her face as he did so, watching as she parted her lips as her eyes became focused on what he was doing. He could tell that Miss Casey was very inexperienced and more than likely had not received the physical affections from any man before. The idea of introducing her to such things sent a thrill through Fitz’s body that he wasn’t prepared for. He was afraid of his manhood stirring to the idea and suddenly dropped his hand from hers as he continued to lead her to the carriage.
“I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow for dinner,” Fitz said as he addressed the group before Lord and Lady Casey stepped up into the carriage.
“As do we, Your Grace,” Lord Casey answered with a bow. He helped his wife up into the carriage before stepping up himself, giving Fitz a moment longer with Miss Casey.
“Tomorrow, I wish to give you a tour of the manor and introduce you to the staff. With you soon becoming Duchess, I want you to gain a sense of familiarity with the staff,” Fitz explained as he turned to Miss Casey, her hand still on his arm.
“I think that would be a reasonable endeavour. I know this marriage may be a rather large change for the both of us, and while you have pledged to ensure my happiness, I equally hope to preserve your
contentment with the way things may be for you now. I have no desire to change you or anything here,” Miss Casey said, her eyes never wavering from his as she spoke. Fitz beheld such a strong young lady that he suddenly had the urge to lean down and kiss her in the hopes of feeling her strength.
“Then I’ve determined that you may be my equal in kindness and consideration,” he said softly, a smile coming to his lips. He noticed the way her eyes drifted to his mouth, and he wondered if she had the same thoughts as he did.
Wanting to discover her reaction, he took her hand in his and bowed over it, but this time placed his lips to her knuckles. The gasp that escaped her luscious lips was easily audible, and Fitz had to push down his mirth at the sound of it.
He was certain that there would be much that he could show Miss Casey about what it was like to be married. And even though she was intended to him for the means for him to have children, he wondered if he could also enjoy the pleasures of being with a woman when he hadn’t been with one in many, many years.
“Till tomorrow evening, Miss Casey,” Fitz said as he righted his posture and finally dropped her hand.
“Indeed,” Miss Casey replied in an almost breathless tone of voice. He couldn’t help smirking as he realized how much he’d affected her. He stepped aside and let her step up into the carriage then. He even waited for the footman to close the carriage door before he turned and walked away.
Fitz couldn’t help chuckling to himself as he wondered if it was possible for him to feel more towards Miss Casey than he thought possible when it came to his ability to feel for another woman again. He could at least determine that there was something about Miss Casey that absolutely intrigued. It was either her strength or her naïve nature to physical contact that drew him to her. Or perhaps it was both.
