AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“The house.”
“Oh.”
Ellie had been so focused on the countryside that she hadn’t noticed the house. She looked the other way and up at North’s country estate. It was a magnificent house, bigger than the one she had grown up in down in Kent. It also didn’t look like it was about to fall down, either. If anything, the place looked brand new.
North was watching her expectantly. Ellie managed a smile.
“It’s very… nice.”
“Just that?”
“Were you expecting me to gush over the place I’m not calling my home?”
North sighed. “I suppose not. I’m just proud of my ancestral home.”
“I’m not surprised. You do have a magnificent home.” Ellie sighed. “Far better than ours. It needs a lot of repairs done to it, but we haven’t got the money for it.”
“Ellie.” North took her hand. “I told you, you don’t need to worry about money anymore. I can look after that for you.”
“I still feel like I’m taking advantage of you, though.”
“What’s the point of being friends if we can’t help each other out?”
But they weren’t friends. They were now married. While Ellie had gone into this hoping they would remain friends, she wasn’t sure where they stood with each other now. Knowing she was his wife put Ellie on edge. She wasn’t naive; she knew exactly what went on in a marriage. That was something they hadn’t discussed at all. North hadn’t even suggested they would be doing anything beyond getting along in a marriage that benefitted them.
Then they would end up kissing. A lot. They snatched moments whenever they could, and the desire Ellie felt in her belly had been growing. That had shocked her each time she was in North’s company. Travelling with him from London to Northampton had been very uncomfortable, mostly because Ellie was aware that they were alone now. And they would have everyone looking at them, knowing what happened on a wedding night.
It made her heart flutter, leaving her a little lightheaded.
“Come on, let’s get out.” Derrick opened the door and jumped out, turning to face her. “I’ll show you around the house, and then we’ll get settled in.”
“Alright.” Ellie took his outstretched hand and allowed him to help her out. She was glad his arms went around her as she climbed out of the carriage; her legs were feeling weak at the knees. “Although I am feeling quite tired. I might just head to my bedchamber and rest.”
North arched an eyebrow. “You’re that eager, are you?”
“What?” Ellie felt her face getting red. “North, don’t!”
“I’m only teasing, my dear.” He kissed her forehead. “However, if you wish to have any company while you rest, you only have to come looking for me.”
Ellie didn’t need to ask what he meant. Was he actually suggesting…? They should have discussed this beforehand. Now she didn’t know what to do.
Taking her hand and linking their fingers together, North led Ellie into the house. The front door was already open, and a tall, middle-aged servant with jet-black hair was standing just inside the foyer. He gave them a bow.
“My lord, good evening. I trust your journey was pleasant.”
“It was as good as could be expected.” North gestured at the other man. “This is Matthews, my butler. He and his wife are in charge of the household when we’re away. You need anything, just call for them or ring the bellpull.”
“Alright,” Ellie mumbled. She didn’t know what else to say to that. She gave Matthews a small nod. “Matthews.”
“Lady Northampton.” Matthews bowed at her. “Pleasure to meet you.”
Lady Northampton. It was going to take a long time for her to get used to that, or that she was a countess. Ellie had never expected to be addressed as a countess in her life. She bit her lip, unsure how to respond. North took charge, gesturing towards the stairs.
“My wife is feeling tired after the journey, Matthews. Would you show her to her bedchamber?”
“Yes, my lord. Will you and your wife be having dinner tonight?”
“Yes. Nothing too big, though. I’m still full from the wedding breakfast.”
