The Temptation of Lady Serena (25 page)

“That, I suspect, my lord, was about Henley and Mary having difficulty protecting my reputation, due to our bad behavior.” Serena finally went into a whoop of laughter.

Robert tried to scowl and failed. “I take it I’ll be in their black books until the wedding. I was a fool to have had the banns read. This waiting is killing me.”

“If we were in Scotland, we could be handfasted.”

“What’s that?”

“A couple exchanges vows that are valid for a year. If at the end of the year’s time they decide to part, no one is held at fault.”

“What if one of them wanted to remain married?”

“It must be mutual.”

Robert growled. “Stupid law. We shall not be handfasted. I’ll be dam—darned—if I’d give you the option to leave after a year. Not at the rate I make a mull of things.”

Serena went off into a fresh peal of laughter.

The sight of her happy and laughing caused his chest to tighten. How he could have been so stupid as to have hurt her, he didn’t know. “Come, my lady. They’ll be wondering what happened to us.”

Charles handed the wedding guest list to Serena, as Robert looked aghast at a dish offered by one of the footmen and asked, “What is that?”

“Cook said it was haggis, my lord.”

“Haggis?”

Serena looked up. “Cook must have received the recipe from her cousin. Please give it to me. I don’t know if his lordship will like it.”

“I remember the conversation about the recipes, but what exactly is this dish made of?”

Serena replied airily, “Oh, a little of this and a little of that, although each recipe differs. Try a small bite. I assure you, I shan’t be upset if you do not like it.”

Robert tasted it. “Not bad, not bad at all.”

Serena grinned. “I’m glad you like it, as I am quite partial to haggis. Although, similar to sausage, one does not always wish to know what is in it.”

After dinner, they sorted through the lists Charles had brought.

“We’re going to have
how
many guests staying here?” Robert asked for the second time.

“Robert,” Serena said, drawing her brows together, “it doesn’t do any good at all for you to keep repeating yourself. The number will not change. Every bedchamber will be in use.”

Serena pushed back a curl that had escaped and turned to Robert’s aunt. “Freddy, you know most of these people. Are there any particular arrangements we’ll need to make for anyone?”

Freddy told Serena which elderly guests would have problems getting around and which of their guests had aversions to others of the guests.

For the fifth or sixth time that evening, Robert burst out with frustration, “We should have married by special license.”

Serena rounded on him. “Do give over, Robert! We are not having this wedding to please ourselves. Our people would feel cheated if there was no celebration. Speaking of which, I must talk with Cook. We’ll have to set up tables on the lawn for everyone who is not attending the wedding breakfast.”

Robert clamped his mouth shut. She was right. Besides, he was so happy when she said “our people.”

“Beaumont,” Edward said, “let’s leave the ladies to this. I’ve been wanting to try my skill at billiards against yours.”

“Good idea, Malfrey. What stakes will you give me?” They walked out of the room and Robert turned to Edward. “Thank you. I have a feeling I was about to get myself in trouble. I’ve not got the hang of this marriage thing yet.”

Edward gave a bark of laughter. “There will be a prize for you if you figure it out. Most men don’t. My best advice is to agree with your wife more often than not.”

Robert stifled a groan. “That is easier advice to give than to follow.”

“Most assuredly, but the benefits are more than worth it.”

“M
y lady,” an urgent voice whispered from behind the dressing room door.

Serena rubbed her eyes.

“My lady!”

“Mary? What is it?”

Mary’s voice was soft but insistent. “His lordship must leave. The maid and footman are coming with your wash water.”

Serena moved to wake Robert, but an iron band masquerading as an arm clamped down on her. She twisted around to face him and he brought her flush against him.

“Robert you must go. Now!”

When he tried to slide her beneath him, Serena freed one arm and shook him hard. “Robert, you must go. The footman!”

He opened his eyes and blinked.

“My lord, please hurry,” Mary pleaded.

“What time is it?” He reached for his dressing gown, patting around the bed.

“Stay where you are, I’ll get it.” Serena disentangled herself from him and sat up. She was stopped by Robert’s dressing gown landing on top of her head. Mary must have found it.

He quickly donned it and hurried out the door.

Robert entered his bedchamber and was met by Henley’s look of long suffering. His valet glanced at him and smiled smugly for a moment, before resuming his impassive mien. Robert looked down. The fabric of the gown tented out. He snarled and climbed into bed. “It pleases me to no end to think I have humored you.”

Henley continued to set out his master’s clothing. “Not at all, my lord.”

Lying back against the pillows, Robert swore and stayed in bed until he heard the footman come with his wash water. He tried to remind himself it was only for another week. After that, he could damn well stay in her bed as long as he liked.

 

Tim, the footman, regained the corridor in time to see Daisy, the maid who’d delivered the water to Lady Serena. They had recently been stepping out, and he volunteered for any job that would bring him in contact with her.

Daisy smiled. “Did I tell you I saw his lordship kissing her ladyship in the corridor before he left yesterday?”

“No. I hope it didn’t shock you.”

She shook her head. “Oh, no, how could it? They being so much in love, they can’t help themselves. I hope when I get married, I love my husband and he loves me as much. Mrs. Norton says as how such love was, was . . .” She scrunched up her face, trying to remember the word. “Well, how it was not in the common way with the lord and lady’s set.”

“I’m sure your husband will love you just as much,” Tim replied.

Daisy’s skin turned a pretty shade of pink and she continued, “And Mr. Finster said, as how when all the nobs get here how we’ll have to all be protecting them like. So’s no one gets the wrong idea,” she said importantly. “He says as how them nobs
and
their servants love a scandal and just try to make trouble. And Mr. Finster should know, him spending so much time in Lunnon.” Daisy nodded her head emphatically.

“We’ll need to be real careful so none of them Lunnon servants gets to talking. We protect our own.”

 

Serena met Robert in the corridor. “I need to speak with Mrs. Norton about the guest arrangements. Why don’t you go fishing?”

He’d go fishing when he could take her. “No, I’ll go over the stabling with Pitchley.”

“That’s something I’d not thought of.”

They entered the breakfast room, and Robert held out Serena’s chair for her before he noticed there were three people at the table rather than two. Malfrey had joined them. “You’re here early, Malfrey. Did you miss us?”

Serena pinched him. “Good morning, Edward.”

“Good morning, Lady Serena, Beaumont.”

“Please call me Serena.” She bid everyone a good morning and took the bowl of porridge and the baked egg Finster offered her before pouring tea.

“Are you here to provide us moral support?” Serena asked Edward.

He took a piece of ham. “I think that’s the reason. I wasn’t told. I tend to come when summoned.”

Robert, unable to help himself, grinned. “Like a well-trained dog.”

Edward’s lips twitched. “Be careful. Even well-trained dogs bite.”

“That is quite enough you two.” Freddy said tartly. “Neither of you seem to behave at all.”

“I’m sure you will be a great deal of help, Edward” Serena said, amused. “Unlike some, who shall not be named.”

“I am pleased to see the four of you having such a wonderful time,” Catherine said dryly. “I, on the other hand, am in a panic over what St. Eth will say about the questionable sleeping arrangements.”

Robert glanced at Serena, seeing her not at all concerned, but instead brimming with merriment.

Finster, who fixed his eyes at a point on the wall, unexpectedly said, in his customary aloof tone, “It is well known that, although Lady Serena is occupying the viscountess’s apartments, nothing untoward is occurring. I might add, there is not a member of this household who would say otherwise.”

He bowed. “Now if you will excuse me?”

Grinning, Robert waved him off. Finster left, closing the door behind him.

“Well, that was interesting,” Freddy said, laughing. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say so much at one time.”

“You have very well-trained servants, Beaumont,” Edward said.

“You wouldn’t think them so well trained if you’d heard them call me
Master Robert,
in a way to make me feel six years old again.” His brow furrowed for a moment. “Come to think of it, none of them has called me that for a while.” He glanced at Serena.

“Well, Robert, there was nothing for it. They couldn’t continue calling you
Master Robert
when you are their lord. After I explained my reasoning to Mrs. Norton and Finster, they understood perfectly.”

“I’ll wager they did. They know on which side their bread is buttered.” Robert smiled. “It appears the entire staff has closed ranks, and it’s not me they’re protecting. Well done, my love.”

Serena’s eyes were soft. “It is both of us.”

“If you have duties to attend to to-day, I suggest you do them quickly,” Catherine said. “Henry travels fast. It would not surprise me to see him here by luncheon, and I predict we will have a test of the staff’s loyalty.”

 

Serena was hurrying down the back corridor, glancing through her lists, when she ran into a wall of solid muscle. “Oh!”

Robert caught her from bouncing off him. “Finally. I thought I wouldn’t see you until luncheon.”

She put her arms around him and tilted her head up for a quick kiss. “Where were you going?”

“To check the fishing rods.”

“My lord, what makes you think you’ll have time to fish this week?”

“They’re not for me. For St. Eth and Marcus,” he said. “I’d like to keep St. Eth occupied, and I’ll sacrifice Marcus to the cause.”

His hands skated over her shoulders to her buttocks. Serena swallowed and a tremor slid through her. Her voice was low and sultry. “Do you have some time?”

Robert smiled and swooped to kiss her. “I thought you’d never ask.”

“We can’t be long. I’m on my way to see about the flowers.”

He steadily walked her back toward a door to an unused parlor, reached around her, and opened it. “We won’t need much time. I missed you this morning.”

Serena was coming to enjoy that aspect of Robert quite a bit. “Did you? You should have awoken earlier.”

“After last night, I’m surprised you didn’t sleep until noon. When we’re married, don’t expect to escape me in the morning.”

“I never want to escape you.”

Robert captured her lips. His tongue caressed hers and her breasts swelled and ached. Frissons of delight stroked her. She knew she was wet and ready for him. Serena couldn’t understand how he so expertly managed to ravage her mouth and steal most of her senses while at the same time whisking her into the room so smoothly. It must be one of the benefits of marrying a rake.

He lifted her and held her against the wall. “Put your legs around me.”

The next sounds out of her mouth were breathy moans and a cry as he took her hard against the wall. He’d never lusted after a woman like he did her.

Every day—no, every minute—he wanted to be with her, inside her, listening to her sweet sighs and moans and the low keening sound when she came for him.

Robert chuckled deeply as she sunk against him, complaining once more about her wobbly legs. He lifted her off him and pulled out his handkerchief to clean them up before sitting in a chair and holding her tightly.

He gazed at her with pride and possession and love. A love he never thought he’d experience. So all encompassing.

Serena opened her eyes and frowned. “Is something wrong?”

“No, God, no.” His voice was gravelly. “I love you.”

Serena lifted one hand to his face and cupped it. “I love you, too, and I love what we have together.” She pulled herself up to kiss him. “Now, I must go.”

“The gardener?”

“Yes, among the many matters we must deal with this week.”

“How are your legs? Can you walk yet?”

“I don’t know.”

He set her on her feet and she took a step. “Yes, I’ll be fine. You go to your fishing rods, my lord, and I’ll see about the flowers.”

Robert’s gaze followed her. Should he have told her he liked her wobbly legs because he was the cause? Maybe another time. He’d have the rest of his life with Serena to tell her.

Yet how long would that be? His father and grandfather both had died in their prime. He remembered his grandmother’s grief. Had his grandfather run out of time to say the things he wanted to say? Life had never seemed so precious.

The Hall was in a hum of activity as everyone prepared for the first guests since the old lord’s funeral. Freddy assured Serena the new hangings and coverings were in place. Serena was in the main hall, speaking with Finster, when the coaches drove up.

Finster bowed. “I’ll send for his lordship, my lady.”

“Please do.” She stepped out onto the porch stairs.

Marcus jumped down from the first of the two vehicles, then turned to help Phoebe.

Serena went forward to greet them. “Phoebe, Marcus, welcome to the Hall.”

Marcus bowed. “Thank you. I’m glad to be here and very glad to be out of that coach. I thought I traveled quickly. St. Eth sets a murderous pace.”

Robert strolled up from the side of the house. “Phoebe, don’t tell me you left your blacks on the road?”

She shook out her skirts. “I had no choice. They’ll be brought up in a day or so.” She hugged Serena. “You look wonderful. It’s plain to see this part of the country agrees with you.”

“Yes, it does.” Serena smiled widely before turning to welcome her uncle.

“You’re in good looks, Niece.” Henry cast an assessing glance around. “You’re to be congratulated, Beaumont, on the condition of your property. If the rest looks half as good as the house and the gardens, I shall be well pleased.”

Robert stood a little stiffly, and Serena felt an overpowering urge to protect him from her formidable uncle. Taking her place next to Robert, she took his hand, squeezed it, and squarely met her uncle’s eyes. “Uncle Henry, welcome to the Hall. I believe you’ll find the estate, as a whole, in excellent order.”

Henry’s lips twitched a little. “Good. You may take me round in the morning.”

Robert bowed. “With pleasure, my lord.”

Frowning, Serena glanced around. “Uncle Henry, where are Aunt Ester and Lady Beaumont?”

Marcus uttered a short laugh. “After the first few hours, they decided the pace St. Eth was setting did not meet their notion of civilized travel. I expect we’ll see them late to-morrow.”

Henry had the grace to look a little chagrined. “There is a lot to do and not much time to accomplish it. Have the two of you decided on your marriage settlements?”

Glancing quickly at Robert, Serena shrugged. The only settlement they’d discussed was which bed to sleep in. “No, we’ve discussed everything except those.”

St. Eth pressed his lips together. “Well, if you’ll have someone show me to my room, you may get on with it then.”

Troubled by her uncle’s abrupt manner, Serena called for Finster. “Lord St. Eth would like to be shown to his chamber. Uncle Henry, I’ll send tea up. Luncheon will be served at one o’clock.”

Robert was in conversation with Marcus and Phoebe. Serena joined them. “Why was Uncle Henry upset?”

Phoebe glanced skyward. “Allow us to clean off the dust, and we’ll explain.”

“Come, we’ll show you to your chamber.” Serena took them to a suite of rooms at the opposite end of the wing in which the viscount’s chambers were located.

A half hour later, the two young couples were seated in the morning room, drinking tea.

Robert passed a hand over his face. “I knew your uncle and I would discuss the settlements, but I didn’t expect to be clouted with it the moment he arrived. What’s got him so out of sorts? Tell me it’s not me this time.”