Total pages in book: 89
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82982 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 415(@200wpm)___ 332(@250wpm)___ 277(@300wpm)
“You are more than generous with my wages.”
“And you earn them and more. This would be a gift. We will work out the details and how the estate could be managed. You would receive part of those earnings.”
For a moment, he stared.
“You need a home of your own, Edward. A wife. A place to call yours. You would be close. Still able to assist me, and together, we can run the estates.” I looked around, feeling the pull of the land. “Wheaton is home. Where we will raise our family. I would like to think of my closest friend as my neighbor.”
“You would sell the town house?”
“No. I will need to return for business and Parliament on occasion. But it can be run with fewer servants. My visits will be brief.” I chuckled. “Until my daughters, should I have some, wish to see the city and be presented. Or my sons long for city life.” With a laugh, I clapped him on the back. “That, my dear friend, is years ahead. For now, let us plan. Let us return to Wheaton and build our future. Think about what I have said. We will discuss it on another day.”
He returned my smile. “Another day.”
CHAPTER 24
ALEXANDER
Maddie was outside, waiting for me. I could see her nervous pacing as the cart moved toward the house along the winding road. Edward spoke, his voice low and steady.
“She will be relieved this is done. That he is gone.”
“Yes. The worry is not good for her. Or the babe. I wish that I could erase the past few days.”
“Just be there for her, Alexander. She draws her strength from your love.”
I glanced at him. “When did you get so wise about love, my friend? Since you found your own?”
He shook his head. “This is not about me.”
I chuckled. “Somehow, I think it may be.”
He ignored me, pulling the cart to a stop. I jumped off, ignoring the jarring pain in my arm, desiring Maddie to see me fit. She hurried forward, and I embraced her, holding her close with my good arm. Behind her, the footmen began their work of emptying the cart. Edward watched over them, instructing them where some items were to go. He handed Lydia the presents I purchased for my wife, and I saw how he bent low, speaking to her, and the way she gazed up at him. I didn’t miss the way he grazed his finger over her cheek as he sent her inside. He looked at me, raised an eyebrow, and turned his back, making me want to taunt him, but I refrained and concentrated on my anxious wife.
“All is well, my love.” I drew back and met her eyes. “He is gone and will stay gone. You have no need to be fearful.”
“Are you certain?”
“I have made sure he understands the consequences should he choose to act foolishly or talk needlessly. He will not risk my anger.”
“How is your arm?”
“I stopped at Dr. Atwood’s. He said you are a miracle worker. It is healing well, and he has no doubt of my full recovery.”
She smiled, looking relieved and joyful. But I saw traces of exhaustion under her eyes. She had not slept well, trying not to disturb me but failing, as I, too, could not rest.
“I believe our plans the other day were rudely interrupted. I feel as if a picnic is in order today. The sun is shining, and the breeze makes it most agreeable. I will visit my farmers, then we can spend the afternoon together in the sun, enjoying the day.” I touched the end of her nose affectionately. “Just the two of us.”
“I would like that.”
“Yes? Some delicious morsels to feast on, some of your favored drink, a comfortable chair, and perhaps your favorite sonnets? I will read to you as you relax. We can be naughty and roll up our hems and splash in the brook if you wish.”
“What if I wish to be even naughtier?” she whispered, a small glint appearing in her eyes.
I lowered my head and touched my mouth to hers. “Then I shall be happy to oblige my wife in any way she pleases.”
The breeze rustled Maddie’s hair that hung down her back in ripples of dark silk. I had convinced her to remove her bonnet and the hairpins keeping it tethered to her nape.
“It is one of my greatest pleasures—to see your hair down,” I had urged, knowing she could not resist my plea. She wished to indulge me in any fashion I wanted, and I was prepared to take full advantage of her soft feelings.
I had discarded my waistcoat and cravat, loosening the buttons on my shirt and rolling up my trousers, letting the breeze kiss my skin. I had also persuaded Maddie to remove her gown, the petticoat, and her stays, remaining only in her chemise, in order to be comfortable. She was leery at first, but I could see she was enjoying the freedom. Her chemise was loose and fairly modest, and I assured her no one would see her but me. The servants would not appear until we returned to the manor and they came to clean up. I did not tell her how much I enjoyed the view of her unencumbered breasts and the way they moved under the thin linen of her shift. We had both removed our stockings and shoes, letting the breeze play over our toes. It made her giggle, and I enjoyed watching her happiness. She laughed as I lifted her hems to her knees then kissed the dimpled swells, telling her how much I loved her legs and instructed her to leave them on display.