This was probably not an appropriate time to smile, but Alice did so in any event. “Well done, my love.”
Two more of their servants entered the room and began binding Normanby. One tied a piece of cloth around his head and over his mouth.
“My sweet.” Giff took her arm. “We should leave. Perhaps we can get a little sleep.”
“We’re not leaving tomorrow are we, Matt?”
“No. We’ll remain another night.”
“Oh, good.” Charlotte took Con’s arm. “I am sleeping late.”
He snorted. “Have you ever slept late in your life?”
“Probably not, but there is always a first time.”
They made it to the inn’s yard without waking anyone. A wagon was there as well as some of their grooms and footmen.
She felt sorry they would not have any sleep tonight. “You are taking him to Richmond and locking him in the cellar now?”
“Don’t worry about us, my lady,” one of the men said. “We’ve been through worse.”
“We’ll take turns driving,” another one said.
“Do not take any unnecessary risks.”
Giff lifted her into the gig. “You were splendid.”
“As were you.” She leaned down and kissed him. Perhaps she could spend the rest of the night with him.
The rest of the gentlemen arrived. Con helped Charlotte onto the carriage bench, then mounted his horse. Alice started the gig. Once the horses were far enough away not to hear her, Alice decided to ask her sister a question. “How would I approach making love to Giff?”
“Giff?” Charlotte smiled slyly. “I decided to seduce Con, but he knew a great deal more so I let him take the lead.”
“Are you saying I could simply go to him? In his bedchamber, I mean?” Most of her family were in the house.
“Of course. You are betrothed. You will be wed in two weeks.” She shrugged. “None of us has waited.” She placed her hand on Alice’s arm. “Be very sure this is what you wish.”
It was. She loved him, and he loved her. He was everything she wanted and had truly never thought to find. “Thank you.”
“Make sure there are no hidden passageways to his chamber.”
That was strange. “Why would there be?”
“Dotty’s two youngest brothers and sister found one when she was in bed with Dom.”
Alice should be surprised but was not. Good Lord. Looking for something like that was exactly what her nieces and nephews would do. “I will ask, and if there is one, I will have him secure it.”
“A good idea.” Charlotte gazed at her husband for a few moments. “It is wonderful and beautiful when you are with a gentleman you love.”
“So I have been told.” And tonight, Alice would experience it for herself.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
Despite knowing everything with Normanby was well in hand, Giff could not stop himself from worrying about Alice. All he wanted to do was keep her with him day and night. Unfortunately, he had two weeks to wait before that was possible. He reached his bedroom and removed his clothing. Not bothering with the nightshirt, he climbed into bed. At least he’d have one more day with her here to show her the estate before they returned to Town. He was about to blow out the bedside candle when he heard movement in the parlor. What now?
Alice opened the door. “Giff?”
She was here. He sent a prayer to the deity. “I’m here.” He started to stand and realized he was naked. “I’m not wearing anything.”
“That is all right.” She was wearing a pale pink robe that floated around her. “I—I wanted to be with you.”
His cock twitched and came to life. What had he once said about not being bold? “Come here, sweetheart.”
She reached the bed, and he stood, wrapping his arms around her. “You are sure?”
“Yes.” She nodded and a smile grew on her beautiful face. “I am absolutely certain. I sincerely hope you know what to do.”
He chuckled lightly. “Yes.” Everything he’d ever learned would go into pleasing her. “I do.” He took in the ties on her robe. His fingers itched to undo all of them. “May I?”
Alice nodded. “Yes. I am a little nervous.”
That was understandable. “Tell me if I do anything you don’t like, and I will stop. If you change your mind, I will stop.”
She shook her head. “I do not want to change my mind. I want to be yours and for you to be mine forever.”
Slowly. Go slowly.
He took a breath. She was strong and bold and beautiful and completely innocent. He untied the first bow, then the second and the third. By then he could see the tie of her nightgown and undid that before pressing his lips to hers as he cupped her face and stroked. Her breathing increased, and he deepened the kiss, delving into her mouth and exploring as he gauged her reaction. Her tongue tangled with his, and she reached her arms up around his neck. He made quick work of the rest of the bows and slowly pushed her nightgown and robe down over her creamy shoulders, taking time to feather kisses over her jaw and décolletage. The insistence of her kisses increased. He cupped her breasts. So firm, so lush. And all his to enjoy and worship.
