Page 78 of A Lady's Dangerous Secret
“Oh, you’ll get it and more.”
Charlotte shivered from the carnal desire evident in James’s hungry gaze. Suddenly, his face took on a worried look.
“What is it?” Charlotte’s stomach dropped. It seemed that something good never lasted for long.
“You are satisfied with the town house my father gifted us?”
Charlotte let out a guffaw and relief coursed through her body. “You silly man. Of course! That was very kind of your father. Why would I not be?”
James looked a bit sheepish. He glanced around the carriage. “It was the house my grandfather bought for his mistresses. My father never had use of it, but still, it was a place for dalliances.”
“You of all people should know I’m not a naïve miss fresh out of the schoolroom. I could not care less. It’s a home for us to make our own, and we can make it as scandalous as we want.”
James smiled. “I really am the luckiest man in the world. My father told me about his different estates outside of Westcliffe. I can’t wait to show them to you. We have time to choose where we want to settle.”
“As long as we’re together, I’ll be excited for you to show me anything.”
James reached across the aisle, lifted Charlotte effortlessly, and straddled her legs around him without jostling her left arm. He could not keep his hands off her.
“Anything?” He bowed his head to where her neck and shoulder met and showered her with kisses. The deluge tickled her skin. Charlotte threw back her head and laughed.
“I thought you were going to behave yourself in the carriage!”
“I am, but it doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun.” Charlotte loved this relaxed side of James. They both paused as the realization of their intimate position became evident.
“I love you,” James said in a husky voice.
“I love you too,” Charlotte whispered. She admired the glorious man before her.
Their lips slowly met. This kiss did not have the urgency of their earlier embrace before the wedding breakfast. Instead, it was a kiss to seal their union and a kiss for their future together.
The carriage slowed, and James leaned back. A wide grin spread across his face. “It seems you’re ready for me to carry you across the threshold, my dear.”
James hoisted Charlotte up from his lap and placed her on the seat. He opened the door to the coach himself, ignoring all propriety. James stepped down and held out his hand for Charlotte. Instead of leading her out of the carriage, he scooped her into his arms. The town house’s staff was outside to meet the new marquess and marchioness. They were too well-trained to do anything but keep stoic looks on their faces as James approached them, carrying his wife.
The butler stepped forward. “My Lord and my Lady Thornbridge, I’m Collins, at your service,” he said, and gave a deep bow. He swept his arm out. “This is your household staff. We welcome you home.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. You can see my hands are full at the moment.” There were twitches of lips as James continued,“My first request is that you leave us some food and take the rest of the day off.”
Without waiting for a reply, James walked up the house’s front steps with the swagger of a commanding officer, but with a look of pure boyish delight on his face. He carried Charlotte across the threshold of their new home and gently lowered her. She took in her surroundings. The wall coverings were dated, but the home had good bones. She and James would make it their own.
Collins rushed in behind the couple and hurried to stand in front of them. “That is most kind of you, my lord. Your rooms are prepared, though we have not seen a valet or lady’s maid.”
James grinned. “We gave them the day off as well. I must show my wife her duties as a marchioness. That will be all.”
Collins’s eyes widened momentarily before he schooled his face into a blank tableau.
“You are most kind, my lord.” He pivoted on his heel and went to inform the rest of the staff that these were, in fact, the orders.
James took Charlotte’s hand and guided her toward the stairs.
Charlotte paused at the base and said in a seductive voice, “Duties, Captain? Or should I saymy lord?”
James’s pupils dilated. “If you speak to me like that, my lady, I’ll have to ravish you on the stairs.”
“Is that a challenge?”
James growled and led her up the steps by her right hand. Charlotte laughed as she grabbed her skirt, careful not to irritate her injury too much.
