Page 18 of The Earl's Heiress
A flush warmed her cheeks. “Thank you, Temple.”
This was Arabella’s plan, but she was pleased to know he thought about it. She hoped her soon-to-be mother-in-law would not take umbrage with her for putting her own touch on the house.
Arabella wondered about the state of repair of the rest of the estate. If the main house was anything to go by, there was work to be done. When they were married, Temple would have the funds to make the necessary repairs. They rode through the tenant farms and they saw people working in the fields and going about their daily chores.
“Everyone seems rather busy,” she murmured.
“The village is well served by blacksmiths, wheelwrights, or masons. They are all provided with dwellings, many of which were built by my grandfather.” Temple explained. “These men work hard to provide for their familiar. The milkers often start their day at 4:30 in the morning.”
“That is an awfully long day if they work until sunset.”
“They grow accustomed to rising that early but mainly work until sunset during harvest time. Over the years, my father contributed some capital to ensure that the farms would be productive.”
“A wise man.”
“Indeed. We would never be able to visit the entire estate today. It is more than a thousand acres.”
“That is an incredibly vast landholding.”
“It is. My ancestors were very proud of it. Most of the land has been passed down from generation to generation, but my father also added a good few acres. Of course, it will be passed down to our first son.”
“We may have a daughter first or even second.”
“I won’t mind. I’m sure they will be just as beautiful as you.”
“It is kind of you to say so. I understand how important it is to have a son.”
“We will have many sons, and we will enjoy trying as many times as we need to.”
Arabella felt the heat rise in her cheeks. “I think I would enjoy trying too.”
Temple’s head whipped around. “How would you know? Young ladies do not know what takes place on the wedding night.”
Though her heart pounded a harsh beat, she said, “That is where you’re wrong, Temple. I do know about the purpose, pleasures, and particulars of sex.”
Temple’s stunned expression made Arabella chuckle.
“Rest assured, my lord, I’ve kept myself chaste for the wedding night.”
Heat flared in his gaze, and he stared at her as if trying to assess every nuance of her expression.
“I cannot believe we are having this conversation, but I must ask. How do you know?”
“Perhaps I ought not to tell you. Consider it a mystery you must unravel on your own.” “I like mysteries,” he murmured, that wicked gaze sweeping over her body. “I like uncovering them even more.”
Oh! Her heart started to pound even harder.
His mouth hitched in a small smile, and his gaze gleamed.
“There is a stream up ahead. We should rest and water the horses before we ride to the next farm. Then you can tell me what you know about sex.”
They rode a short distance before Arabella heard the running water. Temple led them on a path through the trees until they came to the stream. He dismounted and walked over to her horse. This time, when he put his hands around her waist to lift her from the horse, it felt different. It was as if his handswere burning through all the layers of her clothes, and their heat touched her skin. As he slid Arabella down the length of his body, their gazes locked, and she could not breathe. Temple's hands slid up from her waist until they were just below her breasts. The bodice of her dress suddenly felt tight, and she wanted to loosen it and relieve the ache.
Temple stepped back and collected the reins for both horses, and led them further up the stream where they could drink. He returned and spread a blanket under the tree where they could sit for a moment's respite. They sat very close, and Arabella had never been more aware of him.
“Now you can tell me. Out with it.”
She cleared her throat. “It is the English that I must thank for my rudimentary education.”
