Page 26 of Counting on a Countess
Finally, he said, “How about this—once you’re pregnant, you can live in Cornwall as long as you like.”
That would mean being away from Newcombe for what could be a long while. Could they manage without her? When she bought the house, she’d place Nessa in charge. At least until Tamsyn got with child.
“Ah, here we are,” Kit said eagerly, peering out the window as the carriage rolled to a stop.
The streets were utterly silent at this late hour. A chill mist obscured the sky and clung to the pavement.
A liveried footman opened the vehicle’s door and helped Tamsyn alight. Kit followed, and together they crossed the threshold of a large and elegant building.
She had a brief impression of rich fabrics and stylish furnishings in the empty lobby before a neatly dressed balding man rushed forward to meet them.
“Ah, Lord Blakemere and his new bride!” The man bowed. “I am Chapman, the night manager of our fine establishment. Welcome, my lord and lady, and felicitations. We have everything on hand to ensure you have a most pleasant night.”
“Much appreciated,” Kit answered politely, yet she could sense waves of impatience emanating from him as his gaze moved restively around the hotel entrance.
“You have a lovely establishment,” Tamsyn added.
The night manager beamed. “If you’ll follow me, I will show you to your rooms.” He waved them toward the stairs adorned with gilded railings and covered with plush deep red carpeting.
She tried to take in the details of the hotel. She’d never stayed in anything finer than an ordinary coaching inn, so to spend the night at one of London’s best hotels was a privilege she didn’t want to waste. The crystal lamps sparkled and the thick floor covering dampened the sound of her footsteps.
Kit didn’t appear to notice or care. He kept looking at her as though she was a sweetmeat he wanted to devour.
Her stomach fluttered in response.
After climbing two more sets of stairs, they at last arrived. Mr. Chapman unlocked the door and said, “We have smaller chambers nearby for your valet and maidservant. And, of course, our staff is available at all hours to accommodate your every need.”
Kit nodded distractedly, his mind clearly on something else.
Mr. Chapman opened the door and waved them inside. Kit waited as Tamsyn slowly entered, then he and the night manager followed her into the room.
It was a spacious chamber, the walls covered in floral wallpaper that surely came from France, and a row of curtained windows. A fire burned merrily in the grate, and candles had been lit in anticipation of Tamsyn and Kit’s arrival. Other furniture occupied the room, but all she saw was the substantial four-poster bed. It towered as large and looming as the Colossus of Rhodes.
Once you climb in me, it promised,there’s no going back.
“Is there anything you require?” Mr. Chapman was all solicitousness. “I can have refreshments brought up.”
“We have everything we need.” Kit hastily handed him a guinea.
“My gratitude, sir,” the night manager said with a bow. “I’ll just see myself out.”
Tamsyn’s heartbeat was thick in her throat when the door closed, leaving her alone with her new husband. She tore her gaze away from the bed to find him watching her with a careful, curious expression, as though she were a doe who had wandered into a ballroom.
“My valet and your maid should be here by now,” he said neutrally. “Shall I send her to you?”
To help her undress.
“Yes, please.” She tried to discreetly wipe her damp palms on her skirts.Damn these nerves!She had no reason to be afraid. Pain was merely pain—it came and it went. She could manage that kind of hurt.
A wound to her heart, however, was more difficult to heal.
After giving her a warm, encouraging smile, Kit left quietly.
She walked to the fire and watched the dancing flames, as if their shifting light could somehow ease her mind and calm her body.
A soft tap sounded on the door, and Nessa let herself into the room. Seeing her cheerful, familiar face in this decidedly unfamiliar place was a balm, and Tamsyn walked quickly over to lay her head on Nessa’s shoulder.
“Ah, child,” Nessa said, patting her back. “Here I am. Naught to worry about.”
