Page 52 of King of Rogues
George placed a hand on the groom’s brow. “Monsale playing at host, my dear boy, are you coming down with something?”
Monsale batted his hand away and laughed. “No. But this is my— I mean Naomi and my wedding day, we thought you might want to stay.”
George leaned in. “Yes, your wedding day. And tonight, is your wedding night. You don’t need a house full of people disturbing your privacy. From someone who ruined his own wedding night, trust me on this.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Monsale caught sight of his bride. She was giving a heartfelt and quite emotional farewell to her parents.
Perhaps George is right. If Naomi is not having to worry about guests and their accommodations, she will be more relaxed this evening.
There had been so much happening this day, Monsale had almost forgotten about their wedding night. Of the moment when he and Naomi would finally become man and wife. He had a sudden thought; the wedding had been unexpected. And Naomi had not spent any time with her mother before the service.
I do so hope Kitty has had the talk with her daughter at some point.
He had no experience when it came to bedding virgins.
This is Naomi. You love her. Just be gentle. Answer any of her questions and take things slowly. Tonight, should be about her.
She was his to love and protect. And tonight, would be the perfect opportunity for him to show her what that really meant. To guide her safely from innocence to well sated wife.
He scrubbed his hand over his mouth, surprised to discover that he was actually a touch nervous. In the past, he hadn’t ever had to worry about his performance in the bedroom, but those had been meaningless encounters.
This was Naomi, and it meant everything. Tonight, would be the first time for them to come together as husband and wife.
A soft smile of anticipation sat on Monsale’s lips as he went in search of a stiff, fortifying drink.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Naomi gave one final wave to the departing travel coach before turning back to the main castle keep. The last of the wedding guests had gone. Now it was just her and Monsale. And the night ahead.
She swallowed nervously. Her belly was already full of butterflies. Her fingers had a slight tremble to them.
Kitty had sat her down and had the chat many years ago, when Naomi’s monthly courses had first begun. The duchess was a practical woman, determined that her daughter should understand what was happening to her body.
Armed with a basic knowledge of the act, and a few years of listening to gossip at parties and balls, Naomi wasn’t a complete novice about things. But hearing and reading was an entirely different prospect to actually experiencing it.
When Bridget went up to her and Stephen’s room to put Elizabeth Rose down for a mid-afternoon nap, Naomi had followed in her friend’s wake. As soon as she stepped into the room, she closed the door behind her.
“Sorry to disturb, but I wondered if I could have a word. About tonight.”
Bridget gave an understanding smile in reply. “What do you want to know? Or should I ask, what is it that you already know?”
Being close friends, they had talked enough about things over the years, but Naomi still had questions.
“How do you know if it is good? And what am I supposed to do?”
“If Monsale is as kind with you as I hope he will be, there will be no mistaking whether you enjoy it or not. Let him show you the way. And in time when you feel more confident, then you can take the lead.”
She took a hold of Naomi’s hand and gave it a soft pat. “Just relax and remember this is the first night of your whole marriage. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to be someone you are not. Monsale loves you for you, let him show it.”
Naomi frowned. She had been hoping for something a little more concrete, a tip or two that would set Monsale on fire with desire for her.
Maybe she is right. If I just let things happen and let him guide me.
“I’m sorry Naomi, that was all a little vague. From what I can remember of my wedding night, with my first husband, he took care of me, and I survived it. Within days all I wanted was to be in bed with him, and for us to be making love. It’s a pity our marriage eventually failed, but sex wasn’t the reason,” said Bridget.
“Thank you. I must confess to being a little nervous. When I woke this morning, I was expecting to be a bystander at today’s proceedings, not the center of them.”
“He loves you. And believe me the greatest thing a man wants to do for the woman in his life is to give her pleasure.” Bridget grinned. “Because if you are enjoying the marital bed, it will make it easier for him to get you naked and in it. Believe me, Monsale will be doing his utmost to make sure you get a taste for his touch.”
