A Scandalous Portrait (The Rose Room Rogues 1)

She managed to find positions for all her staff either at one of Hunt’s properties or with other members of the ton for those servants who didn’t want to leave London.

“Did I tell you how beautiful you looked?” Hunt sat alongside her in the carriage, holding her hands in his as the carriage began its departure from the church to Diana’s townhouse.

“Yes. I believe you did.” She smirked at him. “You look quite the dandy yourself, my lord.”

Hunt placed his palm on her cheek. “You know that tiny little kiss the vicar allowed at the end of the ceremony was hardly enough time for a decent one with my new wife.”

Oh, dear. All of a sudden, the air in the carriage seemed to disappear, and heat settled in her middle. “Yes. Hardly enough time.” Was that her voice panting like that?

Without further conversation, Hunt lowered his head and took her mouth in a kiss that could only be called possessive. Different from their prior kisses. Someone made a slight growl. She thought it was Hunt, but with how she was responding to his kiss, it could very well have been her.

He pulled her close, and she slid her hands up his chest to encircle his neck. Their tongues dueled for possession and control. Of course, Hunt being the more experienced one, he won the physical debate.

Not that she minded. She was having too good of a time.

All too soon, it seemed, he pulled back and cupped her face, rubbing his thumbs over her cheeks. “We are going to have a good marriage, Diana. I promise you.”

“I hope so. I know I wasn’t your ch—”

“Stop.” He closed his eyes and shook his head. “I don’t want to hear that again. You were my choice. I am not arrogant enough to think you believe it started out that way, but I assure you nothing, and absolutely no one, forced me to speak those vows today. I want you, and I know we will suit quite well.”

“I will try to be a good wife, Hunt. Honest. I know I’ve had my stumbles, but I am looking forward to what all young ladies look towards. My own home, a husband, children. . .”

The rakish glimmer in his eyes brought back the fluttering in her middle. “Yes, dear wife. Let’s talk about the making of children.” He smiled and pulled her back toward him as the carriage came to a rolling stop in front of her townhouse.

“Ah, too late.”

The extra grooms and footmen they hired for the day were busy helping the guests from their carriages and moving the vehicles to the mews.

Hunt climbed out of the carriage and turned to assist her. “Ready, sweetheart?”

Diana took a deep breath. “As ready as I ever will be.”

They entered the house and were immediately surrounded by guests. Lady Greystone directed the footmen to assist in forming a line so the guests could greet the bridal couple.

The air-kissing, bowing and curtseying seemed to take forever and, by the time all the guests made their way through the line, Diana was parched, her feet hurt, and she was ready to eat. Being a bit nervous, she had skipped her usual toast and hot chocolate that morning.

“Are you feeling all right, sweeting? You look a bit worn.”

“I am. I’d like nothing more than to sit down and have a cup of tea.”

“So it shall be.” Hunt waved one of the footmen over. “Please have tea sent to Lady Huntington’s place at the table.”

Lady Huntington.

Diana started at those words. That was now her. She was no longer Lady Diana Pemberton. She had a new title, a new name, a new residence. And a new husband, who apparently was quite solicitous.

A good start.

“Come.” He took her hand and walked her away from the line.

“What about the guests who haven’t arrived yet?”

“They can greet us when they arrive. You need to sit down and have some tea.” He regarded her. “I’ll bet you skipped your breakfast this morning, did you not?”

She smiled at his concern. “This is our breakfast, remember?”

“Ah. Well done, my lady. However, a bit of tea will calm you down.” He walked them both to the table where the bride and groom were to sit. Driscoll already sat in his seat, with Dante alongside him. Next to Diana’s seat was Patricia McDowell, her best friend from school.