A Scandalous Portrait (The Rose Room Rogues 1)

“I trust you.”

A few minutes of comfortable silence passed, then Diana said, “I need to decide what I will do with my townhouse in London.”

He leaned back in the seat and crossed his arms. “Do you have any ideas?”

She placed her teacup in the saucer and looked out the window at the passing scenery. “I have been considering turning it into a home for abandoned children, or possibly women who have no home.”

“Quite noble of you, my dear. Have you considered how to maintain the dwelling? You will need sponsors, I would think, unless you wish to use your inheritance for that purpose.”

“I am giving that some thought. As I said, it’s just some ideas I’ve had.”

The trip passed quickly and soon they were off the train and, after using a hackney, they rolled to a stop in front of the townhouse.

“I feel odd walking up the steps knowing this is my home now,” Diana said as she took his arm, and they made their way to the front door.

“You will feel more at home once you see your belongings here.”

“My things should have been moved while we were away, and Marguerite will have found room—I hope—for my wardrobe.” She grinned at her husband. “It is quite extensive, you know.”

He patted her hand. “That is no problem. We will find room for everything. And remember, once Parliament ends and we move to my estate, you may take as many rooms as you like to fill with your clothing.”

Diana huffed. “I don’t have that much.”

During one of the many discussions they’d had during their wedding trip, Hunt had made it known to his wife that, although she had her own chamber next to the sitting room joining their bedchambers at the townhouse and estate, he would prefer they slept together.

As he’d pointed out to her, most times, once they made love, they were both too exhausted to move anyway and, since his bed was bigger and more comfortable, his room it would be. Now that he’d gotten her into his bed, he planned to keep her there all night.

The red door with the quaint knocker opened, and they were greeted by Peters. Seeing the man’s rough-hewn face reminded Hunt that he needed to explain the man to Diana, as well as his valet, Marcus, since given their rough background, she would not understand occasional slips of the tongue.

Although she knew several of the staff from her occasional visits to his home, Hunt decided a formal introduction to the small number of servants as they lined up in the entrance hall to greet them was appropriate.

As expected, Diana was gracious and charming to the staff. She spoke with each one, asking their names and inquiring about their families. It was apparent to him from their beaming faces that they loved their new mistress already.

His housekeeper, Mrs. Grady, stepped forward once the introductions were complete. “My lady, I am at your service whenever you wish to tour the house and go over the household accounts. Cook is waiting to meet with you also to go over the menu.”

Diana dipped her head. “Thank you so much, Mrs. Grady, but I think for today I will just trust whatever Cook has planned for the day. May we meet first thing in the morning for the tour?”

“Yes. That is perfect. Now may we prepare tea for you and his lordship?”

Diana turned to him. “Tea?”

“No. I think not. I have work to catch up on, and I’m still full from our breakfast, but you go ahead if you wish.”

“I think not, Mrs. Grady. Like his lordship, I am still full from breakfast.”

She curtsied. “Very well, then. Luncheon will be at one o’clock.”

Hunt gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and took her hand again. “I will let you check on your maid and see you at luncheon.” He turned on his heel, feeling quite happy, and strode to the library.

* * *

Diana padded up the carpeted stairs to Hunt’s bedchamber. Although she would sleep there, she had decided to store most of her belongings from her London townhouse in the room connected to the sitting room between them. Then, when they moved to the country estate, most of it would go there since that was much larger than this house.

“My lady, how lovely to see you. Did you have a nice trip?” Marguerite greeted her as she entered the room, taking items out of a trunk. There were still barrels and boxes of clothing scattered around the room.

“It was lovely. Again, I’m sorry you didn’t go with us.”

Marguerite waved her off. “That’s fine, my lady. I’m not one for travel, anyway.” She blushed slightly. “Although I must say it was quite titillating to know your husband wanted to be your lady’s maid.”