The Courtesan's Daughter and the Gentleman (The Merry Misfits of Bath 2)

Carter joined her on the bed and bent his elbow, propping his head on his hand. “I must admit I am a bit out of breath.” He grinned as he took the time to catch his breath. Perhaps he should spend some time at the boxing club.

He studied Lottie as she stared back at him. Her hair had fallen from the chignon she’d worn all day, leaving dark wavy curls resting on her shoulders, covering her breasts. Her beautiful mouth formed a soft smile as she reached up and pushed the hair from his forehead.

Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulled her close until she fit snug against him, her curves aligning with his body perfectly. “You are so beautiful. Not just your looks, but your soul.” He kissed her gently, twirling his finger in the soft, scented strands of her hair.

“Since you don’t have a lady’s maid, I will help you remove your dress.” Before she could protest, he stood and pulled her up. He continued to kiss her as he unbuttoned the dress and slid it off her creamy shoulders.

Unable to help himself, he placed his lips on her warm skin, right where her neck met her shoulder. The scent of lavender and lemon drifted from her skin. “You smell wonderful.”

“Your turn, now husband.” Lottie undid his ascot and with his help removed his jacket, vest, and shirt. When he stood in only his trousers, stockings and shoes she stepped back. “I think I will let you do the rest.” Then with a giggle, she dove for the bed and pulled the coverlet up to her chin, grinning at him.

“Wait a minute. You must remove the rest of your clothes.”

“I think I’m quite comfortable as I am.” She wore only her soft cotton knickers with lace trim and a corset.

“What about your stockings and shoes?”

Lottie laughed and shoved down the covers. “I forgot.” She hopped up and quickly removed the half-boots. When she pushed the bottom of her knickers up and reached for the top of her stocking, she looked over at him and blushed. “Don’t look.”

Oh, he was certainly going to look, but not at the present time. He didn’t want to break the playful mood his wife was in. The wine had done its work. She was relaxed and giddy, and he loved it.

He pushed down his trousers but climbed into bed next to her with his drawers still on. He reached for her, pulling her into his arms. She was all soft, warm, and from the look on her face, willing.

He’d waited a long time for this, and he would take his time. Love her the way she should be loved and according to the vow he took:

With my body I thee worship

13

One week. They were married for one week. Lottie stood at the window in their bedchamber and watched the carriages go by and the servants hurrying from the shops back to their homes.

Everything looked so normal. But she was about to step off a cliff. At least that was how it felt. Carter had decided that once they returned from their brief wedding trip that they should immediately show themselves in town as a married couple.

His plans for the day included a ride through Royal Victoria Park, then a stroll through Milsom Street and the shops there, followed by luncheon a

t Sally Lunn’s, then a short respite at home before they joined Grayson and Addie to tackle the theater crowd that evening.

Carter’s theory was they must put themselves out there to squelch any sort of gossip or rumors that might have been started. He wanted to show the world that she was his and if anyone had the audacity to treat her in any way except honorable, they would deal with him.

As much as she loved the idea of him standing up for her, she was terrified. Her protected life had never prepared her for facing down criticisms and disdain. But she knew in her heart that her husband was correct.

She heard him enter the room and immediately felt his warm breath on her neck where he nuzzled and kissed her. “Are you ready to face the world as Mrs. Westbrooke?”

She turned in his arms. “Maybe we should wait a few days.”

“Ah. No, sweetheart. I know you’re a strong woman. There is no need to wait, it will only get harder with each passing day.” He took her hand. “Come, the carriage awaits.”

The early spring weather allowed them to wear only light coats. Almost as if the weather wanted to encourage this jaunt, the sun shone, and there was nary a cloud in the sky.

The short ride in the open-air phaeton to Royal Victoria Park was filled with comments from Carter. Most likely to keep her from jumping from the vehicle and running home.

“There is an interesting story about Royal Victoria Park.” He shifted his seat and turned toward her, still keeping his eye on the traffic. “When Queen Victoria was a mere eleven years, she dedicated the park. Shortly thereafter, a reporter wrote the story in a newspaper and disparaged her dress. Called her dowdy, or something like that.

“The future queen was so distressed that she never visited Bath again. One time she was on a train that traveled through Bath. She had all the shades in the windows in her car drawn so she would not have to look at the city when they passed through.”

“My goodness. I take it she was not one to easily forgive.”

Carter shook his head. “I guess not.”