Baron of Blasphemy (Lords of Scandal 12)

“Let’s take ourselves up to our room. There’ll be more opportunity for discussion.”

She nodded and they moved up the stairs to their room.

But once they were there, silence fell between them.

Abigail sat by the window even as he stretched out on the bed. He’d married her this morning. This was to be their wedding night.

Automatically his hand pressed to the mattress, testing the tautness of the ropes.

“Tired?” Abigail asked from her spot by the window.

He had been. But quite suddenly, he felt spritely again. “I’m fine. You?”

“Exhausted,” she murmured. “Do you think my sisters and cousin are all safe?”

He grimaced. She must be terribly worried. “I think they’re fine. Bash had an excellent plan.”

“And our business? We’ve all but abandoned it.”

He wasn’t able to answer as a knock sounded at the door. “Who is it?”

“It’s me,” Vanity called. “I need my key and I’ve got something for the baroness.”

Chad tried not to growl as he pushed off the bed. Another bouquet of flowers?

But as he crossed the room and opened the door, he saw that Vanity held a box in his hand. “What is that?”

Vanity winked. “It’s a dress. I saw a modiste and it turned out, she is nearly the same size as your new wife. That is to say, she’s rather well endowed with a—”

Chad rumbled low and deep as he gruffly said, “See you take care what you notice about my wife.”

But Vanity didn’t look the least bit intimidated. In fact, his smile grew. “Enjoy your evening, my friend. I’ll be taking my meal in my room.” Vanity handed him the box and turned to leave. But just before Chad closed the door, Vanity held out his hand, stopping him. “You’ve forgotten the key.”

“Of course,” he answered as he opened the door again. Vanity stepped into the room. Abigail had stood, and her eyes strayed to the box that Chad now held. His breath rushed from his lungs. Was she excited by the package?

He should have thought to buy her a new dress.

Not that he had the funds for that. The whole reason he’d agreed to this match in the first place was to support his financially ailing barony.

They’d left in such a rush, he’d yet to work out the details with Bash. What he had would have to do for now. Which wasn’t much. At least when they arrived at his estate, he could operate on some amount of credit.

Bad investments on his father’s part and gambling debts on his brother’s had drained the funds. In fact, he’d made financial gains, but shame suddenly filled him that he’d not done a better job of providing for his new bride.

It seemed to underscore that he hadn’t a clue how to be a good husband.

Chad grabbed the key from the side table next to the bed, even as he set down the box.

Vanity looked from Chad to Abigail, his eyebrows rising. Chad’s frown deepened. He could practically hear Vanity’s thoughts. He and Abigail didn’t look like a happy couple.

Vanity took the key from his hand and turned toward the door. “You two should a

lso dine here in your room. Some alone time will give you a chance to get to know one another.”

“Thanks,” Chad gritted out. He wasn’t certain he wanted his friend’s advice. He knew that Vanity understood how to please Abigail far better than himself but that didn’t make him want to listen to his friend. In fact, he’d like to punch him. Right in his perfect nose.

Chapter Nine

Abigail cocked her head as she studied her husband. She sensed the change in him. He was irritated by the box, or his friend, or both.