10. Chapter Ten

CHAPTER TEN

C aroline had insisted on lending Ruby her second-best carriage to take them up to Yorkshire. Charles had grumbled, suggesting the mail coach was cheap and perfectly adequate. Caroline had insisted her sister needed to travel in comfort and, as she was looking after Nora and Bridget, Charles had reluctantly agreed.

In order to have the time to make their trip, Charles had worked long hours at the navvy camps and at his home practice. Ruby had barely seen him, let alone had time to continue their somewhat fractious discussion about who she was allowed to associate with.

She contemplated his profile as he sat opposite her. In truth, he looked worn out and kept drifting off to sleep as the well-sprung carriage made its way toward the Great North Road. She had no idea what awaited her at Nash Hall and wasn't sure how to ask without being rebuffed again. Caroline had arranged several stops on the journey to change the horses, but they didn't need to stay overnight at an inn. So if Ruby did want information from Charles, she'd have to approach the subject in the privacy of the carriage.

"You're staring at me."

She blinked as he opened his eyes. "Am I not permitted to gaze at my own husband?"

He straightened and smothered a yawn with his hand. "You're looking remarkably serious."

"I haven't left Nora before."

"I don't imagine Caroline will allow anything to go wrong while Nora is in her care."

"I'm sure she won't, but still…"

He surprised her by reaching across and taking her gloved hand. "I'm sorry about all this."

"It's hardly your fault, is it?"

"That's very supportive of you, my dear, but many would say I'm the one who created this problem. My father is very well respected in society. His word carries weight."

There was a warning behind his words she didn't fully understand.

"Powerful men are never easy to deal with," Ruby said. "Look at Francis."

"My father exercises his power in a less direct manner but he is just as ruthless."

Ruby met her husband's gaze. "How should I deal with him, then? Do you wish me to be sweetly compliant and humble, or?—"

"Hardly that." his swift smile was immediate. "I cannot quite see you in that role. I'd rather you were just yourself."

"But how much of myself? I am considered to have a sharp tongue by some."

"I want him to accept our marriage as a settled fact. I can't completely alienate him."

"Why not?"

He took his time in replying. "Because as I mentioned, he is an extremely powerful man with a long reach."

"As far as Millcastle?"

"Further than that. Perhaps you should meet him first and draw your own conclusions as to how we should proceed."

"As you wish."

Ruby was far from satisfied as to what awaited her, but at least he'd put her on her guard. For all she knew, Charles's father could be the nicest gentleman in Yorkshire and her husband the black sheep of a respectable family. From all accounts, Sidney's parents had despaired of their wayward son and tried everything to make him return home, but to no avail. Hearing only one side of a story wasn't ideal, and Charles was right that she should reserve judgment until she met the rest of his family.

She wanted to be on his side.

"You're staring at me again." Charles glanced out of the window as the carriage slowed. "Perhaps you'll feel better after your dinner."

* * *

Nash Hall was nestled in a hollow surrounded by a dark forest and gentle hills. The sun was setting over the trees as they finally came up the long, winding drive and stopped in front of the entrance, which had a large, arched oak door and well-worn steps.

"Welcome to Nash Hall," Charles murmured as he came around to open the carriage door for her to descend.

Ruby looked up at the grey stone fa?ade with its tower and crenellations and went still.

"Is it very old?"

"Not as old as it claims to be. It was never a functioning castle, but one of my ancestors decided to pretend that it was." He gestured at the uneven ground in front of the house. "At one point I believe there was even a moat and a portcullis."

Even though she was tired, Ruby had to smile at that. Charles knocked on the front door and stood back.

"My father keeps the minimum of staff and the kitchens are far from the door, so it might take a while." He smiled reassuringly at her. "I do hope you aren't too cold."

"I'm quite well." She looked hopefully at the door. "I wouldn't mind a cup of tea, though."

After another long pause, Charles consulted his watch and went back to speak to the coachman, who nodded and set off around the side of the house.

Charles came back to Ruby. "I've sent him off to the stables where I assured him he would receive a far warmer welcome than we have." He took her hand. "Come on, we'll walk around to the kitchen entrance."

Ruby was glad Charles knew the way, because the tall shadows thrown by the house made the pathways difficult to see.

"I'm glad there is no longer a moat," she murmured as she tripped over the edge of a flower border and was only saved by the strength of his support. "Or else I'd surely be in it by now."

They emerged into a square, cobbled courtyard fitted with gas lamps. The back of the mews was on one side with the carriage house adjacent. The third wing looked like a laundry or dairy and was at a right angle to the stone-clad main house.

"Here we are." Charles unlatched the back door and drew her inside. "At least we're out of the wind."

Like most country houses, the servants' areas were fairly bleak and the temperature frigid to save money. The kitchen itself was an exception, with the warmth of a huge open fire and hearth heating the vast space. There were at least eight people working in the kitchen, and whatever they were preparing smelled delicious.

"Mr. Charles!" An older man in livery who had been sitting beside the fire in the best spot got to his feet in some haste and set his newspaper aside. "I didn't hear the bell!"

"I'm not surprised with all this clatter." Charles smiled at the man who Ruby assumed was the butler. "We left our baggage in the carriage, Benson. Perhaps you can arrange for someone to take it up to our room?"

"Of course, sir. Joseph! Go and fetch their bags!"

"Yes, Mr. Benson." One of the younger men who'd been setting out dusty wine bottles—obviously just brought up from the cellar—rushed out of the room.

"I'll take you through to your father, sir." The butler nodded at Ruby. "Ma'am."

"Thank you."

Ruby noted how easily Charles dealt with the servants and wondered what the butler would think if he could see his master's son with his sleeves rolled up washing the dinner plates and pots in the sink at their modest home. No wonder Charles had assumed she'd want a full staff. He'd obviously grown up surrounded by them.

They passed through the green baize door into a different world of soft carpets, gilded lamps, and walls filled with paintings. The exterior of the house might be stark, but there was no lack of money to maintain the interior. Not for the first time, Ruby wondered exactly what kind of family she had married into.

The butler paused at a door at the end of yet another corridor and knocked before opening it. "My lord, Mr. Charles has arrived."

"Thank you."

The butler stepped aside and they entered the book-lined study. A warm fire burned in the stone fireplace and four dogs slept on the rug in front of it. An older man, who had the same beak of a nose as Charles, sat behind a vast mahogany desk. He looked up as they approached but didn't rise to his feet. His gaze was as wintry as the outside of his house.

"Charles."

"Father. This is Ruby, my wife."

"So, I see." His disinterested gaze ran over her rather as if she was a disobedient parlor maid about to be let go without a reference. "I'd like to say it's a pleasure, ma'am, but we both know that would be a lie."

Charles said, "Regardless of your feelings on this matter, Father, I expect you to treat my wife with respect."

"Respect is earned." His father's voice was cold, devoid of any emotion.

"Then I am delighted to tell you that she has earned mine. I couldn't wish for a better helpmate in life."

Ruby smiled at him and then at his father. "I'm sure you don't need me to tell you what a remarkable man you son is, sir. His medical knowledge and his compassion are highly valued in Millcastle."

"Indeed."

She noticed he still hadn't met her gaze.

"I will see you at dinner in an hour's time, Charles. Your mother will be attending, so you can introduce your bride to her then." He picked up his pen and appeared to lose interest in them.

Charles took her hand and they left the room. When she judged they were well out of earshot she stopped walking. "Why did the butler call your father ‘my lord'?"

Charles sighed. "He's an earl."

"Doesn't that mean…?"

"Yes." He started walking again. "Come along. It's easy to get lost in this place and I've no idea which room the butler has put us in."

* * *

Charles looked out of the window as Ruby had a long discussion with the maid about pressing their clothing and their breakfast habits. They'd been put in what had once been his bedroom—now redecorated in muted floral wallpaper and devoid of anything he'd cared about or used. The view was still excellent and the ivy growing up the outside of the house would probably still be strong enough to bear his weight if he wanted to escape.

Not that he could escape…a painful but necessary lesson he'd been learning for the past few years. He had responsibilities now—a wife, a daughter, a good reputation, and people who depended on him for their medical care.

"Thank you, Iris." Ruby finished speaking to the maid, who left with a smile and a curtsy.

Charles turned around. "Well done. You handled her perfectly."

"I am well aware that my every utterance and action will be discussed to death in the servants' hall. They're all probably expecting me to be a disaster."

"I'd love to disagree with you, but I suspect you're right." He turned fully to look at her. "What did you think of the old man?"

"Your father?" She considered him. "A hard man to please."

"Always."

She put her discarded cloak away in the cupboard. "Dinner is served at six, which seems quite early. Iris intimated that we should not be late."

"My father doesn't appreciate tardiness."

"Neither do I." She came over and took his hand. "Are you all right?"

"Not particularly."

"There is nothing he can do to break our marriage contract. If I continue to behave myself, I'm sure he'll accept defeat."

"He never has before." Charles moved restlessly away from her.

"I doubt he'll murder me in cold blood."

"I wouldn't place a wager on it."

Ruby sighed. "I begin to understand why you don't come here very often. You are being remarkably negative."

He opened his mouth to reply and then reconsidered his answer. Ruby was the one who needed protecting, not him, and he was behaving in a most ungrateful manner.

"Perhaps being back in my old bedroom brings out the worst in me."

"This was your room?" She looked around the muted interior. "I cannot imagine you here at all."

"It's been redecorated to erase my obnoxious presence," Charles said. "I wonder what happened to my possessions?"

"Perhaps your mother will know." Ruby sat down to take off her boots.

"I doubt it. She never concerned herself much with mundane household matters."

"How nice for her." Ruby wiggled her toes. "I suppose we should dress for dinner?"

"If we wish to make the right impression, yes."

She looked up at him, her expression quizzical. "Is it important to you that we are accepted here? I thought you hated the place."

"I do hate it, but I have… obligations." She continued to stare at him and he continued. "To my mother."

"Not to the title and your father?"

He shuddered. "Never."

She consulted the dainty watch broach Caroline had given her for Christmas and stood up. "It isn't that late. Do you think I have time for a nap before dinner?"

"How can you be tired after all those hours confined in the carriage?" Charles asked.

She unbuttoned the top buttons of her high-collared blouse and yawned. "I don't know. I just am."

"Let me help you." He went to her side and continued the pleasurable task of unbuttoning her. "Do you intend to leave your corset on?"

"You can just loosen the strings for me."

He reached behind her and drew her close, bringing her against his chest as he searched for the bow of her corset. He dropped a kiss on her bared shoulder. "Are you sure you want to nap?"

"I thought you wanted us to be respectable?"

"Arriving at my father's dining table after thoroughly bedding you has its appeal."

She eased back, and he was relieved to see she was smiling.

"I could just relax you a little if that would help?" He undid the bow and kept his hands around her waist, his thumbs caressing her flesh.

"You are a devil," she murmured, her voice low. "I think I am rather too nervous to indulge in anything of a physical nature."

"That's a pity." He kissed the top of her head and stepped away. "Perhaps I'll take the opportunity to check in at the stables and make sure Caroline's coachman is being treated half as well as the horses."

"Excellent." Ruby climbed onto the bed and heaved a sigh. "Please wake me up at least an hour before we are due to go down. I do want to look my best for you."

* * *

At five minutes to six they descended the stairs. Ruby wore her best plum-colored silk gown with a paisley shawl draped over her shoulders. Caroline had insisted on lending her a set of garnet jewelry to wear with the dress and, after seeing the grandeur of the place, Ruby was glad she had accepted the offer. Charles wore full dining attire that had appeared magically pressed and laid out on the bed after he'd taken his bath. He looked very handsome, but his smile was absent, and his grip on her hand was almost painful.

She paused at the bottom of the stairs to look up at him and straighten his cravat. "It will be fine. I promise I'll behave."

"It's not you I'm worried about," he muttered. "My father and I can barely manage five minutes of conversation before one of us loses their temper."

She reached up to cup his freshly shaven cheek. "There is no reason for you to be angry, my dear. You are a happily married man coming home to show off his bride to his parents, and that's all there is to it."

He surprised her by smiling. "I appreciate you, my love."

"Good, because remember we are on the same side."

She placed her gloved hand on his sleeve and they went into the drawing room as the clock struck six. There was a small group gathered around the fireplace with Charles's father in the center.

"Good evening," Charles was all smiles as he turned to the first couple on his left. "May I present Mrs. Nash to you, vicar and Mrs. Theydon?"

"A pleasure, I'm sure." A woman who was slightly older than Ruby and much younger than her husband curtsied and offered Ruby her hand. "Congratulations on your marriage."

"Thank you." Ruby smiled warmly in return.

"I have only been married to my dearest Ernest for three years, so I still feel like a bride myself." She laughed and patted her husband's arm. "At least that's how Ernest makes me feel."

"How lovely," Ruby replied as the vicar smiled and nodded.

Charles drew her away and took her to meet an older woman seated by the fire. "This is my Great Aunt Isabel."

"Nice to see you married at last, young man, and ready to do your duty to your family and your title."

"Hardly that, aunt," Charles murmured.

His aunt frowned. "What's that you said?"

He increased his volume. "Nothing of import, dear one."

Great Aunt Isabel looked Ruby up and down. "She looks healthy and has good, wide hips."

"That's exactly what I thought when I saw her." Charles nodded. Ruby tried not to look at him in case she smiled.

"Where are you from, girl? What's your family?"

"My family name is Delisle, ma'am. I believe we can trace our ancestry back to the Norman conquest."

"Good stock." Great Aunt Isabel nodded. "And she speaks nicely." She turned to Charles. "She'll do much better than that child Augustus wished to foist on you, and I'll tell him so myself."

"I'd appreciate it if you did," Charles bent to kiss her cheek.

"Where's your mother?"

"I expect she'll be here in a moment," Charles said.

"She's always late." Great Aunt Isabel snorted. "Always with her head in the clouds,"

Ruby followed Charles over to where the earl was standing with a short man with large whiskers and a pugnacious expression.

"Good evening, sir. Lambton." Charles inclined his head before turning to Ruby. "Mr. Lambton is father's secretary and land agent."

"Pleasure to meet you. Mrs. Nash, and many felicitations on your recent marriage." Mr. Lambton bowed to Ruby.

"Thank you," Ruby said. "I consider myself a very lucky woman."

"Good evening, Mrs. Nash." The earl looked her over without favor.

"My lord." She curtsied.

He returned his attention to his son. "I would appreciate a word with you both in my study after dinner."

"Of course, sir."

The butler appeared at the door. "Dinner is served."

An older couple Ruby hadn't yet met—whom she assumed were some kind of family connection—went in ahead of them.

Charles paused at the door, looked back over his shoulder, and murmured, "Where is my mother?"

A figure appeared in the hall beyond the drawing room and waved at Charles. After a brief hesitation, they continued into the dining room and Charles pulled out a chair for Ruby.

"Who was that?" she asked as he placed her napkin on her lap.

"Miss Evans, my mother's companion. I assume she'll be bringing my mother in with her shortly."

After a few moments, the door opened again, and two women came through, the first rather plain and the other… was probably the most beautiful woman Ruby had ever seen in the flesh. She hardly looked old enough to be Charles's mother.

"I'm so sorry I'm late." The countess smiled as she took her place at the foot of the table in a flutter of floating draperies. "Time always gets away from me."

She glanced down the table at her husband who looked unamused and her smile faltered. "I really do apologize."

Charles, who was seated on her right, took her hand and patted it, his voice surprisingly gentle. "We'd barely sat down, Mama. There is nothing to worry about."

She grabbed his hand and squeezed it. "Martha said you had returned. How wonderful! I hear you have taken a bride."

Charles nodded. "May I present you to my mother, Ruby? She has always been my staunchest defender."

She turned to Ruby and considered her, a smile in her sapphire-blue eyes. "It is such a pleasure to meet you, my dear. If Charles chose you, I know you must be very special indeed."

"Thank you for welcoming me to your house," Ruby replied.

"It scarcely feels like my house," the countess said lightly. "I've never felt quite at home here, but I believe Paul is very proud of it."

The footmen served the first course and corresponding wine, and then stepped back to line the wall as if awaiting the slightest command. Ruby had thought Caroline's dining arrangements formal, but they were nothing compared to the earl's. There appeared to be at least ten sets of cutlery to navigate, and as each end started with a spoon, she wasn't quite sure where to start. She glanced across the table at Charles who was conversing softly with his mother.

Beside her, Miss Evans cleared her throat and picked up the spoon at the outer edge of the array. "I do hope you had a good journey north, Mrs. Nash."

"Yes, it went very well." Ruby grabbed her own outer spoon and set it in her soup.

"Lady Lavinia was thrilled to hear of the viscount's marriage."

"Viscount?" Ruby asked.

Miss Evans looked amused. "I believe that is the designated title for the oldest son of an earl—not that Dr. Nash would ever use it, but I didn't want to presume."

"That makes me a viscountess." Ruby forgot about her soup and stared in horror at Miss Evans.

"It's only an honorary title until your husband inherits the earldom." Miss Evans looked across the table at Charles. "Did he not mention it to you?"

Ruby shook her head and started on her soup, which was delicious. By the time she'd regained her composure, two more courses had come and gone, and it was her turn to converse with the countess. Even she knew that talking across the table at her husband would be impolite, and considering what she wanted to say to him, probably ill-advised. He did catch her eye occasionally and offered her an encouraging smile, but she wasn't fully prepared to forgive him.

"I am sorry I was unable to attend your wedding," Lady Lavinia said. "My ill health means that traveling very far is impossible for me."

Up close, it was obvious that the countess's beauty was of a fragile nature and her claims of illness would account for the focus of care she was receiving from those around her.

"We had a very small wedding, my lady, but I know that Charles would've wished you to be there."

"He's a good boy." Lady Lavinia glanced fondly at her son. "Despite what his father says. I'm sure you will make him very happy."

"I intend to do my best, my lady."

"That is all I require." She patted Ruby's hand and sat back. "Martha? I am quite fatigued. Will you tell one of the footmen to inform the earl that I intend to go back to bed?"

Miss Evans failed to conceal her start of surprise or her apprehension at her employer's request. "With all due respect, my lady, I don't think the earl would take it kindly if you left during dinner. Would it be possible for you to wait until the ladies withdraw? We should be done quite soon."

"But I'm tired," Her voice rose slightly, drawing Charles's attention away from his conversation with Mrs. Theydon.

"Is everything all right?" Charles looked at Miss Evans and then at his mother.

"I want to be done with this," Lady Lavinia said in an urgent tone. "Martha doesn't want to help me escape."

"I'd be very sad if you left me now, Mama. I'm enjoying your company so much," Charles spoke quietly but compellingly. "Can you bear it a little longer just for me?"

She sighed, her lips quivering, her glance anywhere but at the head of the table where the earl was now staring at her with gathering disapproval.

"Will he be very displeased if I leave?"

"You know he will, Mama," Charles said softly. "Please stay."

"As you wish." She swallowed, her eyes bright with tears. "He'll still be angry with me whatever I do, but I don't want to draw his attention to you."

"I'm too big for him to beat now, Mama," Charles said.

She looked at him. "There are many ways to break someone's spirit, my dear, not all of them physical."

"I am aware of that." His smile had gone. "But remember this, if you ever decide you cannot bear it, you can always come to me."

Ruby decided to risk adding her voice to what was a very intimate conversation between mother and son, and softly said, "Charles is correct, my lady. You will always be welcome in our home."

Even as she made the offer, she was mentally attempting to rearrange her rooms to accommodate a woman used to a house full of servants and a constant companion. But if Charles wanted his mother with them, she wouldn't stand in his way. From what she had observed on her first evening at Nash Hall, the earl was a cold, unpleasant man who openly found his beautiful wife distasteful. Was it any wonder that the countess was like a plant starved of light and air?

The countess merely picked at her food and smiled, but she made no more mention of leaving, which meant that Ruby had more time to observe her fellow guests and absorb the grandness of her setting. How must it have been for Charles growing up in such a place? She already had a sense that he found the whole idea of inheriting the earldom distasteful, but was it even avoidable? She wasn't sure.

She was glad when the countess rose from her seat and smiled at the ladies. "Shall we adjourn to the drawing room?"

Ruby stood and followed her out with the others. They traversed several corridors before the countess went into another very grand room with a piano in one corner and three large windows overlooking the gardens. The walls were hung with green silk that depicted small birds and climbing plants in immense detail. There were silver and gold threads within the fabric that caught the gaslight and shimmered.

"It's like being outside, isn't it?" Miss Evans, who seemed to have made herself Ruby's helpmate, murmured. "I confess it is my favorite room."

"I've never seen anything like it," Ruby said. "My sister Caroline lives in a grand house, but it is nothing compared to this."

"The earl is very proud of his heritage."

"I can see why." Ruby paused. "I should imagine that can be hard to live up to for those around him."

Miss Evans's gaze went to the countess, who had taken her seat by the fireplace behind the tea trays. She hadn't poured any tea and was staring at the door as if wishing she could escape.

"I'd better go and help her distribute the tea," Miss Evans said.

"May I assist you?"

"Perhaps you might sit with the countess and engage her in conversation." Miss Evans hesitated. "If we can persuade her to remain at least until the gentlemen come in, I think the earl would be satisfied."

* * *

Having received permission from the earl to absent herself, the countess blew a kiss to Charles and left the room. Charles barely had time to drink a cup of tea before the butler was at his side asking him to attend his father. He found Ruby, took her hand in his, made their excuses, and followed the butler to his study.

There were no gaslights burning, just a branch of candles reflecting in the mirror above the fireplace. They illuminated everything in the room except the man behind the desk. The earl had a glass of brandy at his side and a series of papers open in front of him.

"Please sit down."

They complied. Charles kept hold of Ruby's hand.

"I have decided to accept your marriage as valid."

Charles wanted to make some sarcastic remark, but reminded himself he had Ruby to think of now and that his father accepting the marriage was essential.

"I still believe Miss Barton would have been a superior choice." He paused to look at Ruby. "Did he mention Miss Barton to you, Mrs. Nash? I suspect he didn't. My son isn't known for his honesty."

"Charles did mention you had chosen a bride for him, yes," Ruby said. "But as we'd already acknowledged our feelings for each other, I was fairly certain whom he would choose." She smiled up at Charles and squeezed his hand. He desperately wanted to kiss her. "In truth, being forced to make a choice about his bride helped to make the decision to marry me easier."

"Indeed." The earl glanced down at the papers on his desk. "From what I have discovered, your family are hardly what I would consider ‘suitable' to marry into my family, but needs must."

"I can assure you that we are quite respectable," Ruby said. "The Delisle family came over with William the Conqueror. My older sister is married to a viscount and my younger sister to a baronet."

Charles hastened to intervene as his father's expression hardened. "As you have agreed that the marriage is valid, surely such discussions are moot. We are quite content as we are and ask for nothing from you."

"Do you want children, Mrs. Nash?"

"If God wills it." Ruby held his gaze. "Of course."

"Good." The earl turned to Charles. "And how do you intend to support your family?"

"I earn enough to do that, sir."

"Any medical man who isn't pandering to the aristocracy in London makes a pittance. You probably earn less than a lower-ranked civil servant on one hundred and fifty pounds a year."

"There is an increasing demand for all kinds of medical services by the new middle classes."

"A demand you intend to fulfill?"

"Why not?" Charles smiled.

"I suppose that's what I should expect. You've always had a taste for low life." The earl's lip curled. "And what do you call yourself? A surgeon? An apothecary? A charlatan?"

"I trained in Edinburgh, sir, which as you well know is the best medical college in the country, if not the world. I consider myself a man who offers help with all branches of medicine within my general practice." Charles smiled again, which he knew would annoy his father, but he refused to be cowed about his choice of profession.

"If you didn't have a private income, you would not survive," the earl snapped.

"Then it's lucky I do, isn't it?" Charles held his father's gaze. "I also have a house to live in, enough food to eat, and the pleasure of my wife's company." He turned to look at Ruby who was listening intently. "What more could a man want?"

The earl sat back, his fingers tapping the desk. "You're still my heir."

"I am aware of that."

"If you do have children, they will know me and be aware of their lineage."

"I'm hardly going to keep my children from their grandmother, sir," Charles said lightly. "Now, is there anything else or shall we return to your guests? I'm sure they'll be wondering where you are."

"You may both leave, and you can make my excuses. I've had enough of company for one day."

Charles stood and offered his arm to Ruby. "My dear?"

She smiled and placed her hand on his sleeve before curtsying to his father. "Good evening, my lord. It was a pleasure to speak with you."

They were almost at the door before the earl spoke again. "There is one more matter I wish to discuss, Charles, but it can wait until tomorrow."

"As you wish." Charles nodded. He knew his father had barely toyed with him yet, but he'd take his victories when he could. "Good night, sir."

* * *

"That went rather well," Charles said as they made their way up to bed.

Ruby glanced up at him to see if he was joking, but for once he appeared to be sincere. "If you say so."

He opened the bedroom door and stood back to let her enter ahead of him. "Normally, I'd have left in a rage by now."

"Your father wasn't exactly welcoming, but he seemed resigned to our marriage," Ruby said cautiously. "And your mother was delightful."

"She can be quite charming when she puts her mind to it."

There was a knock on the door and a manservant entered and bowed. Charles waved him away. "Thank you but I can manage by myself."

"If you're sure, Mr. Charles."

"Yes. And tell the maid she does not need to come up, either."

"As you wish, sir."

Ruby raised her eyebrows when he left. "I might have wanted the maid. I have no idea how to get my hair out of this complicated shape she put it up in. There are pins everywhere."

"I'll help you. It's hardly difficult."

"Easy for you to say." Ruby presented Charles with her back. "You'd better get on undoing all these buttons, then."

He leaned in and kissed her neck. "You were wonderful, by the way."

"I hardly did a thing."

"You were kind to my mother and so pleasant to my father that he didn't know how to treat you." He started on the buttons. "He'll find a way to unnerve you at some point, because he can't bear to be bested. But you made an excellent first impression."

Her gown, which had a wide neckline and large stuffed sleeves, started to slip down her shoulders as Charles undid the buttons.

"Shall I do your corset while I'm here? Then you can step out of everything."

"Yes, please."

She sighed as he released the strings and let all her garments fall to the floor, leaving her just in her shift, stockings, and pantaloons. His arm came around her hips, bringing her tightly against him.

"Look in the mirror."

She angled her head to see their reflection and almost smiled. He was still fully dressed while she was almost naked.

"I look like your mistress."

"You look beautiful." His hands separated at her waist, one moving up to cup her breast while the other settled between her legs. "Mmm…"

She set one foot on the stool in front of her dressing table opening herself up to his caresses while they both watched the mirror.

"This is quite arousing," Ruby said. "Watching your hands move on me, your fingers—" She gasped as he slipped his fingers through the gap of her pantaloons and found her already needy flesh. His thumb settled over her bud and roughly pressed it in time to his thrusting fingers. She came, his gaze locked with hers as he pleasured her.

"I want more, and I want it now," Charles said.

He set a chair in front of the mirror and sat down, one arm wrapped around her waist and holding her still as he stripped her naked.

"You're still dressed." She had just enough breath to point it out before he started kissing her again.

"I'll manage." He undid his trousers. "Sit on my cock."

"Charles!" She was moving to obey him before she even realized it, her heart thumping, her whole body so eager for him—for this—that she forgot to complain about his orders.

"Perhaps next time we dine at Grafton Hall, I'll tell you to take off those pantaloons and be naked for me under those big skirts of yours," he murmured into her ear as she settled herself over him. "Then I can have you like this whenever I want."

He touched her between the legs, his fingers widening her as he introduced the broad head of his cock inside her.

"I should be shocked," Ruby said, gasping as she settled over his throbbing heat. "But?—"

She climaxed before he was even fully inside her, and he held her still, one hand rigid on her hip. "Don't move."

"I'm doing my best."

"You're—" He groaned and thrust upward, bringing her down on him at the same time. It didn't take long for them both to climax, and he barely managed to pull out as they clung onto each other for dear life.

"I didn't realize you were so wicked," Ruby murmured against his neck.

"I suspect being in my father's house brings out the worst in me." He stood up, still holding her, and walked over to the bed where he set her down against the sheets. "I'd better get undressed."

"Yes, please." Ruby watched his lean body emerge with primal satisfaction. The thought that he was hers was incredibly arousing.

His smile was surprisingly intimate as he climbed into bed and positioned himself over her, one hand on his still-stiff cock.

"Your admiration inspires me to do better."

She placed her hands on his shoulders. "They why don't you go ahead and prove it?"