Chapter Fifteen

T he parlor games were quite merry that night, but Fiona was still bent on torturing Gawain by pairing him with the worst teammates. Lord Pershing was still drunk, still useless, and still on his team. Sweet Margaret was newly added to his team in place of Lady Eugenia, who had set her cap for Fellstone and maneuvered to be on his team.

Gawain did not mind, for Fellstone was a decent chap and in need of an heiress. Lady Eugenie surely was that, and would bring quite a fortune to their marriage, assuming Fellstone married her. She was still a peahen with not a brain cell to be found between her ears.

Margaret was different, he was coming to realize. The girl was not dim-witted at all, just held back by her family when it came to education. What the girl lacked in knowledge, she made up for in enthusiasm. She might come around and turn out to be quite clever once Cherish and Fiona tutored her.

Lady Yvonne had also been placed on his team once more. She was another one with not much brain matter between her ears, so he knew their team would finish last in every game.

Fiona had fixed her team with the best players, so it came as no surprise when hers won every round. She had selected Cherish, Reggie, and Durham. They were easily the smartest competitors.

Charades was a disaster. This time, Gawain did not mind. Margaret was giving the clues for his team.

Gawain could not make heads or tails of what she was trying to convey. “Dear heaven,” he muttered, “is it even an English word?”

Cherish was seated beside him and trying her best not to laugh. He loved her smile, and loved how kindly she treated Margaret, who really was still a little peahen and clueless, but had a good heart.

Margaret was spinning in a circle and patting her back.

“Time’s up,” Fiona said. “What was your phrase, Margaret?”

“Shark fin soup.”

Huh?

“I was pointing to a fin on my back,” she explained proudly. “A shark fin.”

“Ah, well done,” Reggie said, casting her a besotted smile. “That was very clever of you.”

She sparkled like a little star. “Thank you, Lord Burton. That is very kind of you to say. But I think it wasn’t really very clever, because no one on my team guessed it.”

“They were not paying close enough attention. I would have guessed it,” Reggie assured her.

Gawain sighed.

He was getting married tomorrow, but would wager his estate that it would be Reggie’s turn before the year was out. He would approve, of course. Cherish liked the girl and thought she was a good influence on Reggie. He agreed, for Margaret was never going to manipulate or take advantage of his nephew. The girl did not know the meaning of malice. She probably couldn’t spell it either, but the point was that she would make a happy home for Reggie. There would be no one like Lady Albin stepping in to ruin his nephew’s life.

While the others remained in the parlor to continue the games, Gawain excused himself and Cherish. After all, Cherish had been run down by Lady Albin’s horse this morning. Even though she appeared to be fine, she did have some bruising on her hip and wrist, not to mention the scraped elbow and the small bump on her head, which was hidden by her hair but could be felt.

He held out his arm to her. “Ready, love?”

She nodded.

Margaret heard the endearment and cooed.

“The day started miserably for you,” Gawain said as they climbed the stairs together, his arm protectively around her waist.

Cherish paused in front of her bedroom door and leaned lightly against it as she regarded him. “I am not complaining.”

“You never do, I am discovering.”

“I have no reason for it.” She cast him a weary smile. “I look forward to living under your roof instead of my toad of an uncle’s roof. Although I will miss Northam Hall itself. It is such a lovely home, and I was always happy there until the new earl and his wife moved in.”

Music drifted toward them from downstairs, where the other guests were now moving on to dancing. Well, those like Pershing would head to the study to drink themselves into a stupor. A few others would settle in for games of cards. Others for billiards. Some would disappear into the garden for a quick tryst behind some shrubbery. Such were the activities at these ever-popular house parties. No one needed a reason to drink, gamble, dance, or dally.

Often the dalliances were continued in the wee hours of the morning with gentlemen sneaking into ladies’ bedchambers. He contemplated doing the same with Cherish, for her luscious body had him in a roil. But he decided against it.

Tomorrow night, once they were husband and wife, would do.

Fiona’s guests had been present when he proposed to Cherish this morning. It was a coup for them to be present to witness the fall of a Silver Duke. They were going to relate their firsthand account to their ton friends and the gossip rags. He did not want it also said that he had taken Lady Cherish Northam to his bed before exchanging vows of marriage.

“I am sorry your friends, Lynton and Camborne, will not be here to see us married. Well, I suppose they would not approve.”

“On the contrary, they would heartily approve.”

Cherish’s eyes widened in surprise. “They would?”

“Absolutely.” He placed his hands on either side of her body and leaned in to lightly trap her against the door. “Everyone assumed we were averse to marriage, but it was never so. None of us meant to avoid it. The years rolled on and we never found that one special lady to our liking.”

“It is said you sampled many.”

“An exaggeration, Cherish. Women tossed themselves at us, and on occasion we were receptive to their advances. Never anything serious.” He gave her a rakish grin. “Occasionally depraved.”

“Gawain!”

“Teasing you, love. We were fairly tame by rakehell standards. That’s all it ever was. But now I have found you, and you are the wife I want.” He was not ancient by any means, but forty years old was a long time to wait to experience love. He had pretty much given up hope of ever finding the right woman.

So had his friends. Lynton had been married, but the union between him and his late wife was by no means a love match. They had barely spoken to each other, although she had done her duty and given him children. In some ways, Lynton was the most cynical of the Silver Dukes, and most reluctant ever to marry again because his first experience had been such a disappointment.

However, Gawain truly wished this same happiness he had found with Cherish for them both.

Cherish cast him that magical smile of hers as she looked up at him. “Reggie seems quite taken with Margaret. I wonder if Fiona would ever consider remarrying. She had a good marriage with Albert, but…”

“He did not leave her breathless.”

“Well, he was no Silver Duke. Should I allow you to come into my bedchamber? After all, you have the marriage license, and we are to be wed first thing tomorrow.”

He dropped his hands to his sides and studied the soft angles of her face. “Don’t tempt me with your big brandy eyes. No, we’ve given everyone enough fodder for gossip.”

“I am sorry for those two.”

He furrowed his brow. “Who? My friends?”

“No, my uncle and Lady Albin. She might have won you back had she just been honest with you.”

“No, Cherish. She had no chance once I met you. I was already smitten from the letters Fiona wrote to me about you. All I needed was a first glimpse of you to know I was about to fall madly, deeply, and wildly in love with you.”

She inhaled. “You truly love me?”

Bollocks.

He had not meant for it to slip out that way, although it seemed cowardly and petty to deny it now. In truth, he had no wish to deny his feelings for her. Cherish had been nothing but honest with him. It was not fair to let her go on believing he had offered to marry her merely in order to protect her.

He had used endearments when referring to her, but she obviously needed more convincing. “Yes, Cherish. My heart was lost to you the moment I saw you beside Fiona that first day. You were standing in a circle of sunlight in the parlor, trying to pull your hand out of hers so that you could run off before we were ever introduced.”

Cherish nodded. “She wouldn’t let me go.”

“I’m glad. Your hair shone gold and your dark eyes sparkled. I had never seen a more beautiful woman in my life.”

“And still you wanted to match me with Reggie?”

“It was a halfhearted attempt at best,” he said with a groan. “Was it not obvious? I could not take my eyes off you. Nor can I now.” He drew her back into his arms and crushed his mouth to hers, kissing her with every ounce of longing and every promise of building a life together.

He kissed her as he knew she had always yearned to be kissed. Deeply. With enough heat to make her swoon.

With fire in his soul.

She responded in a similar manner, as he knew she would, because she was honest about her feelings and he had easily been able to read them from the start.

“Answer me this, Cherish,” he said with a chuckle after ending the kiss, but keeping her in his arms since he could not seem to draw away from her, even though it was only a matter of a day before they would be together always. “Did Fiona ever intend to help me match you with Reggie? Or was I doomed from the very start?”

Her eyes were beautifully alight as she grinned. “You were doomed, I think. Although she did not let me in on her plan immediately. However, she always thought I was perfect for you. Now looking back, it ought to have been obvious to me. She went on and on about you for months before we had ever met, and had built you up so much, that I was in dread fear of meeting this paragon cousin of hers.”

“Yes, Fiona is prone to exaggeration.”

Cherish laughed. “No, you were all that and more. I am certain she contrived this house party to lure you here specifically to meet me. I also expect she embellished her concerns about Reggie to ensure you would accept the invitation. So you never had a chance. She had no intention of allowing your scheme for Reggie to succeed.”

“I’m not sure I like the way she manipulated me.”

Cherish cast him a mild look of reproof. “You were trying to do the same to Reggie, so you must not be angry with her. As for Reggie, did you notice how he and Margaret behave around each other? She adores him. I think they are a good fit for each other. Well, I hope he comes around and marries her. Will you take issue with him if he chooses her?”

“No, I will give my consent.”

“Thank you.” She sighed. “That is a relief.”

“Why do you think I would give him a hard time if he chose her? I may be dense for myself, but I am fairly clear sighted when it comes to others. Yes, I would prefer if she were a bit more clever. But her heart is good. In her own peahen way, Margaret makes him feel like a hero and brings out his noblest instincts. Just as you do for me.”

He bent his head to kiss her again, covering her mouth with a soft but possessive kiss. “I had better leave you now, or I will not have the strength to leave you at all.”

She looked up at him in that starry-eyed way he was getting to like immensely. It felt good to have a woman look at him in this way instead of with cold calculation. “Nor shall I encourage you to go.”

“I’ll come in with you, but only to make certain nothing is amiss. Your uncle is now a desperate man, and I dare not leave you unprotected for a single moment.”

“You have posted two footmen beneath my window and another who will be patrolling along the hallway overnight. I think I shall be safe enough.” But her smile faded a little. “I am going to miss being in your arms tonight.”

Most betrothed couples would not think twice about taking liberties, but he could not do this to Cherish. It had all been so rushed. It had all been so surprising. “I think there will be more pleasure in it for you in coming to me for your first time as my wife. However, there is something more we must take care of as soon as we are married.”

She eyed him quizzically. “What is that?”

“A marriage contract drawn up between us.”

“To protect your interests?” She nodded. “I understand.”

“No, it is quite the opposite. I mean to protect you. We will attend to the formality immediately upon our return to London. I need to make certain you are never left vulnerable to anyone’s greed.”

“Do you mean your nephew? Reggie is as honorable as you are. He would never treat me as my uncle has.”

“I was not thinking of Reggie, for I trust him too,” he said, musing aloud as he led her into her bedchamber. “But there are no guarantees about what may happen in life, and I need to be certain you are left secure.”

“Especially since my father saw fit to leave me with almost nothing,” she said with a grunt. “You are kinder to me than he was.”

“Cherish, I don’t think your father overlooked you. In fact, I think you have an inheritance, perhaps a sizeable one, that your uncle has been hiding from you. You already sensed something was wrong but did not know where to turn for help, since every one of your father’s people were in collusion with him.”

She nodded. “Now I have you to help me reclaim it.”

“And it shall remain yours, whatever there is. I do not want any of it, but will do whatever I can to make certain no one ever steals it from you again. In fact, I have already sent off a message to my man of affairs in London. I have instructed him to pay a call on your father’s solicitor and demand to see documents, for I want all involved to know we are watching them closely and will be coming for them next.”

“His solicitor is a horrid little man,” she muttered, giving a nod of approval. “That ought to scare him into compliance. But what if it does not?”

Gawain arched an eyebrow. “It will. This is the beauty of the slightly terrifying aura surrounding Lynton, Camborne, and myself. No one dares to cross a Silver Duke.”

Her eyes shimmered with mirth. “Ah, this is the bit of ruthless determination you were hoping to instill in Reggie. Good thing you like me.”

“It is scary how much I like you,” he said with a laughing groan. “Well, being an old man and having experienced probably too much of life has also given me the confidence to know the right thing when it comes along.”

“This spinster has seen almost nothing of the world, but I also know what feels right, and everything about you felt right from the moment I set eyes on you, too.”

He turned serious for a moment. Despite how confident both of them were of this decision to marry, there were important issues still to be discussed. He was always thorough in his dealings, and during his years in military service had always gone over battle plans in careful detail. With their marriage ceremony mere hours away, should they not have some discussion on the terms?

She seemed to know his thoughts and put a finger to his lips. “We are both sensible.”

He shook his head. “Quite the opposite. We’ve led with our hearts since meeting each other.”

“Does it feel odd to you? It does a little to me,” she admitted. “But whatever problems come up, we shall work them out. For me, there can be no problem too great to solve between us. I do not see how anything can be more important than spending my life with you.”

He nodded and kissed her on the nose, then took a moment to check her room to make certain nothing was amiss. “I’ll see you bright and early in the morning.”

She cast him an endearing smile. “Pleasant dreams, Gawain.”

“Same to you, love.”

Cherish, for all her common sense and shy demeanor, sparkled at the endearment. Yes, they would figure out the living arrangements and sleeping arrangements without difficulty once they settled into married life.

*

Gawain’s sleep was calmer than it had been in years, obviously Cherish’s influence. He awoke the following morning to an incredibly beautiful day, the sky a deep and striking azure blue. A cool breeze off the misty waters also cooled his skin as it wrapped around his body.

He had returned to his bedchamber now that Lady Albin had vacated it. No doubt Reggie was thrilled to no longer have his ogre uncle sharing his quarters and ensuring he remained celibate.

Well, Reggie was not going to stray, since he appeared to have settled on Margaret. Her parents were with her at this party and no doubt closely watching their precious dove. Even if they were not, Margaret was another innocent like Cherish. Reggie would not visit her and soil her before they were betrothed.

Gawain usually took care of grooming and dressing himself, never particularly liking to be fussed over by a valet. But he did not protest when Fiona sent her late husband’s valet to him with the express direction that he look his best for his wedding day.

He allowed the valet to take extra care in his grooming. The man checked on his bathwater, and also took over the task of shaving him. He made certain Gawain’s suit was freshly pressed and in perfect condition. Tied his cravat.

Dear heaven. Gawain had been doing this for himself since he was the age of six.

The man even measured precisely how much shirt cuff to show beyond the sleeve of his jacket. After what seemed an eternity, Gawain was pronounced ready.

He strode down the hall to make certain Cherish was awake and getting ready herself. He needn’t have worried about her oversleeping this morning, for the entire household appeared to be up and already stirring like bees about a hive.

Fiona’s maids looked quite harried as they bustled up and down the hall to attend to everyone who would join them at the parish church within a few hours.

Cherish’s door was open, and he could hear her chattering with several ladies. But as he was about to stride in, Fiona and Margaret, obviously the ladies she had been talking to, came down on him like a pair of shrieking banshees and pushed him away. “Stay out!” they cried, slamming the door in his face.

“Blessed saints,” he muttered, and stalked away.

So what if he wanted to look in on Cherish? Was it not right that he should see to her care? They would be husband and wife within two hours. Would the sky fall in if he happened to catch a glimpse of ankle or a hint of creamy flesh?

With a shake of his head, he marched to Reggie’s quarters and was pleased to receive a warmer greeting from his nephew. “Uncle, isn’t this a marvelous day for a wedding?”

He smiled at the lad. “Yes, Reggie. Are you almost ready?”

“Another moment and I’ll be done.” Reggie’s valet was just straightening his cuffs when Gawain strode in. “How is Cherish?”

“I’m not sure,” Gawain said with a grunt. “I almost had my head lopped off when I tried to see her. Fiona and Margaret are standing guard and allowing no one in. I assume they will have her ready shortly.”

Reggie had a mirthful gleam in his eyes. “I love Fiona, but she can be irritatingly headstrong when it comes to having her way. She was determined to match you with Cherish, so I have no doubt she will get Cherish to the church on time, even if she has to carry her on her back.”

Gawain grinned.

Reggie’s gaze turned affectionate. “Any second thoughts, Uncle?”

Gawain shook his head. “Not a one, incredible as it seems considering my marriage-averse reputation. I am amazed how easily everything falls into place when one has found the right person to share one’s life.”

“I’m sorry it took you so long to meet her. But the important thing is that you recognized her worth and did not let her slip away.”

“Thanks to Fiona’s prodding. I suppose I needed to be set up. You took on your role with much enthusiasm.”

“Uncle, please know I was not aware of her game until it was well underway. But I will admit to heartily joining in once I learned of it. Am I forgiven?”

“I am the one who owes you the apology.”

“Whatever for?” Reggie asked, sounding quite surprised.

“I behaved like an insufferable arse, coming at you with all my demands. I am truly sorry for that, Reggie. You are a far better man than I was at your age. It was not right of me to expect perfection out of you when I had set a terrible example for you to follow.”

“Not at all. You have always been good to me. I needed a bit of a kick in the backside to grow up and prove my worth to you.”

“You have, Reggie. I ought to have recognized your abilities sooner.” Gawain shook his head. “Had our situations been reversed, you in charge and demanding I marry, I would have been an utter arse about it. Rebellious. Angry. Insolent. You are a lot nicer than I ever was.”

“I have no complaints about you,” Reggie assured him, his expression now serious. “I think you do not realize how much I love you. No one was kinder or more attentive to my mother as we realized she was dying. No one could have taken better care of me than you did. In all the months of her illness, you were there and made sure we lacked for nothing.”

Gawain shrugged off the compliment. “We are family. This is what we do for each other.”

“I want you to know that I will do the same for Cherish if ever it becomes necessary. Obviously, she can never rely on the Northam family. I have never seen lower forms of life than her uncle and his wife. Well, she will have all of us now to protect her from that odious pair. She and Fiona are already close as sisters.”

They marched out together and waited downstairs for the ladies to join them. As the minutes passed, Gawain began to pace.

“Uncle,” Reggie said, casually resting a hip against the ornate entry hall table and appearing far too relaxed, “you’ll wear a hole in the marble floor if you do not stop prowling.”

“What’s taking them so long?” Gawain muttered. “Cherish should have been down here by now.”

“I’m sure she would have been were it a normal day, but it is not. Everyone is fussing over her, making certain she looks her best.”

“She is already beautiful. I cannot look at her without her leaving me breathless,” he admitted, feeling particularly close to Reggie after their brief talk. “What more needs to be done? And what is so complicated about putting on a gown? Or sticking one’s feet into slippers?”

Reggie chuckled. “For someone with your reputation when it comes to seducing women, you surely do not know much about them. But I suppose you know more about removing their clothes than helping to put them back on. Uncle, one must respect the ritual. It isn’t every day a young lady marries a duke. I’m sure there were scented bath oils involved, a relaxing soak in a tub. Not to mention Fiona will have her maid attend to Cherish’s hair so that it is styled to perfection.”

Gawain emitted a strangled sound somewhere between a curse and a grumble. “I’m going to take out every last pin from her hair the moment I get her alone.”

Reggie laughed again. “We all noticed how pretty she looked when confronting her uncle yesterday, that silky mane tumbling down her back in a riot of golden curls. I don’t blame you for having itchy fingers and wanting to plunge your hands in that glorious mass.”

“Reggie, good grief.” But Gawain grinned and gave a reluctant nod. “Despite my aged eyes, how could I overlook that?”

“You have the eyes of a hawk and very little ever escapes your notice.” Reggie suddenly straightened up and turned toward the staircase. “Look, here they come.”

Gawain’s breath caught in his throat.

Blessed saints.

He did not know what had been done to Cherish, but she looked like a princess gliding down those steps. Her gown was a mix of russet and gold that seemed to shimmer and float around her exquisite body. Her hair had been done up in an elegant twist and drawn back off her face, save for a few golden curls that lightly framed her graceful features.

Her smile upon noticing him shot straight to his heart. “What do you think, Your Grace?”

“You look beautiful.” He held out his arm. “Ready?”

She nodded as she walked to him. “Yes, although I still feel as though I am walking in a dream. You look so handsome.”

“Silver hair and all?” He knew Cherish did not see him as old and failing. He was hardly that. Nor was he a vain peacock to deny his age or fret about his scars and the care-worn lines on his face. Those were earned over years on the battlefield. He was proud of every scar and furrow. Still, there was no overlooking the fact he was not young.

Apparently love had a way of erasing flaws, because he did not think Cherish saw a single one of his.

As for Cherish, she was perfect for him in every way possible.

During his war years in Spain, he had come across a fortune teller who had set up a tent beside their encampment and offered to tell fortunes for a small fee. He had refused to allow his men to partake because he feared the old hag would give them false hope of survival and make them reckless in the throes of battle.

He was surprised when she did not get angry or put a hex on him. In truth, she took it in stride and offered him a bit of advice before she moved on. “Yours is a young and tempestuous soul,” she had warned him. “Your true happiness lies in finding the right complement to it.”

“What? An old soul?” he had shot back in all his arrogance.

“No, a wise soul. You are fire and she must be water.” What she really meant was that he was an idiot and needed someone smart to guide him.

Still, he had liked that description. Fire and water. He had scoffed at the fortune teller’s words at the time, but he understood them now. Cherish was clearly that perfect match for him. She was gentleness and calming waters. He was too often arrogant and demanding, although he tried his best not to be this way. But it was easy to fall into this sort of behavior when everyone fawned over him and kissed his arse even when he was being unreasonable. No one wanted to tell a duke the truth for fear of offending him. Cherish would always rein him in and speak to him with honesty.

“You suddenly seem far away,” she said, taking his arm.

“No, Cherish. For once, I am ever present.”

“And ready to marry me?”

He smiled. “Ridiculously eager.”

Her step was light and agile as they walked to the waiting carriage. She had a serene confidence about her, and although she looked younger than her twenty-four—almost twenty-five—years, she had likely exhibited this same serenity as a girl looking after her ailing parents. He did not think there was a moment in her life when she could have been described as inconsiderate or rebellious, or had ever behaved like a frivolous peahen.

Perhaps this was why they were destined to be a good fit for each other. She would ground him with her common sense and he would push her to be more daring.

He breathed a sigh of relief when she hopped into the carriage without difficulty, showing no lasting effects from yesterday’s tumble other than a scrape to her elbow that was presently bandaged and covered by her long glove. The slight swelling in her wrist had already subsided by the time he inspected it last night. As for her hip, she was no longer wincing with each step. The discomfort was not something she could easily hide. He would have spotted it had she been in pain.

Of course, he would take a closer look tonight. She could not hide her scrapes and bruises once she had her clothes off.

They settled in Fiona’s carriage, just the four of them, since Margaret was to ride in the carriage immediately behind theirs with her parents. Other conveyances stood in readiness for the rest of Fiona’s guests, who would follow shortly behind them.

Gawain was sorry Cherish had no family to stand beside her, but she did not appear to be suffering for the lack. He gave no further thought to the matter, since Fiona had taken on the role of clucking mother hen and beloved sister to Cherish.

Within the hour, they were at St. Paul’s Church, the small, but splendid, stone church nestled between lush, rolling hills not far from the sea. Nothing was far from the water here in the country outside of Brighton.

By the time the last guests arrived, he and Cherish had signed the required ledgers and were standing in front of the altar, merely waiting for the stragglers to enter and settle in the pews before the vicar proceeded with the ceremony.

Cherish was incandescent as the vicar began his sermon.

As for him, he was on alert for her uncle and any last-minute tricks the oaf might try to pull. But he needn’t have worried, for all went smoothly. There was no sign of the man or his ogress wife.

Before he knew it, the vicar was leading them through the recitation of their vows.

“I do,” Cherish said a moment later, her voice echoing sweetly around him.

“Gawain, Duke of Bromleigh, Marquess of…” The vicar listed his titles, a list that ran ridiculously long when one added the knighthoods, too.

Cherish’s eyes rounded in surprise.

He arched an eyebrow, silently conveying that he was just a man, no matter how many honors were accorded him. He had been no more than a soldier until his father’s and brothers’ untimely passing. Just a soldier and nothing more. He did not want Cherish to get caught up in his supposedly elevated status.

But as the vicar read off the last of his titles, Cherish grinned and rolled her eyes at him. He grinned back, knowing she would never become full of herself now that her status was raised to duchess. “I do,” he replied, his voice ringing loud.

A cheer rose from the crowd as the vicar declared them man and wife.

He kissed Cherish lightly on the lips.

“I love you,” she whispered.

“Same here,” he replied, not certain that she heard him, as everyone now rushed forward and surrounded them with cheers and well wishes.

Shortly thereafter, everyone returned to Fiona’s manor for the wedding breakfast. Gawain noted the flicker of surprise in Cherish’s eyes when Fiona’s staff greeted her as Your Grace. After a moment, it sank in. Her smile broadened and she accepted their good wishes with all the graciousness of a true duchess.

“How does it feel, Cherish?” he asked when they sat down to enjoy the elaborate repast organized by Fiona’s cook on a mere day’s notice.

“To be your wife?” She took his hand under the table and cast him an affectionate smile. “Vastly different from my quiet existence. It is amazing how quickly one becomes the center of attention merely because of one’s title. But I shall enjoy being your wife immensely, especially in our private hours together.”

The rest of the day passed in a blur, and yet also felt interminable. Gawain hardly had a moment alone with Cherish. Finally, as the evening wore on, he took her hand in his and bade all the revelers a good night.

They retired to her bedchamber because he did not want their first night spent in the bed Lady Albin had commandeered from him and been sleeping in as recently as two nights ago. Her heavily perfumed scent still permeated the drapes and bedcovers, as though she had purposely sprayed her scent around his room, like a jungle cat marking its territory.

He breathed a sigh of relief once inside Cherish’s small-but-elegant chamber, and lit a candle or two now that the sun began to fade. “Glad that’s over.”

Cherish nodded. “My stomach is aflutter. It is hitting me now that I am your wife. I’m not sure I will pass this first test.”

He frowned, taking a moment to understand her meaning. “Cherish, there is no test. There is just us getting to know each other at our own pace. Nor are there any rules on how quickly we must get to…ah, to…”

She smiled at him. “Get to the good parts?”

He chuckled. “Yes, how quickly we get to the good parts.”

Cherish’s hair shone a molten gold in the soft candlelight, and she looked incredibly beautiful. He could tell she was worried about disappointing him, but she need not have been. His blood was already on fire, and he did not even have her out of her gown yet.

However, he did not want to rush their moment , even if his body had other ideas. “My only concern is to make certain this marriage cannot be annulled, should your uncle ever try to cause trouble. Beyond that, we can enjoy each other at our leisure.”

Of course, this assumed his body did not betray him and have him behaving like an untried schoolboy bedding a woman for the first time.

Cherish was lost in her own concerns as she stared at the bed. “I must warn you, I am woefully ignorant.”

“You are clever and will catch on fast, I assure you.” He kept his gaze on her as he removed his jacket and then his cravat. “Besides, do you think this does not please me? You must know you married a possessive ape.”

She laughed and regarded him avidly as he removed his waistcoat. “Your apish tendencies are to be protective, not possessive. You would not have been able to push me at Reggie if you were truly possessive.”

“It was a close thing. Every time I saw you, I wanted to pound my chest and chase away all rivals. I wanted to make you mine. I must have confused the blazes out of Reggie and put the devil’s fear into poor Fellstone.”

She laughed and shook her head. “You hid your turmoil well. Truly, I had no idea.”

“I could not hide these apish feelings from myself. I was in agony. Served me right for coming up with the stupid scheme to match you and Reggie. I suppose I even owe your toad of an uncle a debt of gratitude for pushing me toward the right decision. Will you help me with the cuffs, Cherish?”

She nodded and immediately scampered to his side.

He could have arranged for a valet to attend him and a maid to attend her, but he did not want others in here with them tonight, even if it was merely to assist them in preparing for bed.

He wanted Cherish all to himself.

But this was a flaw he needed to work on. Does not share well with others. Not that there would be others in his life or hers from now on. Theirs was already an unbreakable love match, whether Cherish realized it or not. He had no intention of ever straying. Why should he when he had the best woman beside him?

Cherish’s fingers were nimble, and she had little trouble assisting him with the task of removing his cuff links. “Where shall I put them? Atop my bureau for now?”

He nodded. “That will do just fine. Thank you.” He settled on the bed, sitting on the mattress while he removed his boots.

She offered to help, but he shook his head. “No, Cherish. I will manage it. My boots are dirty and might accidentally stain your gown. It’s a lovely gown, by the way. Or perhaps you just make everything you wear look better because you are so pretty.”

She laughed and blushed. “Perhaps it is time for you to get spectacles.”

“No, my eyesight is perfect. I see you very clearly.” After this, he removed his shirt. Since the sight of him bare chested heightened her blush and appeared to disconcert her, he kept his trousers on for now. “Your turn, Cherish,” he said softly, taking her by the shoulders to turn her away from him so that he could get at the buttons, tapes, and laces down her back.

What a body on this girl. She was full in all the right places, and soft wherever she ought to be. He meant to explore every inch of her tonight.

He kissed her neck, knowing exactly where to find the most sensitive spot. She gasped and turned to him. “How did you do that?”

“Do what, Cherish?”

“Make me tingle.”

He smiled. “I should hope I learned something over the years.”

She nodded. “Yes, your experience. I suppose all the ladies respond to you this way.”

“No,” he said with a light frown. “Everything changes when two people are committed to each other. What will pass between us is something special, shared only by us, and will strengthen our bonds. I did not marry you because you were like everyone else. Do not worry about doing something wrong or right—just be you.”

Having said that, and not certain he had convinced her to simply relax and enjoy the moment, he pressed his lips to the graceful curve of her neck and suckled lightly.

He smiled when she sighed and leaned against him. “That feels good, too.”

Her eyes were closed as she allowed herself to succumb to these new sensations. That she seemed to enjoy them and want more was a promising sign. He took his time untying the last of her laces, liking the way she seemed to trust him and respond to his touch.

Her skin was warm and her scent was a delicious mix of floral and fruity. He gave her neck a final, soft kiss as he slipped the gown off her shoulders and allowed it to slide with a silky whoosh onto the carpeted floor. After carefully setting the gown over one of the chairs, he then began to undo her corset. Flames shot through him as he turned her to face him and took in her delectable body that was barely hidden beneath her sheer chemise.

“Don’t, love,” he said when she tried to turn away and cover herself up. “You are beautiful. Let me look at you.”

She nodded and set her hands to her sides, not certain what to do next. “All right.”

The little control he had left disappeared once he took the pins from her hair and watched the mountain of curls tumble down her back in a now-familiar golden cascade.

How had no one claimed her hand in marriage before this?

Not that it mattered, for she was his now, and he meant to introduce her to the pleasures of the bedchamber. More important, he hoped to show her how love between two people could flourish. Everything already felt sweeter to him because they were husband and wife.

He lifted her in his arms and carried her to bed, searing her with his kisses as he set her down in the center of it and removed the last of their clothing with as much prowess as one could muster while in hot, inglorious haste.

Both now bared, he covered her with his big body and began to lightly run his hands along her curves. He started innocently at first, merely running his fingers along her arms and then down her legs. Along her sweet, nicely rounded bottom. But it was not long before he dipped his head and took the tip of her breast in his mouth to gently suckle it. By the time he moved on to the other, she was breathing heavily and clutching his shoulders.

He slid his hand between her legs, pleased to find her ready for him.

Well, was this not his reputation? He knew how to arouse a woman’s passion. Cherish, although outwardly serene, did feel things strongly. He had little trouble evoking the desired responses from her, and he took delight in watching her changing expressions. Wonder. Shyness. Eagerness. Willingness.

Heat.

She wanted to experience whatever he had in mind for her this wedding night.

He took his time because she was innocent and everything was new to her. Her delicate hands gripped his shoulders as she sighed and purred, and then arched beneath him as he licked and stroked her. She readily took him in when he entered her.

Lord, she was so exquisitely slick and tight.

He took care to be as gentle as possible, but she quickly became accustomed to him and wanted more.

He was already on fire and hot with need. Blessed saints , she felt good.

It did not take long for her to fall into his rhythm and begin to lose herself in the heightened sensations. Soon, restraint and caution fled them both, and flames of passion consumed them.

They shattered together, she soaring and he spilling himself into her with a satisfied growl and a splendid release that felt better than anything he could ever recall. It took a long moment for them to regain their senses amid laughing grunts, joyful groans, and a messy tangle of limbs.

He rested his forehead lightly against hers, satiated and breathing heavily as they simply absorbed each other. He drew his head up slightly to watch her still floating amid the pleasurable sensations that were so new to her. Finally, she opened her eyes and smiled at him. “That was very nice.”

He chuckled. “I would say so. How do you feel, love?”

Her smile was radiant. “Very much adored.”

Gawain lifted onto his elbows so as not to crush her. “You are, Cherish. You are.”

He had been with many women, had his pick of the prettiest. But none came close to Cherish. She was a mix of innocence and sensuality. Everything about her stirred him, from the cream of her skin to the rose tips of her breasts. From the lushness of that golden mane atop her head to the triangle of gold between her legs. She was softness and silk.

He meant to roll onto his back, not wanting to keep the bulk of his weight atop her. He was a big man and his muscled body was hard in comparison to her softness. She did not appear to mind his weight at all, and emitted a mew of protest when he started to shift his body. “Cherish, how will you breathe if I stay atop you?”

“I can breathe just fine. This feels so nice. I never knew it could be like this between us.”

He planted a kiss on her forehead, and then did move onto his back, but brought her along with him.

“What we did just now… That was wonderful,” she said, nestling in his arms.

“It certainly was.” He was inordinately pleased with himself and still reveling in her passionate response. Some men bedded their wives purely for the purpose of begetting children and used mistresses for the earthier pleasures of making love. But it sat ill with him, and he had no wish to be such a man. He had pledged to be faithful in his marriage vows and meant to keep to his pledge.

But Cherish made it easy for him.

Beauty and brains. Kindness. Passion.

He was giving up nothing in remaining faithful, for there could be no finer bed partner for him than his own beautiful wife. It pleased him that she would be his beloved mate in every sense.

“Gawain…”

“Yes, love?”

She looked up at him with those heart-melting brandy eyes. “How long before we can do this again?”