32. Chapter 32

Chapter 32

Home is Where the Heart Is

“ W e are closing in on Town. I can smell it.” Frank sounded rather melancholy.

“Are you not glad to be home?” Margaret tried to read Frank’s eyes.

“I’m more than happy to be able to enjoy the delectable delights of Lord Fredrick’s cook. I only wish I would be walking into his house rather than being carried by your friendly giant.”

“Be glad Daniel is in my employment. I don’t think Margaret could carry you.” Fred watched Margaret with a smirk, waiting for her response.

Margaret gave him a limp slap on the arm. “Me?” She feigned a look of insult.

“You would not expect me to carry him? I brought him home, and, on top of that, he is staying here until Dr. Haynie states he is free to go. No, no. You would have to carry him in.” Fred appeared adamant.

“Oh, you are despicable!” She turned her head and he pulled her closer to him.

“My sweet. You know I’m teasing.” She looked into his eyes with a conciliatory smile. “I would make sure you had help.” He laughed – well until she pinched him. “Ouch.”

“Oh!” She pulled her arm away from him with the sorriest excuse for a pout.

As they rode up the lane to Fredrick’s house, he sighed, happy to be able to sleep in his own bed. He looked over at his, his Ginny, and desperately hoped she would be in his bed with him tonight. After over a week with her sharing a bed, it seemed near impossible to imagine laying in a bed without her next to him. He did not even want it to be possible. He wanted her with him. How could he possibly lay in a bed without her long, luscious raven hair wrapped around him? How could he sleep? How could he wake without those emerald eyes looking at him?

Daniel got down from the coachman’s seat and opened the coach door. Fred stepped down, then held his arms out for Margaret before Daniel could get inside to carry Frank. “Ben, have Horace saddle up Mercury.” Fredrick held Margaret’s hand when she turned to look at him with a quizzical brow. “I need to go to Bow Street for Frank and report on Thistlewood. It will be easier than sending a missive. Besides, Mercury is most likely ready to tear the stable down. He has been cooped up too long.” He looked up and down the street, then kissed her as he caressed her sweet bottom. “Do you want to go to your parents today or wait until tomorrow when you are more rested?”

“Fredrick, I would much rather stay with you than ever go back home. Do you think we could wait another day?”

“Most definitely. I think another day is imperative.” He put his arms around her and kissed her one more time.

“Fredrick, someone might see us.” She giggled. Another one. He failed to recognize that one. Another giggle to store in his mental catalogue.

He let her go and started walking toward the stables. “I shan’t be gone long. You and Frank behave. I would hate to have to kill him after I have hauled him around all this time.” He winked at her and she strutted away.

When Fred reached the stables, Horace had Mercury saddled and ready to be ridden.

“I walked him daily but I don’t think he was satisfied. I did tell him I would never get on him which seemed to make him happy.”

“Horace, Mercury never lies. I’m glad you listened to him.” Fred gave Horace a pat on the back. “Thank you for minding him in my stead.” Fred mounted up and gave Mercury several pats on his neck. “Come, Mercury, let’s go for a ride.”

Surprise!

At Frank’s request, Daniel had put Frank in the drawing room. Margaret indicated she would stay with Frank in the drawing room until Fredrick returned. “He has been gone a long time,” Margaret said to herself, out loud.

“Perhaps Fielding had many more questions than those related to Little Stevie girl. Remember your father had been working with magistrates around Lincolnshire. They may have requested additional information.” Frank groped for a plausible explanation. He had no idea why Fredrick had been gone so long.

Margaret rested a book in her lap and pretended to be reading while she stared out the window, waiting. “Frank, a coach is coming up the lane. I don’t recognize it.” She scrutinized the coach until she saw the passengers stepping out. “Frank! Frank! It is Muriel!” She screamed. She failed to notice the other passengers as they emerged; she only focused on Muriel. She ran to the front door. “Muriel!” She screamed.

Muriel ran to her. They grasped each other and jumped and hugged and giggled and cried with happiness. “I’m so glad you are finally home.” She looked to see Rosa. “Rosa!” Rosa ran to her and the three ladies hugged. “You must come in and tell me all.” Margaret sounded almost breathless. Her hands were shaking, she felt so happy about so many wonderful things.

“Margaret, I will, but I must bring my husband with me.” Muriel reached back and clutched Martin’s arm. Margaret had forgotten Martin’s size especially compared to little, petite Muriel. Martin adored Muriel. By looking at Martin, anyone could see how completely besotted he was with his new wife.

“Come in, please.” Margaret pulled Muriel and Rosa along.

“Margaret, Mama, and Amina are with us as well. We must wait for them.” Muriel tugged Margaret back toward the Claymont coach. Margaret was so excited to see Muriel she had failed to notice them.

“I’m so sorry. Lady McDonnell, Amina. So good to see you both. I'm sure both of you are thrilled to have your girls home.” Margaret could not be happier. Margaret turned back to Muriel. “When did you return?”

“Yesterday. We went to your house. Your father told us you were somewhere with Lord Fredrick. Tell us all about that ?” Muriel squeezed Margaret’s hand; her eyes wide with curiosity.

“I would like to hear this story as well.” Martin lifted a brow toward Margaret.

Margaret had so engrossed herself in her dearest and oldest friends, she failed to notice Fredrick had come through the mews and entered the house from the stables. He slipped up toward his bedchamber via the back stairs. He performed a quick ablution, changed from his riding clothes to more appropriate wear, then wandered downstairs. “Oh, Martin!” Fred walked over to Martin and they embraced. “I’m glad to put eyes on my oldest – "

"And dearest!" Martin interjected.

Fred got tickled at Martin's addition. "Yes, yes – and dearest friend. I have much to tell and much to hear. We will need hours.”

“I agree. Many hours including many bottles of scotch.” They were almost like brothers. Daniel entered the room with a food cart. Loaded with tea, coffee, brandy, wine, scotch, and food treats. Lots of plates and serviettes.

“How did you know I was hungry?” Margaret recognized Helen's voice. Helen smiled at her. “I’m hungry. But I’m dying to hear about your so-called disappearance.”

“What are you doing here?” Margaret asked in delighted surprise.

“Muriel and Rosa, that’s what I’m doing here.” Helen picked up a biscuit and put her arms around her. “I love you, Margaret.” Margaret kissed her on the cheek.

Fredrick walked over to use the bellpull. “What do you require, my lord?” Mr. Winston appeared.

“I need you to – “ About that time, he noticed that Daniel had opened the large pocket doors.

“I had Daniel open the doors for more room. Would there be anything else, my lord?” Mr. Winston inquired.

“Yes, Mr. Winston, please watch for Sir Fielding.” Fred was concerned about Fielding arriving.

“Why is he coming, Lord Fredrick?” Frank struggled to sit up.

“I think there are a few questions he needed to ask you directly.” Fredrick shrugged it off.

“I hate to intrude, but I need to speak with Margaret, privately, if you please,” Fredrick announced to the group.

“Fredrick, we have guests.” She leaned into him and whispered.

“We will be right back, Ginny.” She gave him such a sultry look.

“Margaret, don’t look at me like that when we have a room full of guests.” Fred took her hand as they went up the stairs and into his bedchamber. Fredrick closed the door and leaned up against it. “Ginny, do you remember the first time you were in this chamber?”

“Of course I do. It has not been that long ago, Fredrick. How could I ever forget?” She put her hands on his shoulders and stood on tiptoes to kiss him. He responded by putting one hand on her bottom and the other on her breast. “Fredrick, we can’t do this now. Please.” She whined.

“Margaret, are you certain you desire to marry me?” He looked intensely down at her and those emerald eyes. Her eyes widened, and she seemed to hesitate. Fredrick could feel her trembling. “Margaret, I told you the morning of our first night together; I wanted you to be my friend, my lover, and now, I hope to add, my wife. Quite solemnly, I am asking, will you marry me, Margaret? For better for worse, for richer, for poorer – “

Fredrick watched as tears began to pool in those brilliant green eyes. “Did I say the wrong thing? Margaret, it is alright, my sweet. If you are not ready – “

She put her arms around him and laid her head on his chest. “Fredrick, I told you yes before we left for Dorset. I have had fantasies about being married to the most handsome man in the peerage for a long time, but I never, ever dreamed that it would come true.” She pulled away from him. “Yes, yes, yes, yes. Fredrick, yes , I will be thrilled, honored, ecstatic to be your wife.”

“Phew!” He blew out. “Good heavens, Margaret. You had me so worried you were going to say no.”

“You foolish man. Never, ever would I have said no. I love you, Fredrick. I have been enamored of you for years. It is like a dream come true. No, it is a dream come true.”

“Good. Notice the box? Open it.”

She gave him a leery look. “Go on, open it.” Fred walked her over to the bed with the box sitting on it.

She pulled the lid off. “Oh, my Goodness! Fredrick.” Tears began to flow. She pulled the gown out of the box and held it up to her. “Fredrick, when did you do this?”

“Ginny, try it on.” She held the beautiful empire gown up to her. The straps fell way down on the shoulder. The gown looked like it would have fallen off, but Miss Christopher had heavy stitching on the inside to keep the gown supported. The exquisite fabric looked to be a royal blue that slightly changed colors in the light with a small train in light blue. “Ginny, do you not like it? I can get another one – “

“I love it. You are the most wonderful man in the whole wide world.”

“Put it on, Ginny.” He began to unbutton the back of her dress. “I don’t think you need a chemise. This is beautiful. You don’t want any lines underneath that will distract from the gown itself.”

“I should wait for the wedding. Don’t you think?”

Fred put up a finger. He reached into his pocket. “Look, Margaret.” He held out a paper.

“What is this?” She took the paper from him. She realized it was a special license. “Oh, Fredrick! I’m thrilled, of course, I am, but I cannot do this. My parents would be furious if we wed without them to be a part.” She dropped her arm with the paper. Such a look of disappointment.

“That is the reason why I told your parents to be here. They should be downstairs by now.” She sobbed again. “Margaret, if we go downstairs now, they will think that I coerced you into this wedding.”

“They would never think that. Most of them rightly suspected I had a tendre for you. I will try to stop, but I will not promise anything.” He helped her put the gown on.

“Look in the mirror. You look beautiful.”

“When did you decide to do this?”

“Hum. Let me think. It had to be the day on the pier. I thought, ‘Fredrick Windham if you don’t marry her right away, you are nothing but a fool.’ Not wanting to be a fool, I wrote to your designer, who should be here by now.”

Someone knocked on the door. “Come,” Fredrick called to the door.

“Mama!” Tears rained down Margaret's cheeks. Her mother walked over and embraced her.

“Margaret, I know you are happy. You love him?” Her mother searched Margaret's eyes.

“Oh, Mama. I love him so much. Yes, I love him.”

“Well, then, we need to get you dressed and ready to go downstairs. This house is getting quite full.”

“Who will marry us? Do we have anyone, Fredrick? Did you think about a preacher?” Margaret panicked.

“No, Margaret. No preacher. It is Sir John Fielding.” He walked over and kissed her on the forehead. “Now, no more tears, sweet.”

Fred walked down the stairs; his chest pumped out. A grin on his face. He got to the opening of the drawing room and put his thumbs up. The entire room gave out a loud, “Hooray!”

Fred saw Miss Christopher. “Did you bring the shoes?”

“Yes, my lord.”

“And the lingerie?”

“Yes, my lord.” She giggled. He remembered then she giggled. The little cherub.

“And her trousseau?”

“I started on it the day I received your note. I have several things made already, but my main concern was her wedding gown. What did you think of it?” She giggled.

“I’m the wrong person to ask. I think she would look beautiful in a grain sack.” Miss Christopher giggled. “But she loves it, as does her mother.”

Miss Christopher started up the stairs. Martin walked over to Fredrick. “These home weddings are so much more fun. I like this impromptu atmosphere. It is rather exciting. You have done quite well, my friend.” Martin looked over the crowd for Henry. “Shall we toast to the four horsemen?” He caught Henry's eye. “Henry! Henry, ole boy. Are you next to fall off the horse or is it going to be John?”

“I’m not one to tell tales, but I think if John has anything to say about it, he will be next.” Henry nodded in agreement with his comment.

“And who is the lady? Do I know her?” Martin wondered.

“No, but, don’t ask now. It is too long a story. We will discuss it over that bottle of scotch.” Henry canted to the scotch decanter on the cart.

Fredrick became nervous, not about the wedding but about whether Sir John Fielding would show up. Fred knew that Fielding’s driver acted as his eyes, but he failed to see a coachman in the crowd. He looked around and finally noticed Fielding sitting on the couch next to Frank. Fredrick knew those two had much to discuss regarding Thistlewood.

Fred had failed to notice Lord Maxwell until he heard his wife call him upstairs.

“Rosa, time to begin.” Muriel walked with Rosa to the piano. Rosa played the piano on a professional level. She got extremely nervous playing in front of an audience. “You know these people are not here to listen to you play, they are here to see Lady Margaret and Lord Fredrick marry. You will be fine, correct?” Muriel had confidence in Rosa.

“Yes, this kind of performance I thoroughly enjoy. I’m almost as happy for Margaret as I was for you, sister.”

“I know.” Muriel hugged Rosa, then Rosa sat down at the piano.

“Come, Fredrick. We need to get to the front of the room.” Martin turned to Sir Fielding. “Sir Fielding, allow me to escort you to the front. Your services are needed.” Martin found it ironic. Fred had given instructions for Martin’s wedding.

Martin and Fredrick stood in front of Sir Fielding when Fredrick quietly said, “I would have loved for John and Blackwood to be here, but I could not wait another day for her to be in my bed permanently.”

“No one understands better than I, my friend.” Martin put an arm around Fredrick and gave him a one-armed hug. “I know you will be a good husband. I have known you all my life. She could never find a finer man.”

“Thank you, Martin. I have truly missed you. You will be here until when?”

“It’s uncommonly warm here this year. I want to take the entire family to Bristol. What say you?”

“Originally, that had been my plan. I’m unsure about Margaret’s parents with David's condition.”

“I heard about David. Tragic. But today is a day for celebration.”

“Yes, it is.” Fred beamed.

The soft tinkle of piano keys drifted in the air as Rosa’s nimble fingers moved across the keys. Margaret walked down the staircase on her father’s arm. As they reached Fredrick and Martin, Lord Maxwell kissed his daughter on the cheek, then reached across and shook Fred’s hand. “I could not ask for a better son-in-law.”

“Thank you, Edward. I will honor her, always.” Fredrick smiled at her. Thrilled for her to be his wife.

“I know you will,” Edward responded then stepped back with his wife.

The guests stayed until late in the night, which filled Fredrick with happiness – to be able to share the experience with his friends. Martin spoke with Henry while Muriel sat on his lap. Muriel’s mother, Lady McDonnell, appeared mortified but no one else seemed to care. Margaret spent some time with Helen, Rosa, and Muriel. Sir Fielding stayed and spoke with Fredrick, Martin, and Henry.

Everyone who attended the event drank too much. Mr. Winston continually restocked the food and appetizers for the guests but it seemed champagne and scotch were the choices of the night. The first to leave were Margaret’s parents. They would have stayed longer, but they worried over David.

Lord and Lady Maxwell hugged Margaret tightly. She thought she saw a tear slip from her father’s eye. Her mother cried throughout the ceremony, tears of joy for her darling daughter. Margaret could not stop smiling. She would look across the room at Fredrick and pinch herself. Fredrick married her.

She could never have written a better happy ending than this. Fredrick had never said he loved her. But it made her so happy when he said that she would always be his only lover, his best friend, his lifelong companion, and a woman he would always honor. For her, it was more than she could have ever imagined from anyone, let alone the man of her long desire.

Sir Fielding asked Mr. Winston to fetch his coachman and thanked Fredrick for the opportunity to participate in such a lovely occasion. Martin finally stood with his wife in his arms. “We have had a busy few days with our trip home. We both had to be here, but now my baby is asleep. I must take her home and tuck her in.”

“And what of Rosa, Lady McDonnell, and Amina?” Fred wondered what the arrangement would be now.

“Rosa is going home with Lady McDonnell and Amina.” Martin smiled, understanding what Fredrick was asking.

“Good night Martin. I’m so happy you were here.”

“Me too. Congratulations, love you, my friend.” Martin winked at Fred.

Fredrick used the bellpull. “Mr. Winston, would you have – “

“I have asked Daniel to carry Mr. Stewart upstairs and put him in one of the guest rooms farthest from your bedchamber. It seems that Lord Addams is staying as well. I will put him next to Mr. Stewart’s room.”

“Mr. Winston, you cannot ever leave me. I’m afraid you will be stuck with me and mine until your dying day.”

“That is fine. However…”

Fred turned and stared at Mr. Winston. “However, what, Mr. Winston?” Hoping Mr. Winston was not about to ruin his perfect day.

“Well, this is not a conversation I wished to have on the night of your wedding, but the mood has tempted me to bring it up.”

“What are you attempting to say, Mr. Winston?” Fred tucked his hands behind his back; fearful of Winston’s next words.

“Would you…would it be…” Mr. Winston was holding his hands together in front of him, unlike his usual confident demeanor with his hands behind his back. Fred noticed Mr. Winston's knuckles were white with tension. Not good.

“Mr. Winston. As long as I have known you, difficulty saying anything has never been one of your faults. This is worrisome. Please, tell me.”

“I wish to marry. Would you be opposed to me taking a wife?”

“Good heavens, Mr. Winston. You scared the hell out of me. Marry? Would I be opposed? Mr. Winston. I would never deny anyone their happiness. I’m so happy with my decision to marry; how could I begrudge anyone the same experience? So, tell me, who is the lucky lady?” Fredrick had only seen Mr. Winston react to one woman since Fred had known him.

“That would be the lovely Mrs. Magillin.” Mr. Winston looked down; a big smile on his face.

“I’m delighted. Have you discussed it with her?” Fredrick hoped. He would never want to see Mr. Winston’s heart broken.

“Yes, my lord. She consented. I waited to get your consent. There is much to ‘juggle’ for lack of a better word, beg pardon.”

“You may have the wedding here, or anywhere of your choice. Get what you want to that end. Use Margaret’s modiste. Tell Midred to order whatever you desire for an after-wedding breakfast.”

“You are more than kind, my lord. I will discuss it with her.”

“And Mr. Winston. I think we need to consider a place for the two of you to call home. You need your own place.” Fred explained.

“My lord. I never thought to leave.” Mr. Winston insisted.

“No, and I would never want you to leave. I can remodel the rooms above the stables to include a bedroom, kitchen, small dining area, small living area, and water closet. Would you like such accommodations?”

“I would never want you to spend so much, my lord.” Mr. Winston wanted to hug Fred.

“Consider it done. Have your fiancée provide input on her preferences. Alright?”

“If you are sure, my lord, I’m sure she will be thrilled.” Mr. Winston rolled up on his toes and smiled broadly.

“I’m happy for you.” Fred looked around. “Now, my first night as a husband and I have already lost my wife.” Fred had his hands on his hips, his eyes scouring the room.

“I’m here!” She called from the staircase with a champagne bottle and two flutes in her hands.

“Here I come, wife.” He took the stairs two at a time. He grabbed her by the waist, swept her into his arms, and carried her into the bedchamber. “Pretend it is a threshold.” He kissed her ardently before he put her down. “Now, shall I ravish you first or would you like to drink the champagne and discuss the most fabulous wedding I have ever seen?” He was beyond besotted.

“Oh, my dear Fredrick. That is not fair. You know I can never turn you down, but I also would like to drink champagne and talk about our wonderful wedding.”

“So, I will get you out of this beautiful wedding gown so you will be completely naked. I can play with your cunny while we talk about the wedding. How does that sound?” He asked as he played with her nipple through her gown. His attempt to lure her had resulted in a raging cockstand.

“As long as you are nude as well. Agreed?” Margaret reached down and stroked his hard cock through the fabric.

“Oh, yes. Absolutely. Let me help you with the gown.”

“Fred, the ladies adored my dress. Thank you." He kissed her on the cheek. "Then I get to remove your clothes.” She insisted.

What a minx. He had the best of all worlds. She was beautiful, smart, compassionate, sexy, sensuous, and all his. He only wished to strip down and ravish her now. Margaret helped him remove his topcoat. She unbuttoned his waistcoat, making sure she removed his watch first. “Gin, you must have noticed I always put my pocketwatch away first. You are observant, sweet.” He wanted a luscious breast in his mouth.

“Fredrick. Because I love you so much. You know I do, do you not?”

“Yes, my sweet. I do.” She untied his cravat. Unbuttoned the buttons on his shirt, then pulled his shirt from under his trousers.

“You were the most handsome man in the room." She kissed his chest. "Raise your arms, husband.” He swiveled his hips and gave her a seductive look. He wanted to be buried inside her.

“My sweet, let me. You're not quite tall enough.” He removed his shirt and Margaret stood in front of Fredrick in awe of the man. She was almost euphoric. She had married the most wonderful, amazing man of her dreams.

“Do you mind if I call you ‘husband’ for an indefinite period of time?”

“Ginny,” He put his hands on her arms. “When you look at me with those gorgeous emerald eyes, I would agree to anything.” He leaned in and kissed her. Her response was what he needed to take her now.

“Husband, I have to take your trousers off.”

He could not believe he had forgotten. “No, no. Not yet.” Margaret put her hands on her hips. “Being so elated I pulled off to this ‘surprise’ wedding, I failed to give you something that I had in my pocket prior to the ceremony.” He reached into his pocket and presented his Ginny with a ring box. She looked up at him as she slowly reached toward him and accepted the box.

“Fredrick…”

“Husband,” he corrected. “Remember, you said you were going to call me ‘husband’.” God, she looked delicious.

“Yes, husband. You gave me this beautiful band with diamonds and emeralds during the ceremony. It was more than what I expected. I love it. It is beautiful.”

“Open the box.” He smiled with anticipation, watching her expression as she opened the box.

“Oh, my gosh! Fredrick!” She had the box in one hand and threw herself against him, on her toes, showering him with kisses. “It is the most beautiful ring I have ever seen in my life. I will be the envy of every lady in the ton .” She slipped the ring on her finger and held her hand out in front of her.

“I wanted you to be satisfied with it. It should fit perfectly over the band.”

She held her arm out and wiggled her fingers for him to see. There were emeralds surrounding a very large diamond. “Oh, Fredrick. How many carats? Never mind. It does not matter.” Again, she extended her left arm to admire the ring for herself. “This ring will let those lovely ladies of the ton know you are mine. And they better finally leave you alone.”

“What are you saying? What beauty danced all night long with all the eligible gentlemen from the ton , who I am quite sure were hoping for more than a dance? And a few that were not even eligible.” He hooked his finger under her chin, raised her lovely face to him, and kissed her. He thoroughly ravished her mouth. The pins fell as Fredrick plunged his hands into her hair. “Wife, I need to be inside you right now.” He unbuttoned his fall. His trousers fell. He stepped out of them and picked her up. “Wrap your legs around my waist.” He walked her to the wall. “I’m sorry, I cannot wait.”

“I don’t care.” She gasped out. He had her against the wall, reached down and placed his cock at her entrance, and slammed up into her. “Ah!” As if he knocked the breath out of her with the thrust.

Fred froze. “Did I hurt you? Oh, heavens. I want you so damn bad.” His cock was throbbing.

“I’m fine Fred. Don’t stop, please.” He bit and sucked on her neck as he plunged in and out of her. “You have me Fred; you are rubbing against my friend down there. I’m going to come.” Fred could feel the muscles inside her massage his cock and he lost control. He pumped into her again and again. “Heavens, Margaret. Why is it I have never had such orgasms until I began making love to you?” Then he burst apart. He held her to the wall for a moment.

Margaret still had her legs wrapped around Fredrick’s waist when he turned around toward their clothes. He bent down to his knees, laid Margaret down, and then laid atop her while on his elbows. “Husband, what are you doing? Are you ready to do it again?" She giggled.

Fred chuckled. He planned to take her all night, but that is not what he was seeking. “No, not yet. I want to ask you a question.” He looked into those wonderful eyes.

“Alright, Fredrick. Ask.” She sensed the conversation becoming serious.

“Why did you marry me, Ginny? I need to know. Truly. Why did you?” He was watching Ginny's eyes.

“Fredrick. I’m taken aback by your question.” She turned her eyes away from him, but when she looked back, he continued to watch her face. Margaret looked at his expression, trying to understand the rationale for his query. She remained speechless, attempting to formulate a response. Fredrick remained mum. She decided to provide an unpretentious answer.

He remained quiet, giving her time. She gave an audible exhale, then cleared her throat. “I fail to recall my age at the time – young. What I do remember is riding through the park in the open carriage with Mama and Papa. Two or three young gentlemen were riding through the park on horses. I remember my eyes falling on the one. He had removed his hat and I saw all this thick, dark brown hair, a bit longer than the other two gentlemen's. He wore deerskin pants. They were tight. I could see his muscles flex as he moved with the horse. He must have felt me staring at him because he looked over at me and smiled as he rode on with his male companions. I asked Papa if he knew the man. He looked over where I pointed and told me he thought the young man was Lord Fredrick Windham. That evening, after dinner, I went to my bedchamber and pretended to be dancing with the most handsome man I had ever beheld.” Fred kissed her cheek.

“When I began attending the debutante balls, I would watch you dance with many lovely ladies, vying for your charms. For two years, I would watch you and wish you would come and ask me for a dance, but I knew there was no chance for me; too plain for the likes of such a handsome and eligible gentleman. I was indiscernible from the wallpaper. The first time you noticed me was when Muriel had been attacked and we all stood vigil. You were so nice; and personable. And I suppose I ‘blossomed’, so to speak, at least a little. The first time you kissed me, I had never been kissed before. You were the first. You must have sensed my nervousness, but you kissed me anyway. When I went home, I never wanted to wash my face. I thought you must have kissed all the girls you danced with. I remembered you said something about, ‘If I had done any better, you would have fucked me in front of all the couples on the terrace.’ I had never heard that word. I’m still not sure if I understand if it is a good word or a bad one. I had to sneak downstairs and ask the only person I could trust to tell me without them either thinking bad of me or telling Mama and Papa. He tried to explain, but it still made no sense. When you took me home after that attempted robbery in the park, I had my first…first, you know…orgasm. Then you hurt me so badly, I surmised you thought me unworthy. I went home and cried all night. I decided to do my best to pretend you had not affected me at all. I guess I appeared somewhat comely, as I certainly danced all night. But, even then, I watched where you were, if you were dancing, if you might be looking at me. Fredrick, I think I have loved you since the first time I saw you in the park with Mama and Papa. You might call it enamored. I know I have loved you for a long time. I never, ever, ever thought I would end up as your wife. I have been pinching myself since that first night in this house and I’m still pinching myself. I love you so much. You gave me the biggest surprise today and the most romantic wedding I could have ever dreamed of. It is still inconceivable that you picked me, but I promise, Fredrick, I will strive every single day to ensure you never regret it.” She had tears rolling down the side of her face; into her hair. Fred put his lips to her face and kissed the tears.

“Margaret. You are one foolish girl. You are too good for me and I knew it the first time I kissed you. My God. For someone who had never been kissed – Margaret, I moaned. I moaned . I have never moaned ever in my life. You scared me to death. I wanted you so badly, I could not even look at you without my cock getting hard. I went crazy when I was around you. I attempted to stay away, but I could not do it. You seemed to suck me into your orbit.” He wiped her tears with his hands. He sweetly kissed her lips. “I wondered why you had married me when I had never said I loved you.”

“It made no difference to me. I knew you were kind. You were thoughtful. You would always take care of me and our children if we were lucky enough to have them. I thought we had great sex and we got along well. I hoped someday you could love me, but I love you enough for both of us.”

Fred rolled off of Margaret. Took her hand. “Scoot to the wall with me.”

“Are we going to have sex on the wall again?” She giggled. Another giggle.

“No, sweet. I want to lean up against something and hold you in my arms. Shall we do that?”

“I would love to.” She adored him.

They got to the wall. He reached for her and put her on his lap. “Margaret. When we traveled to Dorset, there were five men in that coach with you. You handled the trip extremely well. When we arrived at the pier and Frank was shot, you stepped in, you were calm, and so caring. And then how gentle and kind you were with Little Stevie girl. I watched you. We went back to the hotel and you worried over me. Margaret, there is no one in the entire world as kind and caring as you are. I have been attracted to you. I’ve never seen a body as gorgeous as yours. You are beautiful. Day after day, I am more in awe of your beauty. And you don’t even know it. When we returned to the inn, after you fell asleep, I wrote letters to Miss Christopher and Mr. Rundell. I knew, above and beyond your beauty and your sensuality, you have the kindest heart. I know you love me. I am amazed yet honored you have cared for me as long as you have.”

He took her face in his hands. “I love you. How could I not love you, Margaret, Lady Margaret Windham, my Ginny? My Gin?” He sealed his words of love to her with a kiss. Softly. Slowly. Gently. He drank in her sweetness as he continued to press his mouth to hers. He wanted her to understand through his actions; his feelings for her were not only about their sexual relationship but because of every bit of what was her. She was why he loved her. He moaned into her mouth and remembered their kiss on the terrace. She was the first to ever cause that reaction in him. Now, she would be the last as well. He did love her – immensely. “Now, can we get up? My legs are numb.” He did so completely and utterly love this woman. She moved off his lap, and he stood to help her up. “I have one more surprise for you. Go take care of your toileting and come to bed.” Her cute little bottom jiggled as she sashayed into the necessary.

Suddenly, Fredrick heard, “Ohhh, Husband!” Margaret ran out of the necessary with a thin, oblong, silver box, Fred knew she had found another surprise for her. “It says, ‘Lady Ginny Windham’. You bought me my very own toothbrush.” She ran over to him and showered him with kisses.

“Did you read the other side?”

She looked at him as she turned the silver box over, then read the words with tears in her eyes. “I love you."