Page 63 of When She Was a Governess
“How exactly? Did you feel, I mean?”
“It seemed that Providence smiled down upon me. On us. I felt very fortunate indeed to have been chosen by you, regardless of why.”
He reached over to caress the underside of her wrist, marveling at the softness of her skin. “There is something I must say. I do not know if I was as clear as I should have been earlier, when we spoke in the carriage. It is not only that I desire you physically. I find myself more and more smitten with you as the days go on. This initial agreement of ours is not something I can continue. This is not a marriage of convenience. Not for me.”
“Smitten?” Her eyes crinkled at the corners. “I quite like that word coming from your mouth.”
“I’m falling, Sophia. Desperately in love with you.”
“Do you mean it?”
“With all my heart.” He stroked his thumb along her jawline. “You are everything I’ve wanted. Not for Amelia, although that is a blessing, but for me. You do not have to reciprocate. I wanted only for you to understand.”
“I reciprocate. I, too, am smitten. I cannot confess to knowing exactly when. Just suddenly, I knew. But I daren’t hope that you would feel the same way.”
“And here I thought you were a good actress.”
She bubbled over with laughter. “It was easy to pretend to love you, Henry. In fact, it seemed like the most natural thing in the world.”
He leaned closer, kissing her.
She melted into him, her arms coming around his neck, and he stood, lifting her with him. She gasped against his mouth but didn’t pull away. Instead, she kissed him deeper, her fingers threading through his hair.
“Are you afraid?” Henry asked. “Or do you have any questions?”
“I am not afraid. I trust you. But, please, be patient with me. Gentle too? I understand that the first time is not always pleasant for the woman.”
“It is not. However, the second time will be much better.”
“Then, please, take me to bed.”
He carried her to the bed and laid her down gently on the white linens. “Have I told you how beautiful you are to me, my lady?”
“I shall never tire of hearing it.”
He settled beside her, kissing her again before snuffing out the lamp and joining her between the sheets. The servants would have nothing to speculate about in the morning, for they were about to do what couples in love had done on their wedding nights since the beginning of time.
*
Later, after thesecond time, they lay tangled together in the sheets.
Sophia’s head rested on Henry’s chest, her hair spilling across his shoulder. He wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close. Her heart beat against his ribs, gradually slowing to match his own.
“It was not a lie. The second time was not entirely unpleasant,” she said, laughing softly.
“I believe it was more than pleasant. At least for me.” He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
“It was.”
“I will spend the rest of my life giving you pleasure, if I can,” Henry said.
She propped herself up on one elbow to look at him, her hair falling like a curtain around them. “I accept.”
He pulled her down for a kiss, sweet and slow. “It is still hard to believe you’re my wife. You have made me so very happy.”
“And you are my husband.” She settled back against his chest with a contented sigh. “I never imagined I could feel this way. The years have been lonely. Even with how I love Amelia, I have longed for a man. One who would love me just as I am.”
He stroked her hair, marveling at the silky texture between his fingers. “I’m here now. You will no longer be lonely. In truth, you may grow tired of my constant pursuit.”
