The Duke's Alliance: A Soldier's Bride(39)

'Nevertheless, I shall do my best to adapt to my new circumstances. I pray that we have a large family as I believe that is something I should enjoy. I sincerely hope that we don't live to regret our impulsive decision.'

Tears were trickling down her cheeks but she raised a hand when he went to offer her comfort. There was nothing he could say that would make things better. Marrying her and bringing her to England was like putting a wildcat in a cage.

'I love you, do not doubt that for a minute, sweetheart. I would give my life for you, I would kill anyone who harmed a hair on your head, but everything you say is correct. I too will do my best to make things easy for you, to allow you as much freedom as I can.'

He reached out and pulled down both window blinds in turn. Then, ignoring her slight protest, he pulled her almost roughly onto his lap. 'What we do have, darling, is this.'

He had never made love in a moving carriage but it was exactly what they needed to heal the rift between. The danger of discovery, the hilarity of being rocked and bounced from place to place, renewed the one thing they shared. They had passion and he intended that this flame continued to burn and prayed that it would be enough to see them through the difficult times that were coming.

*

After tumbling into the well of the carriage twice she and Perry remained there. It was cramped and uncomfortable but the most exciting thing she had ever done. The thought that at any moment the carriage might stop, or the duke might bang on the window demanding to speak to her husband, just made it all the more thrilling.

When it was over and they had rearranged their clothes, they were both flushed and breathless. He pulled her onto his lap and kissed her with a thoroughness that made her wish they were somewhere they could continue this to its delicious conclusion once again.

'I must apologise…' he began.

'You must not. We are a married couple and can do as we please. I am quite sure we are not the first to behave as we just did in a moving vehicle. A thoroughly exhilarating experience, my lord, even if you did have your boots on.'

His laugh sent shivers down her spine but fortunately the carriage began to slow, they must be approaching the inn where the horses could be exchanged for the second team. When Jenkins had explained she had been part horrified at the extravagance and part impressed by the efficiency.

'Where is my bonnet? I cannot get out so dishevelled, it will be immediately obvious what we have been doing. I shall die of mortification if your brother was to see us like this. He is a stickler for the rules, he might pretend it is otherwise, but I can sense his disapproval when I misbehave.'

'I'm in no better case than you, sweetheart, so I think we must pretend to be asleep. Quickly, grab the furs from the floor and we shall drape them over us before anyone can look in.'

She was giggling so much she was sure it could be heard outside the vehicle. Eventually they were covered and he put his boots on the opposite squab and then she settled back into his arms with her legs stretched out in front of her.

Her breathing gradually slowed and matched his. It was strangely soporific breathing in and out at the same time as somebody else. Her eyes became heavy just as the carriage turned into the yard. Then as the door was opened she saw her missing bonnet quite squashed in the well of the carriage.

'Perry, my poor bonnet, it is quite ruined.' She covered her mouth to keep back another giggle. He was quivering beneath her, trying to hold back his laughter.

'So it is, my love, how very unfortunate.' His voice was choked, she daren't look at him.

The door was hastily closed leaving them to laugh until the tears ran down their cheeks. Nobody suggested they got out for refreshments and in a short space of time they were on their way again.

'The carriage has a fresh team, did your brother and the other two change horses as well?'

'Beau will now be riding Billy. Smith and Jenkins will remain here until their horses are rested and they can continue. They will be bringing Sylvester and the carriage horses with them when they return, but probably not until tomorrow.'

It was stifling under the rugs and she tossed them aside and put her feet to the floor of the carriage. 'I am looking forward to meeting your family, and your nieces and nephews, do you think we will arrive in time for me to be introduced today?'

'I think it might be better, sweetheart, if we left it until tomorrow. In fact, I sincerely hope they haven't formed a welcome party.'

'Now that you mention it, I am sure that they have. After all you are rather like the prodigal son…'

He snorted and flicked her cheek with his finger. 'I am nothing like…' Then he stopped and she saw his expression change as he reconsidered. 'I have certainly come back penniless, have behaved in a reprehensible way, but I don't believe the person in the Bible story brought back the greatest gift of all – a wife.'

'This is going to be an unmitigated disaster, Perry, for both of us, especially for me. My bonnet is past redemption and my gown is little better.'

He didn't answer but dropped the window, the blinds were already rolled back where they should be, and stuck his head out. His brother appeared alongside. 'How far behind us is the carriage with our servants and garments?'

The duke moved away and then returned. 'Not in hailing distance, that's for sure.'

'In which case you must ride ahead and make sure there is no reception committee. We are both in disarray from the journey and I wish to introduce my wife when she is happy with her appearance.'