by Alexa Aston
She rose. “I’ll walk out with you.”
He bid her aunt and uncle goodnight and they went downstairs.
He paused at the door, his hands cupping her cheeks. “Don’t let any of the women run over you tomorrow. If you have a preference for something, speak up.”
“They will know far more about arranging a wedding than I ever would. I will be happy to take all of their suggestions.”
He bent and pressed kiss on her forehead. “Thank you for accepting my proposal, Mia. It will be nice to be married to my friend. I hope we’ll become best friends.” He stepped back. “Goodnight.”
She saw him out the door and then leaned against it, a huge sigh escaping.
A week from now, she would be married. Everyone said she was clever. Mia knew if she put her mind to it, she could come up with a way to make Hudson her husband in every sense of the word.
Chapter Seventeen
Mia stood in the large bedchamber at the Duke of Linfield’s home, surrounded by a bevy of women.
“You are a beautiful bride,” Laurel told her. “Hudson is a lucky man.”
It was hard to think of this woman as Laurel. She was a duchess, full of grace and beauty and wit. Hudson’s twin had insisted they be on a first-name basis, though. In fact, all his female relatives demanded the same. She had met every one of them before her engagement but had spent many hours in their company this past week as they planned her wedding. Aunt Fanny had also been included in every session and Mia could see her aunt relax as she realized this family was a tightknit group who would close ranks and protect their own.
Catherine had wanted to host the affair but Laurel had begged to do so herself since Hudson was her twin. Each St. Clair female, by blood or marriage, had made every effort for today to be incredibly special. Mia now looked upon Laurel, Catherine, Rachel, Leah, and Caroline as the sisters she’d never had. She knew as time passed that their husbands would become like brothers to her.
A bonus of spending so much time with Hudson’s family included the ability to spend time around his numerous nieces and nephews. Mia had never been around children but the St. Clair family was full of them. It surprised her how much she enjoyed the company of the children, who varied in age from fifteen-year-old Jenny, who was the oldest, to Laurel’s four-year-old daughter, who had been born on Christmas Day.
“We better go downstairs,” Rachel suggested. “Hudson will be anxious to start the ceremony.” She kissed Mia’s cheek and whispered, “Remember to wear the night rail I gave you tonight. It will drive him mad.”
Mia felt the hot blush spill across her cheeks. Though she had a new wardrobe for this Season, Catherine had insisted that Mia visit her modiste. Madame Toufours had created the bridal gown of softest yellow with sprigs of green, as well as several other dresses and a riding habit. She’d missed riding and hoped she and Hudson would do some on their honeymoon. They were leaving for his country estate, Meadowbrook, after the wedding breakfast. In fact, Hudson had gone down and spent three days there, preparing the place for her. She’d learned he had recently inherited it from his great-grandmother and that it was close to the Duke of Everton’s country place in Kent.
Though she’d grown close to these women during the past week, she had confided in none of them the arrangement she’d made with her fiancé. Every St. Clair woman seemed to be besotted by their husbands and the feeling was mutual. They were a very affectionate group. She wondered if they would consider her and Hudson’s behavior odd after their marriage. Mia wished she could have the type of relationship with him that these women did with their spouses, warm and loving and very affectionate. Until then, the revealing night rail from Rachel would not be worn.
Everyone kissed her goodbye and wished her well until she was left with Aunt Fanny.
“I can see my qualms were unnecessary. Even if you don’t move within the ton, these women will take good care of you. Their friends, too. I wish I would have had such a loving, supportive group of females.”
“You are now a part of the family, too, Aunt Fanny. Extended family. They have taken you and Uncle in as some of their own.”
“It’s true. They’ve been most welcoming.” Her aunt paused. “I just want to be sure you believe you’re making the right decision, Mia. Do you have an affection for Mr. St. Clair?”
“I do. We have kissed,” she admitted. “I found it heavenly.”
What was left unsaid was she doubted much of that would happen anytime soon.
“Good. Oh, your mother would have been so proud of you today. Look at you, how beautiful you are.” Aunt Fanny smiled wistfully. “You and Mr. St. Clair will make a lovely couple. You’ll also have beautiful children.”
“Aunt Fanny!”
“What? I can’t talk about that?” Her aunt chuckled. “These St. Clair women seem to talk about things such as that all the time.”
“They are very open,” Mia admitted.
Someone knocked on the door and then it opened. Her uncle stood there.
“Are you ready, Mia?” he asked.
“Yes, Uncle Trentham.”
She joined him and took his arm, while her aunt left the room.
“You have found a good man, Mia. Mr. St. Clair sees you for who you are and appreciates you. You will never have to pretend with him. I know it’s not quite the marriage Fanny hoped you might make, but I believe it will be quite a successful one.”
“I hope so,” she said softly.
He led her downstairs and they entered the drawing room. It was filled with people, first and foremost St. Clairs, but also many of their friends. As her uncle led her to the far end of the room, she saw all five St. Clair siblings standing together. His brothers, Jeremy and Luke, stood to Hudson’s left. His sisters, Laurel and Rachel, would stand up for her. The closer she came, all others faded from view. Mia only had eyes for her handsome groom. He looked as eager as a schoolboy as she moved toward him. She found herself beaming at him.
Uncle Trentham handed her off and Hudson took her hand.
“Are you ready to do this?” he asked softly.
She nodded, not trusting herself to speak.
The clergyman gave a quick, lovely sermon about love. His words saddened her, knowing how many couples in this room were in love, and how she was marrying a man who only wanted to be her friend. She was determined to have a real marriage, though, and only hoped her new husband would go along with her wishes. When she would make them known, she hadn’t a clue.
Hudson spoke his vows firmly, brimming with confidence. Mia spoke much more softly but with purpose.
Then they were man and wife and being congratulated and cheered by their guests. Hudson led her into the wedding breakfast, with lavishly decorated tables covered in white cloths and beautiful china. Bouquets of colorful flowers abounded, taken from the various St. Clair gardens and lovingly arranged by Rachel. Conversation was lively and several toasts were made honoring the couple.
Then the Duke of Everton rose. “As head of this family, I’d like to make the final toast and allow Mia and Hudson to be on their way to Meadowbrook.” He looked around the room and then his eyes fell upon the groom.
“Hudson, we have only known we are brothers by blood for the past ten years but know that you are a brother of my heart, as well as blood. You have brought your unique point of view and a great deal of common sense to the St. Clairs and injected us with a spirit of happiness and goodwill. Though you are younger than I am, I constantly seek your advice and know your guiding hand will never lead me astray. Fortunately, you had the good judgment to make Lady Mia Sloane your bride and bring her into the fold.”
Jeremy smiled at her. “You, my lady, bring intelligence and beauty and a sense of wonderment regarding our world. I know the St. Clair family will be better and stronger with you among us.” The duke lifted his champagne glass. “To Mia and Hudson!”
“To Mia and Hudson!” the room echoed heartily.
She looked shyly at her new husban
d and he grinned. Clinking his glass against hers, he said, “To a life of discovery, wherever that takes us.”
As she sipped her champagne, she hoped to discover everything she could about this man.
“You need to get on the road,” Laurel said. “It will take a good ten hours at least to reach Meadowbrook, if not longer. As it is, you’ll be exhausted when you arrive.”
Mia slipped upstairs and changed into a traveling gown with Rachel and Leah’s assistance. She returned downstairs and, like Hudson, she was swamped with goodbye kisses and embraces and well wishes.
Aunt Fanny was the last to speak to her, hugging her tightly.
“I wish you every happiness, Mia. Trentham and I will be eager to visit with you when you return from Kent.”
The entire group walked them to their waiting carriage and as it pulled away, she waved goodbye, tearing up a bit.
“Don’t worry,” Hudson said. “We won’t be gone forever. A honeymoon is expected these days. It will give us a chance to get to know one another better. I’m eager for you to see Meadowbrook since we’ll spend some of our time there during the year.”
“I know it’s fairly close to Eversleigh and Fairhaven and I was told you’ve recently inherited it.”
“It was left to me by Cor, my great-grandmother. It was a favorite place of hers.”
He told her of different trips he’d taken to Meadowbrook with Cor and how she’d taught a rough and tumble boy of the streets how to be a perfect English gentleman.
“Cor knew I wouldn’t be accepted into Polite Society but she wanted me to have the manners all the same. She wanted me to be comfortable at university and, later, when I learned about various businesses. Cor shaped a good deal of my thinking and my moral compass. She had a heart of gold and a resolve stronger than steel. She was, by far, the smartest St. Clair of all and respected by all of Polite Society. A true force of nature.”
“You miss her.”
“I do,” he admitted. “Having Meadowbrook, though, is as if having a piece of her.”
“It was thoughtful of her to leave it to you.”
He looked at her steadily, as if he wanted to say something, and then turned away to glance out the window. “Yes, it was. Cor was a thoughtful woman.”
They had left London just before noon and didn’t arrive at Meadowbrook until almost eleven that night. Hudson had nudged Mia when they arrived. She yawned, so tired from being in the carriage for such a long time, despite the stops they’d made to switch out horses. She leaned on Hudson as they were greeted by the butler and housekeeper, a married couple named Little.
“Lady Mia is very tired,” her husband said. “Can you send someone up to help her get ready for bed? She has no lady’s maid yet.”
“I’ll tend to her myself, Mr. St. Clair,” the housekeeper said.
Mia took a few steps and thought she might collapse until Hudson scooped her up and carried her up the stairs and to a bedchamber. She snuggled against his chest and closed her eyes, inhaling his masculine scent.
She must have fallen asleep because Mrs. Little shook her awake. Mia lay on a bed. Hudson was gone. Her trunk rested on the floor. She sat up but kept her eyes closed as the housekeeper undressed her.
“Oh, this is a pretty thing,” the woman exclaimed, holding up the night rail Rachel had gifted her.
“Not that,” she said wearily.
“Of course, my lady. You are tired tonight. You can wear it tomorrow night instead. By then, of course, you will be well-rested and ready for Mr. St. Clair.”
That thought caused her to open her eyes.
“No, Mrs. Little. I do think I’ll wear it after all.”
A knowing look gleamed in the housekeeper’s eyes. “Very well, Lady Mia.”
As the housekeeper assisted her, she asked, “Would you please call me Mrs. St. Clair? I would prefer that.”
Since Hudson had no title and she was the daughter of a viscount, society allowed Mia to still be referred to as a lady. She didn’t like that. It put distance between her and Hudson and would be a constant reminder of what he didn’t have. Besides, she rather liked having his name.
Mrs. Little smiled in approval. “Of course, Mrs. St. Clair. I’ll let the servants know your wishes.” She hesitated a moment and then said, “Mr. St. Clair is a particular favorite around here, ever since Her Grace brought him over a decade ago. We were more than pleased when Meadowbrook was placed in his hands.”
Mia liked that the servants thought well of Hudson. She would take their opinion any day over that of the ton.
“Where is my husband?” she asked.
“He’s gone to his rooms, Mrs. St. Clair.” Mrs. Little pointed to a door. “That door leads to your dressing room and a shared bathing chamber is beyond that. If you keep going, you’ll reach Mr. St. Clair’s dressing room and his bedchamber.” Her eyes twinkled. “If you’ve found your second wind, I’m sure he would be happy to see you.”
She wasn’t sure of that but she smiled. “Thank you, Mrs. Little.”
“I’ll show you around the house tomorrow,” the housekeeper promised. “You can meet all the servants then. Would you prefer a tray in your room for breakfast or will you eat downstairs with Mr. St. Clair?”
“Downstairs,” she said, not wanting to miss a single moment with her new husband.
“Very well. Do you need anything else?”
“No, thank you.”
Mrs. Little left and Mia, now wide awake, paced about the large chamber. The wallpaper was a soft cream color with scattered violets. Two chairs sat next to a window, a table between them and a large bouquet of flowers sitting upon it. She looked out the window but could see nothing because of the darkness.
Did Hudson have darkness in his soul? Even though he acted as if he didn’t care about society’s snub of him, it had to hurt. Did the hurt snowball into anger, which he held inside? She wished she knew.
Mia went to a dressing table and sat. Her hair was still coiled upon her head. She removed the pins and saw her brush sitting on the table. She brushed her hair until it shone. Normally, she never gave much thought to her hair, braiding it to keep it out of the way so it didn’t get caught in any of her machinery. Tonight, though was different. She allowed it to spill about her shoulders, cascading almost to her waist. She had no idea how to entice a man, especially Hudson, but she had heard her female St. Clair relatives discuss how their husbands loved to run their fingers through their wives’ hair. She hoped Hudson might enjoy doing so. Mia knew she would enjoy him doing it.
She stood, knowing she couldn’t put it off any longer. She wanted to approach him when no one was around. She’d learned since leaving Morris Park that servants lurked everywhere, trying to attend to the needs of their employers. Hopefully, all had retired for the night since it was so late. Going to the door Mrs. Little had indicated, Mia turned the handle and opened it. She retreated and fetched a candle to light her way since the dressing room was dark. Making her way through it, she found the bathing tub and then opened a door, finding herself in her husband’s dressing room.
She went to the door that led to his chamber and paused. The worst thing he could do is reject her. Tell her that he never intended for their relationship to be physical and send her back to her bedchamber. Or he might welcome her to his bed. A mixture of hope and fear filled her as she reached for the handle and pulled open the door.
Stepping inside, she saw all the candles had been extinguished. She crept across the room to the bed and raised her candle.
Hudson lay there, his hair falling across his brow, one arm slung above his head. He looked peaceful and younger than he did when awake. She longed to sweep back the hair but was afraid the gesture might awaken him. She wasn’t ready to be rejected.
Instead, she crept to the other side of the bed. Placing the candle down on the bedside table, she drew back the bedclothes and slipped under them. She leaned up and blew the candle out and then lay stock still on her back, clutching the co
vers to her. His breathing, deep and even, continued. She held her breath, feeling the heat that radiated from him, debating if she should remain where she was. In the end, temptation was too great. Mia turned to her side and moved closer to him.
Suddenly, he sighed and mumbled something. His arm, which had been above him, went around her, pulling her to him. She snuggled closer, her head resting on his chest.
This was heavenly.
Mia closed her eyes.
Chapter Eighteen
Hudson left his bride fast asleep on the bed. She’d looked like an angel lying there as he’d kissed her brow. Mrs. Little had given him a fond smile and bid him goodnight, telling him she’d see to the new missus.
He cut through their dressing rooms to his bedchamber, wondering if he would ever see Mia in her bedchamber again. He didn’t regret marrying her. He wanted to give her the freedom to reach her full potential as an inventor. If, along the way, she wanted more from him, he would happily give himself to her. Until then, it was enough to be her friend and know she was safe.
Shucking his clothes, he left them on a chair and then downed a brandy, allowing its warmth to soothe him. Mrs. Little had seen the bed already turned back so he blew out the candles and slid beneath the bedsheets. Everything had gone well today. The ceremony was beautiful and the wedding breakfast sumptuous, thanks to the organization of the female St. Clairs. They already adored Mia and he saw his bride had blossomed in the week they’d been engaged, thanks to the new friendships she was forming with her sisters-in-law.
He breathed in deeply and let the breath escape slowly. He’d done the right thing and yet here he lay, alone in his bed on his wedding night, wishing his wife were here beside him. He didn’t want to push her but he certainly intended to share a few kisses with her during the week they were to stay at Meadowbrook. If those kisses led to more, he certainly wouldn’t mind. If they didn’t, he had the self-discipline to stop at that—and hope one day Mia might long for a deeper physical connection.
