You Never Forget Your First Earl

by Ella Quinn

  “You aren’t alone.” Geoffrey cut her a swift look. “My grandmother can be formidable when she chooses to be.”

  “In a way, she reminds me of Lady Bellamny.” Although, actually very nice, Lady Bellamny, one of the leaders of the ton, had been terrorizing the younger set for years. Elizabeth always found herself being on her best behavior around the lady.

  “I don’t think Lady Bellamny is nearly as hard on ladies as she is gentlemen,” Geoffrey retorted. “I live in dread of receiving one of her set-downs. Poor Bentley had the misfortune of receiving one, and he didn’t attend a ball for a week.”

  “I shall simply mind my manners.” Elizabeth prayed she would not do anything stupid around Lady Markham.

  Geoff checked his pair for a second as two young ladies crossed the street followed by a maid. Elizabeth wasn’t the only one who was nervous about what Grandmamma would do. He only prayed that she would not have that dratted bird with her and that she didn’t ask him about his feelings toward Elizabeth.

  He liked her a great deal, better than he had thought it possible to like a lady, but that was all he truly wanted. A wife with whom he could converse on a number of topics and with whom he could have an amiable marriage. Naturally, the passion he and Elizabeth seemed to share was important as well. He must produce an heir, and he looked forward to making their children. The sooner they could start the better.

  He hadn’t been able to get the taste and feel of her breasts out of his mind. He couldn’t wait until she was naked and beneath him on his bed. Geoff had almost told her that earlier but thought kissing was a better thing to say. That she had been extremely receptive to his advances last evening gave him hope that she would enjoy their coupling as well as he would. Yet, he must take care not to frighten her. If he wanted her willingness to continue, he’d have to ensure that her first time was enjoyable.

  While he drove his carriage through the streets, their conversation was confined to small talk about the weather and other unimportant things. That was just as well. More than half his mind was occupied with her. Whether she was with him or not, for some reason he could not seem to get Elizabeth out of his thoughts.

  Every time Nettle mentioned something that needed doing or there was a decision to be made, Geoff thought of her and what she would like. There was a great deal to discuss with her and plans to be made, but before meeting with his grandmother was not the time. Afterward, they would be able to discuss their journey.

  Several minutes later, he drew up in front of Markham House. All of his belongings had been carted to his family’s town house earlier today. Nettle had taken care of that while Geoff had been busy writing to his father about his betrothal and to the solicitor about the settlement agreements. He did not want Turley to know that the same agreement Father had drawn up for Lady Charlotte would be used for Elizabeth. Therefore, the lawyer would have to have the contracts carefully rewritten.

  By now, his valet would have made the rooms he and Elizabeth would share more habitable. After tea, Geoff planned to give Elizabeth a ring he’d selected for her from several his grandmother had at the house. Then he’d show her their apartment. And after that . . . he had hopes they would be much closer than they had already become.

  Everything was proceeding as it should, and his life was in order again. As long as nothing happened to put a spoke in his wheel, he’d be fine.

  “Here we are.” He was pleased his voice didn’t reflect how nervous he was. The worst of it was that he had no idea why he should be at all worried. It was not the first time Elizabeth and his grandmother had met. Geoff gave himself a shake. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

  Elizabeth smiled at Geoffrey as he lifted her from the phaeton. When her feet touched the pavement, he held out his arm. Instead of simply placing her fingers on his arm, she tucked her hand in the crook. “I am ready.” She lied. She was not at all prepared for this meeting. Praying she was making a mountain out of a molehill, she said, “Lead on. We would not wish to be late.”

  An elderly butler, whom Elizabeth was certain would fall over at any minute, bowed as he opened the door. “My lord, miss, her ladyship is waiting in the back drawing room for you.”

  “Thank you, Gibson. We do not need to be announced. Her ladyship has already met Miss Turley, and this is now my home as well.”

  “Yes, my lord. If you insist.” Even though the older man had acquiesced, it was clear he was not happy about it. In what she was certain the butler thought was an inaudible voice, he muttered, “I shall never grow used to modern manners.”

  A burble of laughter rose and Elizabeth pressed her lips firmly together. If Geoffrey insisting they not be announced upset poor Gibson so much, her laugher would not help matters.

  “I dare say no one is asking you to,” Geoffrey said diplomatically.

  He led her down the corridor on the left of the hall, and when they were out of hearing, said, “He is going to fall down dead one day.”

  “I suppose we all will,” she replied. “What I do not understand is why he has not been retired.”

  “Yes, well, that is exactly what I said, and I was told it would lead to his early demise.”

  “Thank you for telling me.” She would make a point of not mentioning her opinions on her ladyship’s butler.

  “If my father spent more time in Town, I daresay he would demand someone less . . . er, with more vigor. But he is not. Therefore, Grandmamma rules the roost here, and shall continue to do so for several years yet.”

  Elizabeth nodded. “I understand. It makes little sense to upset her for no reason.”

  “Precisely.” He gave her a smile that had nothing to do with lessons and everything to do with touching. “Let us beard the beast.”

  “Geoffrey, you shall not speak of your grandmother like that.”

  He gave her a boyish grin. “Just don’t peach on me.”

  “As if I ever would.” She smiled back.

  When had her life become so wonderful? She had been so concerned that he did not want her, and any lady would do, but his behavior had changed dramatically for the better after Gavin and Lord Littleton played their little game.

  Poor Lord Littleton. She hoped he found another lady. He was really a very nice man.

  They entered the back drawing room and the knot that had grown in her stomach unfurled when she saw Lady Markham smile.

  She came forward to greet them. “How lovely to see you, my dear.” She bussed Elizabeth’s cheek. “Thank you for bringing her, Harrington. Please have a seat. Tea shall be here directly.”

  “Thank you for inviting me, ma’am. This room is beautiful.” The walls were covered with a large floral print on a cream silk. Leaf green curtains softened the long windows, outside of which yellow roses grew. The furniture was in the neoclassical style, neither too fussy nor too delicate looking.

  “You already know my cousin and companion, Apollonia,” the dowager said.

  “Yes, indeed.” Elizabeth held out her hand. “How do you do?”

  “Very well, thank you.” Apollonia glanced at Geoffrey. “I can see the two of you are doing well, too.”

  For no reason at all, warmth rose up Elizabeth’s neck and entered her cheeks.

  “We are.” Geoffrey bussed his cousin’s cheek.

  Apollonia sank onto a chair next to the sofa upon which the dowager had chosen to sit. Elizabeth and Geoffrey sat on a small chintz-covered sofa opposite the other ladies, making sure to keep at least a little distance between themselves.

  Almost as soon as they had taken their places, the door opened and Gibson entered followed by a footman carrying a large tray. In addition to the teapot and cups, there were biscuits, tarts, and seed cake. The tray was placed on the low table between the sofas.

  “Will you pour, my dear?” the dowager asked.

  “Certainly.” If this was a test, she was sure to pass it easily. She had been pouring tea for years. “Do you take sugar or milk, my lady?”

  “One suga
r and a dollop of milk.”

  “I would like two sugars and a good amount of milk,” Apollonia said.

  Elizabeth handed the cups to Geoffrey to give to the ladies as she fixed his tea.

  He placed a piece of everything on a plate for her, then helped himself to several biscuits, a lemon tart, and a slice of seed cake.

  Taking a sip of the tea, she tasted a smoky flavor. “Do you use lapsang souchong in your blend, ma’am?”

  A small smile played around Lady Markham’s lips. “How astute of you, my dear. I do indeed. I find it more interesting.”

  Elizabeth wondered if there would be more tests, but apparently her ladyship had discovered what she wished to know as the rest of the next hour passed in general conversation.

  Finally, Lady Markham rose. “Harrington, I am sure you will wish to show Elizabeth where she will live when you visit us.” The older lady held out her hands to her. “Welcome to the family, my dear. I am positive you will be an asset to us.”

  She thought that was a strange thing to say, but perhaps her ladyship referred to Geoffrey now being able to take the position with Sir Charles.

  Elizabeth curtseyed. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  Once the ladies left, she turned to her betrothed. “What is this about our rooms?”

  “We have been given the apartment my father and mother occupied when they first married. He also served as a diplomat overseas, so they were not often in residence.” Geoffrey took her hands and kissed first one then the other. “That is the tradition I referred to. Would you like to see them?”

  Elizabeth’s heart skipped a beat. She had never before been in intimate quarters with a gentleman to whom she was not closely related. Still, she was betrothed. No one would think it was wrong for her to view her new home, such as it was. And his grandmother had suggested it. “Yes, I would like that very much.”

  He led her back to the hall, up the stairs, then down the corridor to the right. “My parents have the rooms at the back of the house. My grandmother has an apartment almost identical to ours on the other side.”

  They had only taken a few steps when he opened a door to what appeared to be a small hall with a round marble-topped table and a parquet floor. The walls were covered in a dark patterned silk. That would have to change. It made the room appear dingy.

  Doors stood on the right and the left. Geoffrey opened the one on the left first. “This is your bedchamber.”

  She stepped into the room that was decorated in different shades of medium and dark green. “Oh, dear.”

  He grimaced. “It does not become you.”

  “No.” Green was a color she could never wear and would not feel comfortable living in. “May I change it?”

  “Of course.” He held her hand. “One of the reasons I wanted you to see the . . . our apartment was so that you could order new decorations and hangings. I daresay, once you select the colors you wish, the redecoration could be done in very short order.”

  But probably not before they left. Toward the front of the chamber on the right were two doors. “Where do these lead?”

  “The first one goes to your dressing room then into a shared parlor and small dining room. The second”—his eyes warmed and he got the same look he’d had when he’d kissed and fondled her—“is to a corridor leading to my chamber.”

  Heat rushed into her cheeks. Her hands flew to her face. Of course he would have a bedchamber in their apartment. There was no reason for her to blush.

  “Come.” He drew her into his arms. “I didn’t mean to shock you.”

  “You didn’t . . . I mean, I should not have been. We will be married, after all.”

  Geoffrey pressed his lips to her neck and jaw. “An event to which I am looking forward.”

  His mouth claimed her, and she moaned, pressing into him. Yet, all too soon, he raised his head, breaking the kiss. “I’ll show you the parlor. It is large enough for two sofas, some chairs, a chaise, if you’d like, and two desks.”

  He was right; the room was much larger than she could have imagined, and light. Long windows that opened to balconies flanked the fireplace. Even the colors—pale blue and cream—were perfect. “This is a beautiful room.”

  “I’ve always thought so.” He had a wistful smile as if he was remembering being in the room with pleasure.

  “Did you spend much time here as a child?”

  “When I was home from school during the Season. My grandfather was still alive then.”

  “Were you very close to him?” She had scarcely known her paternal grandfather. Her parents had always had their own houses.

  “I can’t say we were close, but he always managed to slip me a bonbon or something I’d like, and my parents would pretend not to notice.” He walked over to a cabinet and opened the middle section. “Ha! They are still here.” He took out a set of spillikins. “I hoped I’d find them. Do you play?”

  “Oh, yes. My whole family becomes very competitive over spillikins.”

  His family did as well. “We shall have to play sometime.”

  Elizabeth peeped into another room. “I like the dining room as well.”

  The walls were covered with yellow paper that had a white pattern running down like stripes. “And the paper appears to be new. The only one we will have to change is my bedroom and the entry.”

  He glanced at the clock. “The last room to show you is my bedchamber.”

  She swallowed and her mouth dried at the thought of going into his bedroom. Elizabeth gave herself a shake. Goodness, it was not as if he was going to throw her onto the bed and have his way with her. At least she didn’t think he would. Although, if the rest of it was anything like his kisses and caresses, it would not be bad at all. In fact, it would be quite enjoyable.

  Geoffrey opened the door and she entered. The first thing she saw, indeed the only thing she saw, was a massive walnut bed covered with a bright red and gold paisley duvet.

  She forced herself to glance around. Two large pillows were against the headboard, but smaller, decorative pillows were scattered around. A night table stood next to one side; she could not see the other side for the bed hangings in the same red and gold. It reminded her of a description of a harem.

  Unwilling to be struck dumb, Elizabeth cleared her throat and said, “It is quite grand.”

  Geoffrey began to laugh. “I suppose I should be grateful you didn’t run screaming out the door.”

  “No, I could not have disgraced myself so.” She began to chuckle. “I do not think it could have always been this way. The hangings look much newer than the ones in my chamber.”

  “I honestly have no idea. This is the first time I’ve been in the room. Nettle brought everything over this morning while I was out.” He wrapped his arms around her. “We shall change the duvet and hangings if you like.”

  She shook her head. “I shall become used to it.”

  There was something about it that made her feel warm and a little tingly.

  After kissing her lightly, Geoffrey sighed. “I will have Gibson arrange for fabric samples to be sent over for your bedchamber, and not in green.”

  “Perhaps I should write down what I would prefer.” They went back into the parlor and she sat at the lady’s desk, unsurprised to find ink, pen, and paper ready for her use.

  This was a very well-run house. That made her think of the house she and Geoffrey would have. What would a foreign house be like?

  Elizabeth was excited to be starting her new life. She hoped they would have children soon. Dotty and Louisa were already expecting, and Charlotte would not be far behind them.

  She finished the list and handed it to Geoffrey. It would be the first time she was able to decorate without anyone second-guessing her. “I would think the housekeeper might be the most proper person to have this.”

  “You may be right, but you can depend on Gibson to know.”

  It was almost five and they were to ride in the Park. She wished she had not been so missish
about the bedcover and hangings. Perhaps she and Geoffrey could have kissed and touched some more. Elizabeth would have liked that.

  Still, she could not forget that that bed was where she’d spend her wedding night.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Well, that hadn’t worked out as well as Geoff had thought it would. He had planned to forgo the carriage ride and introduce Elizabeth to one of the benefits of married life. Instead, that damn bedcover had had her acting like a spooked filly.

  After the way she had responded to him last evening, he’d thought she was ready. Obviously, he was mistaken, and it was most likely his fault. He should have taken a look at the bedchamber first. As it was, at first glance, the room reminded him of a brothel, and he’d had to resist the urge to glance up at the wooden canopy and see if there was a mirror affixed. Who the devil had picked that fabric?

  As for Elizabeth, Geoff would clearly have to spend more time alone with her. Fortunately, that should not be hard to arrange. From now until they reached the Continent, he would monopolize her time.

  If she was in their rooms while she selected the new fabrics—the frequent thought of her naked, her light blond hair spread around her as she sprawled on that red bedcover made his cock swell—he’d be there too, helping her. It was a shame her bedchamber was such a dismal color. Who could have known color would play such a large part in how one felt? He couldn’t imagine her spending any time at all there. It must be redecorated immediately.

  Curse it. He could not understand how he could be so focused on her that she filled his thoughts to the exclusion of almost everything else. And Elizabeth would be his in a way no other female had been. She would be his wife, and helpmate.

  Dread filled him at the thought of losing her. He’d have to act quickly to secure her. Until they married, there was still a possibility she could jilt him. Unless he took steps, enjoyable steps, to ensure she could not leave him.

  “I should tell you that I received a letter from my father earlier today. He and my mother have decided to come to Town for our wedding. M’mother doesn’t want to miss seeing me married.”