One Month Later

 

“How do I look?” Emma asked as she looked in the mirror.

“You look beautiful.” Grace smiled at her as she stood behind her soon-to-be sister-in-law, helping put the faux flowers in her hair. “You don’t need to keep asking.”

“Have I asked that already?”

“About three times since I came into the room. You know the truth about yourself, so stop worrying.”

Emma sighed.

“I guess I’m just nervous. I didn’t think this would be happening.”

“I thought you were married before.”

“Something my parents wanted. I wasn’t what I wanted.” Emma looked up at Grace. “After hearing what you went through, I understand what you did and why. I wish I had been confident enough to do that myself.”

“Now you’re allowed to marry someone of your choosing.”

Emma nodded. She glanced at herself again in the mirror.

“It feels like a strange dream. I’m going to be Mrs Forbes. I thought I would be Mrs Benjamin Forbes, though.”

Grace could understand. She knew all about Emma’s infatuation with Ben before. Somehow, in just a short space of time, Nathaniel had turned her head, and Emma had fallen hard and fast. Grace was surprised at how quickly it had happened, but she wasn’t about to question it. Sometimes, things like this just happen.

“You’re going to make a really good Mrs Nathaniel Forbes.” She assured her. “And, if I’m honest, being Nathaniel’s wife will give you less obligations. You can approach this marriage with a bit less stress.”

“You mean I don’t have an Earldom to help my husband with, so I should make the most of my freedom.”

“Something along those lines.”

Emma laughed.

“I suppose. But I didn’t think you would be helping Ben with any of the aspects of his estate. Father wouldn’t have allowed my mother to help him.”

“That’s because Ben is unsure if he’s gotten things right. Nathaniel took care of it while we were away, but he didn’t want to ask his brother for everything. I can do my sums better than Ben, so I’m happy to help.”

“My sums are terrible.” Emma grunted. “Maybe I would have been a terrible Countess.”

“I wouldn’t say that. But you would have a more stressful husband.”

“I suppose.”

Grace and Ben had done a lot of talking while they had been on their honeymoon. They had spoken about the different aspects of the Earldom, and what she would be expected to do. Ben had been almost shy about talking about it, but Grace had taken it calmly. She knew there was going to be a special obligation about her new title and in her marriage. But she wasn’t going anywhere. Grace had even offered her help, which had surprised Ben as well as made him relieved.

The affection he gave her afterwards had been worth it.

A month on, and their dynamic had really settled in. Grace didn’t think she had met anyone who was so in tune with her. He was calmer than she was, and he could bring her excitement down when needed, while she could get him more sociable at the right moments. They brought out the best in each other, and Grace couldn’t ask for more.

“I can’t thank you enough for doing this with me, Grace.” Emma said as she touched up the makeup on her cheeks. “I haven’t got any sisters, and I knew Mother wouldn’t help me get ready. You stepped in when you didn’t need to.”

“You’re about to marry my husband’s brother. Of course I’m going to help.”

“Even after how rude I was to you?”

Grace touched Emma’s shoulder.

“After what was going on, I think we can leave it behind. Besides, we’ve talked about this, remember?”

“Even so…”

“You’re becoming family, and you’ve made up for it since we sorted everything out. Besides, Nathaniel seems to have gotten calmer himself being around you, and I don’t think you’ll get a bigger smile than his. It’s worth seeing my new brother happy.”

That had been a surprise, but then Grace realised that Emma was just what Nathaniel needed. Even with her new lease of life and her fun side coming out, Emma still had a serious side that she brought out when she needed it. According to Ben, she was far more relaxed than he remembered her. Nathaniel had done something and touched a chord inside her. Grace didn’t think Nathaniel would have lasted long enough for marriage. Ben had said he could be red-hot with a woman when he wanted to be, but no one could keep him still long enough. Apparently, a woman could, and after such a short space of time.

They would be good for each other. Grace knew Nathaniel would be flying high having Emma Johnson as his wife.

“I think I’m ready.” Emma took a deep breath and straightened up. “I’m glad I decided to forgo a veil. That thing was itchy during my first wedding.”

“It’s your wedding. You do what you want.”

“I would rather get married on a beach, but the beaches in London aren’t the nicest.”

Grace laughed.

“Then make sure Nathaniel takes you to the beach for your honeymoon. Don’t ask for anything less.”

“I plan to.” Emma stood up and turned, smoothing her hands down her dress. She did look stunning. “Thank you for your help.”

“Whatever you need.”

“You’re far too sweet.”

“Don’t get used to it.” Grace linked her arm through Emma’s. “Come on. They’re waiting downstairs.”

They headed out and down the stairs. They were going to be getting married in Ben’s back garden instead of a church. Emma’s parents hadn’t wanted that, but Emma had expressed a desire to marry somewhere that wasn’t a church, so Ben had offered his house. His flowers had been properly planted around the garden, and everything was in full bloom. While it wasn’t the beach Emma wanted, it was close enough, and even Emma was surprised at how generous he was after everything that had happened.

Grace wasn’t surprised. It was just Ben’s nature to be generous.

They got to the bottom of the stairs, and both Ben and Emma’s father were there. The Viscount looked like he was trying to maintain his composure as he saw his daughter. Ben was looking at Grace, his eyes glinting as he smiled.

Grace stepped away from Emma as her father moved towards them, and went to her husband. Ben took her hand and kissed it.

“Is Emma all right?”

“She’s nervous, but she’ll be fine. How’s Nathaniel?”

“Very nervous. He didn’t think he would fall so fast and become a married man so quickly.”

“He’s not having second thoughts, is he?”

“Not a chance.” Ben shook his head. “I’ve never seen him so certain of something in my life. They might be completely different people, but they’re good for each other. Plus, Nathaniel loves Emma deeply. He knows he would be a fool to let her get away.”

Grace couldn’t argue with that. She turned and watched Emma walk down the hall, holding onto her father’s arm.

“Shall we, my Lord?”

“In a moment.” Ben turned her head back and kissed her. “Now we can go.”

“You just love stealing those, don’t you?”

“Of course.”

Grace laughed.

“You, my Lord Boston, are more daring than I thought.”

“Anything for you, my Lady.” Ben put her arm through his. “Anything for you.”

#

Ben was smiling as he helped Grace into the carriage. He had agreed with Nathaniel and they would have full use of the house for their wedding night, and Ben would be taking Grace to their  country house in Boston. It was going to be a rather long journey, and they would have to make a stop on the way, but he wasn’t worried about that. He got to sleep with Grace in his arms.

It was preferable sleeping with her than sleeping without. Normally, a married couple would have their separate rooms. However, Ben wanted things differently, and Grace didn’t seem in any hurry to leave.

Not that Ben was complaining. He felt like he slept better with her there.

“What are you smiling about?” Grace asked as the carriage set off.

“Just thinking about how I get to cuddle up to you.” Ben put his arm around her. “I don’t need to worry about people staring at us because we’re behaving inappropriately in public.”

“We’re a newly married couple. I don’t see anything wrong with it.”

“Your mother would scold you about it.”

Grace snorted.

“She’s been scolding me about my behaviour for years. I don’t think it’s going to change now I’m not under their roof.” She snuggled up against his side. “I wish I had cuddled you during the reception. Seeing Nathaniel and Emma together was making me feel soppy.”

“And that made you want to cuddle me.”

“I wanted to be close to the man I love.” She smiled up at him. “Is that too much to ask?”

“Not really.”

Ben kissed her. He kept it light; if they did more than kiss, they were going to end up making love in the carriage, and it wasn’t exactly the best place for that. They might have made love in pretty much every room in the house they went to for their honeymoon, but the carriage hadn’t been a part of it. Ben didn’t want to end up with them on the floor, or getting caught.

Although from the way Grace was stroking his chest, she had other ideas. Ben could feel his body stirring as her hand went lower.

“What are you doing?”

“I must admit, I’m getting a little frisky.” Grace leaned over and started kissing his neck. “We haven’t tried doing it in here, have we?”

“Are you serious?”

“Why not? If you didn’t want me to paw you, you should’ve had us travelling in different carriages.”

Ben groaned. Grace was incorrigible. And hungry for him. There was a beast inside her that he had released. Whenever they were in bed, the sheets seemed to be so hot it was practically burning. He had no idea that it could be like that.

He certainly wasn’t going to complain. Although he might if they got hurt in the carriage.

“Grace…”

“I’ll make it easier for you.” Grace eased onto her knees and rested her elbows on the seats opposite. She cast a sly smile over her shoulder. “You’re always saying you wish you were confident like me. This is a good way to do it.”

“Making love in a moving carriage?”

“Live a little.”

Ben’s hands were shaking as he shifted across the seat, unbuttoning his breeches and he slumped to his knees behind his wife. He silently cursed himself as he pushed her skirts up and moved aside her drawers. He pushed a finger into her, which had Grace moaning.

“That’s not what I meant, Ben.”

“But it feels good, doesn’t it?”

From Grace’s moans and the way she was pushing back against him, she did agree. Ben knew he was going to hell for being incredibly daring with their sexual escapades. This was probably the most daring thing he had ever done.

But it was worth it.

“Ben, please…” Grace was panting, arching her back against him. “Please, stop teasing me.”

“I’m teasing you?”

“Ben…”

Grace broke off with a gasp as Ben removed his hand and thrust himself inside her. Keeping her hips still with a tight hold on her hips, Ben rocked in time with the motion of the carriage, trying to keep himself upright on the bumpy cobblestones. They weren’t even out of London yet, and there was a chance they could be seen, even with the shutters up on the windows. At this point, they could be displayed in the middle of Westminster, and he wouldn’t care.

Grace was having an effect on him. In more ways than one.

He felt the moment his wife’s climax hit, and Ben wasn’t far behind. He was still shaking as he fell over her, gathering her close and kissing her neck and shoulders. For a moment, neither of them said anything, the only movement coming from the carriage.

Then there was an almighty jerk, which knocked both of them onto the floor. Grace cried out, which had Ben scrambling upright.

“Grace! Are you all right?”

“I’m fine. Just hit my elbow a little too hard.” Grace smiled. “I would have been surprised if we hadn’t gotten tipped over.”

“Then why do it?”

“Because I like to be daring. And I enjoy making you stretch your comfort zone.” She cupped his face in her hands. “Also, I wanted to be with my husband. I didn’t think I could wait until we got somewhere more…appropriate.”

Ben laughed. He kissed her.

“You’re going to have me on my toes, aren’t you?”

“Always.” Grace bit his lower lip. “What’s the point in life when you have to be cautious?”

“I think Society would have something to say about that.”

“What we do in our private lives is none of their business. And I promise I’ll be the perfect wife in public.” She winked. “Just as long as I get to be as I really want in private.”

Ben had no argument with that. He wasn’t going to give that up. He kissed her nose.

“I love you.”

He was rewarded with a smile in return.

“I love you, too. I hope you will still love me many years down the line.”

“And I hope you’ll still be this adventurous after we’ve had our children and things are slowing down.”

Grace laughed.

“Trust me, having children isn’t going to slow me down.”

“I hope not.” Ben grimaced as the carriage jerked again. “I think we might need to get up. This isn’t exactly the most romantic place.”

“You might be right.” Grace kissed him again. “Let’s hope we get to a more romantic place soon. Then you can show me how adventurous you want me to be.”

THE END

---

Readers who read this book also liked