It would seem that Juliet and her duke had similar ideas. Either that or one of her friends had told him of her plans. She sought Olivia’s gaze and arched a suspicious brow.
“It is rather odd how well the church’s decor matched with my decorations here,” she said as she took her seat across from Olivia. “It is as if someone told Giles how he ought to decorate.” Juliet gave Olivia an accusatory stare.
Olivia shot back an impish smile, confirming Juliet’s suspicions. Rather than find it vexing, the idea that he had endeavored to match her theme brought her joy. She hoped he would always be so considerate.
Juliet turned her attention to Giles and offered a warm smile. “Thank you for taking such care with the arrangements for the church.”
“I will always endeavor to make you happy, darling. You have my word on that score.” He nodded toward the center of the table where silver platters laden with bread, hot rolls, ham, eggs, and a variety of fruits and jams had been set out. “Let us eat.”
She nodded as her stomach growled. As it happened, she was rather famished and very much looking forward to breaking her fast. Her mouth salivated when she caught sight of the feast spread out before them, and she wasted little time in having her plate filled.
As she took her first bite, her Father lifted a glass of campaign. His gaze found hers as he said, “Now that everyone is here let us toast the newlywed couple, my daughter and the Duke of Cleburne. Congratulations and well wishes for a bright future full of happiness.”
Their guests lifted their sparkling flutes into the air amidst a round of cheers, and Juliet’s heart filled with hope for the future. She glanced at their guests, then met her husband’s gaze. The joy and tenderness in his eyes nearly undid her.
One thing was evident—he cared for her. She could not say why, nor could she understand his motivation, but neither did she fret over it. Instead, she considered his feelings a blessing and hoped they would grow into something more profound than caring.
Giles lifted his glass and nodded at Juliet, “And to my beautiful wife.”
Exclamations of “here, here,” filled the dining room as Giles winked suggestively at Juliet, then gave her one of his devilish smiles.
She could not help but think that before long, the two of them would be alone. A shiver of uncertainty, but also excitement, coursed through her. The prospect of their joining did not frighten her, but she feared her heart might be lost to him once they shared such intimacy.
Could one perish from a broken heart? She took a slow drink of her champagne as she pushed the thought away. She could not allow fear to rule her.
Juliet determined to stop fretting and give herself over to whatever the future had in store for her—come what may.
Chapter 9
Giles sat across from Juliet, staring out the carriage window as the conveyance jolted into motion. Their guests crowded the front of Thorne’s house, smiling and waving as he and Juliet departed. As far as weddings went, he believed the entire event to have been a success. He hoped Juliet agreed, for he had worked hard to give her a real society wedding despite their lack of time.
He shifted in his seat so that he could gain a better view of his new bride.
Perhaps he should say something, but what? Now that she was his wife, Giles had little idea what he should do with her—actually, he knew perfectly well what to do with one’s wife, but what to discuss—that was an altogether different thing.
He had very little to go on as his own parents were rarely, if ever, at peace in one another’s company. If they spoke at all, they argued. His mother and father were anything but good examples of how to conduct a successful marriage.
And a union such as theirs had been was the last thing he wanted. He supposed it should please him that they taught him what not to do and how not to behave in his own marriage, but he very much wished they had taught him how to make a successful marriage instead.
Perhaps he could forgo conversation altogether. After all, Juliet did not seem keen to talk. She presently relaxed against the velvet seat with her head back and eyes closed. Perhaps the morning’s events had tired her. Or maybe she did not know what to do now that they were on their way.
He allowed his gaze to roam over her from the blond curls gathered at the back of her head to the pout of her slightly parted wine tinted lips. Then he looked lower, following the curve of her hips to the slipper covered feet that stuck out from below her skirt.
He truly studied her for the first time, taking in every visible inch of creamy skin and feminine curves. His cock hardened as he took in the sight of her. Lord, he wanted her, perhaps worse than he had ever wanted anything. But he somehow doubted seduction would be the way to earn her trust.
Giles narrowed his eyes, focusing on her hair. In the sunlight streaming through the carriage window, it shone like silver highlighted with gold streaks. His fingers twitched with the sudden desire to touch the carefully styled tresses.
What he would give to tangle his hand in her hair and bring her lips to his. He knew her lips to be lush and pliable. The kind that were made for kissing, and he longed to do just that. He had nearly done so at the church when the clergyman announced them husband and wife, but thought it a bad idea to shock the ton further than they already had.
And now? He could not ravish her in a carriage. Not at this moment while she was still innocent and adjusting to her new place at his side. Giles had no wish to cause her fear or discomfort. He wanted her to feel valued and to be an equal partner in their marriage. He would have to save kissing for the right time.
But then, when would the time be right?
He tore his gaze from Juliet and shifted in his seat, his hard cock making his breeches vastly uncomfortable. How the devil was he to keep his desire under control when she was in such close proximity? More importantly, how was he to gain her love if he remained distracted by her womanly charms?
Giles ran a hand through his hair as he turned his gaze back to the window. He simply had to maintain his composure. He had to woo her and gain her trust before he seduced her. It was crucial to him that he becomes her friend and partner, as well as her lover.
Damn his past discretions for putting him in such a fix. If not for his previous debauchery, Juliet might already trust him. But then, the clubs of London, ladybirds, and lonely widows had been safe. None of them required him to love or even care about anyone other than himself. Instead, they welcomed his debauchery—encouraged it even, allowing him the freedom to indulge his passions and distract from his boredom.
Giles had needed that freedom—craved it even. Furthermore, if he had behaved better, he never would have met Juliet. Certainly would not be married to her now. And leastwise, for now, he was happy with his lot.
He could not change the past, but somehow he would make amends with her. Gain her forgiveness for his previous discretions and gain her forgiveness for ruining her. Juliet deserved to have a good husband, an honorable man to love and care for her, and he would be that sort of husband.
But how the devil was he to convince her of his intentions? He pondered that question for quite some time as the carriage continued toward his country estate, and Juliet continued to rest.
“It is freezing,” Juliet said in a sleepy tone as she pulled her legs onto the carriage seat, closer to her body.