Kirkham and Philip shook hands and slapped each other on the back. Kitty gave Prudence a kiss on the cheek.
“We’re so glad you’ve come, and we insist you stay at Constance Hall as long as you like,” Kitty said.
“We’re very grateful for your hospitality, I can assure you,” Prudence said.
The woman’s appearance was so transformed, she was almost unrecognizable from the girl Kitty had known in London. The simplicity with which she was arranging her hair flattered her features far more than the complicated arrangements devised by her former lady’s maid. In addition, her relaxed demeanor and obvious happiness lent Prudence a charm she’d never exhibited before. She had become beautiful.
“You’re looking very well, Prudence,” Kitty said. “Marriage quite agrees with you.”
“Indeed it agrees with us both!” Kirkham picked his wife up in his arms and twirled her around.
Prudence shrieked with laughter. “Put me down! You’ll have our friends thinking we’ve lost our minds.”
“I have lost my mind,” Kirkham declared. “I’m mad in love with you.”
Tears stung the backs of Kitty’s eyelids and she found herself feeling envious. If I hadn’t put my foot in it, Philip and I could have been this happy. She stole a glance in his direction, and his expression was sad. A lump formed in her throat, but she shook it off.
“Come, let’s show you to your rooms,” she said. “Dinner is at seven.”
Kirkham raised his glass of wine at dinner. “I propose a toast to the fortunate husbands of these two beautiful women.”
Philip raised his glass. “Cheers.”
Prudence giggled and exchanged a pleased glance with Kitty.
“Well, now that we’re here, Butler, I hope you don’t mind if we talk a little business. I was intrigued by the offer of employment in your last letter,” Kirkham said. “When do I start?”
A grin. “You accept? How simply marvelous!”
Relief flowed through Kitty. “What wonderful news! Let’s drive to town after breakfast tomorrow, Prudence, so you can see your new residence.”
Prudence clasped her hands together in delight. “I can’t wait!”
“I warn you, it’s not nearly as grand as Trestlebury House, but it does have its own apple orchard,” Philip said. “Hopefully the fruit hasn’t all been scrumped by now. I gave permission to one of the local lads to help himself.”
“I adore apples,” she said. “We can press our own cider!”
“You’ll need a cook and a housekeeper,” Kitty said. “Come with me when I call on the mayor’s wife tomorrow afternoon. Perhaps she’ll have some suggestions for you.”
“How kind you are, Kitty! I like it so much better in the country than in town. I feel as if we can be ourselves at long last, instead of acting the way everyone else wishes we were.”
“I thought I’d miss London far more than I have.” Kitty’s gaze rested on her husband. “It helps when you’re in good company.”
“Hear, hear,” Kirkham exclaimed.
Kitty gave Philip a smile. “I’ve had an idea. What do you say to throwing a party in a month’s time? We’ll invite the local gentry and prominent townsfolk. Perhaps I can induce Grandmama to attend.”
“I’ve no objection,” Philip said. “Hopefully it will be the first of many celebrations at Constance Hall.”
“Naming the manor house after Kitty was a stroke of brilliance. I think we should name the cottage, too.” Kirkham waggled his eyebrows at his wife. “How does Prudence Place sound?”
She grimaced. “Don’t you dare! I’ve always detested the name Prudence anyway, and wouldn’t like to see it memorialized on a building. I think we should call it Cousin’s Cottage.”
“I love it,” Kirkham said. “What a charming idea.”
Prudence and Kirkham continued to flirt and tease one another the remainder of the evening. Although it was delightful to see the couple so happy, Kitty felt excluded. From the set of Philip’s mouth, she could tell he felt the same way.
After everyone had retired that night, she yearned for him to visit her bedroom and finish what they’d started in the carriage after the wedding. She read a book by candlelight, hoping he would be encouraged by the light underneath her door. Finally, when her eyelids began to droop, she accepted the fact he wasn’t coming and blew out the flame.
Philip paced in his bedroom, sleepless and frustrated, willing his desire for his wife to ebb. He longed for her as never before, but he was determined to stay the course. He was not insensible to her efforts to beguile him, but since she’d confessed her fear of marriage—the marriage bed more specifically—he vowed she should come to him. Only then could he be sure she was completely ready to be his wife. Although his body wished it were otherwise, he would not make any efforts to seduce or cajole her…no matter how much it was tearing him apart. Finally, at midnight, he bent over his washbasin and soaked his head with a pitcher of cool water. As dribbles ran down the exposed skin of his chest, he experienced only a slight relief. Unable to bear it any longer, he shrugged off his dressing gown, pulled on some clothes, and left the house. Perhaps if he walked until he dropped from exhaustion, he could sustain his resolve.
Prudence and Kitty roamed through Cousin’s Cottage the following morning, pulling dusty sheets from furniture and examining every nook and cranny. Although the closets weren’t overly large, and the place was in need of cleaning, Prudence pronounced it perfect in every way.
“There’s even a place for a spinning wheel in the corner. It’s going to be such fun to spin when it’s sheep shearing season. I understand several of the local farmers raise wool.”
“I believe you’re right. I’m glad you like the place. You can walk to Grovebrook from here quite easily.”
“I wonder if Kirkham would like to move in tomorrow? I adore being alone with him.” She giggled. “I don’t suppose with the way we’ve been carrying on it will be too much longer before babies are on the way…if it hasn’t happened already.”
Kitty’s cheeks warmed. “I confess, I’m envious of your happiness.”
Prudence cocked her head. “I don’t mean to pry, but I did notice something has changed between you and Philip. It’s none of my business, of course, but I’m a very good listener if you’d like to talk.”
With a forlorn sigh, Kitty sank down on a dusty sofa. “I hurt him badly, Prudence. I sent him away after the wedding breakfast and we never became a proper couple. We’re trying to work things out now, but progress has been slow.”
“Do you mean you’ve not…?”
A shake of the head.
“Oh, Kitty, you simply must! I can assure you, it will make all the difference in the world.”
“I’ve been hoping he would come to me, but so far he hasn’t.” Her skin was so flushed with embarrassment, it prickled painfully.
“You must go to him. Tonight wouldn’t be too soon.”
“But—”
“If you’re nervous, gulp down a glass of strong spirits before you go in.”
“What if he sends me away?”
Prudence laughed. “He won’t send you away. You bruised his ego before, and he needs to know you want him. Men are rather basic creatures, when it comes right down to it.”
“You think so?”
“I know so. I’ll tell you a secret; before I saw how you and Philip loved each other, I was a little afraid of marriage. It was your relationship that inspired me to elope with Kirkham, and I can never thank you enough.”
The tight band around Kitty’s chest eased. “Tonight, then.”
Despite going about her duties that afternoon, Kitty’s mind was miles away. When she was chatting with the mayor’s wife, she was thinking about Philip. When she and Prudence were browsing through the shops in town, she found herself hoping he would ride by on his horse. Philip’s presence was so distracting at tea, she almost forgot to eat the lovely cake Mr. McTavish had made. Her thoughts toward her husband were s
o scandalously wicked, in fact, she blushed at almost everything. She had to give herself a shake before everyone began to think her daft.
When dressing for dinner that night, she donned her lowest neckline, pleased to see she was no longer in need of padding to fill out the bodice. There was no disguising Philip’s glance of appreciation when she appeared. Over his shoulder, she could see Prudence stifling a giggle. Kitty made sure to touch Philip at every opportunity and to gaze at him across the dinner table. When Prudence was playing the newly-tuned piano afterward, Philip stood nursing a snifter of brandy next to the fireplace. Kitty crossed over, took his arm, and pressed herself as close to him as possible. He showed no visible reaction, but a flush spread up from his collar.
After everyone retired, Kitty retrieved the nightdress she’d purchased for her trousseau and slipped it over her head. As she examined her reflection in the looking glass, the sheer fabric of the gown made it seem as if she were wearing nothing at all. For modesty’s sake, she brought her hair over her shoulder to cover her bodice, but then shook her tresses back away from her face. Tonight wasn’t the time for modesty, but to prove to Philip how much she loved him.
As a precaution against nerves, she’d smuggled the bottle of brandy to her room. When she poured several inches of the amber liquid into a glass, her hands shook so much that some of the brandy spilled onto the table. She took a long drink and immediately regretted it. The fiery liquid brought tears to her eyes and made her cough. At least after she’d composed herself, the trembling had stopped. As Kitty picked up her wrapper, her door opened without warning. When Philip appeared, clad in a dressing gown, her heart skipped a beat.
“Hullo there, sir. I believe you have me at a disadvantage.”
He gave her a meaningful glance before turning the key in the lock. “Let’s hope by morning I’ll have remedied the situation.”
She let her wrapper fall to the floor, followed closely by her night rail. Philip’s gasp of appreciation sent a flush of pleasure to her cheeks and made her glad she’d gained back her weight.
“You’re completely beautiful, Kitty.”
Moments later, she was in her husband’s arms, and he was kissing her like a starved man. His lips trailed down her neck. “The thought of you has been driving me wild and I can stay away no longer.”
“I wanted you to come so badly. I was just on my way to your room.”
Philip pulled back long enough to gaze into her eyes. “You’ve no idea how much I adore you.”
She arched against him. “I can’t wait for you to show me.”
In one smooth motion, he scooped her up off her feet and carried her toward the bed. As Kitty reveled in his strength, his desire became hers and all fear faded away. And she was in bliss.
Dear Juliet,
My heart is full to bursting with joy! I cannot begin to tell you how wonderful married life is when you’re with the man you love. I urge you to never settle for anything less, so you can be as happy as I am.
Prudence and Kirkham have moved into Cousin’s Cottage and are terribly good together. If anyone harbors any doubts about the sagacity of their union, they should do so no longer. I’ve never seen a couple so beautifully made for one another…unless it’s Philip and myself! Prudence has blossomed into a very handsome woman, and I think it must be the love her husband showers upon her daily.
As Philip’s new man of business, Kirkham has been doing a splendid job and the tenants all like him very much. We are approaching the harvest season, and are planning to host a festival in the town afterward to celebrate.
Now that the London Season is winding down, I urge you to come visit, whenever you like and for as long as you wish. Philip and I would simply adore it if you could be here for our first Christmas at Constance Hall.
Very Truly Yours,
Kitty
Just as Kitty had sealed her letter, Philip stuck his head in the library. “There you are!” He crossed over to give her a long, lingering kiss, and then picked her up in his arms, carried her to the sofa, and settled her on his lap. “I’ve been missing you cruelly all morning.”
As she put her arms around his neck, tears pricked the back of her eyelids. Philip frowned. “Is something amiss?”
Kitty shook her head. “I’m just so gloriously happy.”
“As I am, my love.”
“Will we always be this happy, do you suppose?”
“No.”
“What?”
He grinned. “I daresay we’ll be even happier with every passing day.”
They kissed.
The End
A Personal Request From the Author
I love to write, but I can’t do it without you. If you enjoyed Ruse & Romance, would you consider leaving a review? Not only would I like to hear your thoughts, but your review is very helpful to other readers. Thank you in advance!
Suzanne G. Rogers
About the Author
Originally from Southern California, Suzanne G. Rogers currently resides in beautiful Savannah, Georgia. She writes paranormal, historical romance, fantasy, and romantic fantasy stories, is owned by two hairless cats, Houdini and Nikita, and lives on an island populated by exotic birds, deer, and the occasional gator. Tab is her beverage of choice, but when she imbibes, a cranberry vodka martini doesn’t go amiss. To follow author Suzanne G. Rogers:
Visit her blog at: http://suzannegrogers.com/
Find her on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneGRogers
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/suzannegrogers
Historical romance titles by Suzanne G. Rogers include:
A Gift for Lara (Love Letters series Book One)
A Gift for Fiona (Love Letters series Book Two)
Larken (Graceling Hall series Book One)
Lord Apollo & the Colleen (Graceling Hall series Book Two)
Ruse & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls series Book One)
Rake & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls series Book Two)
Jessamine’s Folly
Duke of a Gilded Age
The Ice Captain’s Daughter
The Mannequin
Fantasy titles by Suzanne G. Rogers include:
Kira (Yden series Prequel)
The Last Great Wizard of Yden (Yden series Book One)
Dragon Clan of Yden (Yden series Book Two)
Secrets of Yden (Yden series Book Three)
Clash of Wills
Tournament of Chance: Dragon Rebel
Dancing with Raven
Magical Misperception
Dani & the Immortals
Whimsical Tendencies
If you enjoyed Ruse & Romance, you might like other historical romance titles by Suzanne G. Rogers:
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A Gift for Lara (Love Letters series Book One)
Lara Robinson wrote a love letter four years ago, but received no reply. Now the man to whom she gave her heart will visit Blythe Manor for Christmas. How can she enjoy the holidays knowing Miles Greystoke must despise her for revealing her feelings in such an unguarded fashion?
As an awkward youth, Miles fell in love with a kindred spirit…but his love was unrequited. Against his wishes, he’s now obliged to spend the holidays at Blythe Manor. Time has wrought changes in his physique, but his devotion to Lara Robinson has never wavered. He searches for the perfect present to show her how he feels, but nothing seems quite right…until he realizes the best sort of gift will embrace the true meaning of Christmas.
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A Gift for Fiona (Love Letters series Book Two)
With one sister married and another soon to be engaged, Fiona Robinson worries she’ll be on the shelf. She pins her hopes on a handsome viscount, but his unexpected proposal to another girl hands her a stinging and demoralizing defeat. A new acquaintance awakens all her senses—until she realizes he’s related to the girl who stole her beau. On the heels of her public humiliation, should Fiona instead consider marriage to a much older man whom she could n
ever love?
Fiona’s unconventional, earthy looks and mischievous personality appeal to Rory Braithwaite much more than any other woman he’s ever met. Unfortunately, his sister has been the means of ruining Fiona’s happiness. Can he convince Fiona of his sincerity before she makes a mistake she’ll regret for the rest of her life…and his?
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Larken (Graceling Hall series Book One)
The sole survivor of a train accident, young Larken Burke is dubbed the Miracle Orphan. Four years later, however, her life is far from fortunate. Because of her emotional and physical scars, she believes she’s un-marriageable. With little hope for the future, she agrees to wed a gentleman she’s never met. Unfortunately, his aloof manner proves difficult to take.
Marked by romantic tragedy and the loss of his brother, Brandon King has forsworn marriage. Obliged to take in a ward, he advertises for a mail-order bride to raise the boy. Since the union is to be a marriage in name only, his criteria are youthful age, a certain level of intellect, good breeding, and that the girl shouldn’t be so ill-favored she would embarrass him in society. To his dismay, he gets more than he’d bargained for.
Will it take a miracle for Mr. and Mrs. King to fall in love, or is their marriage another accident waiting to happen?
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Lord Apollo & the Colleen (Graceling Hall series Book Two)
Five years after his supposed death, Theo King has returned to Graceling Hall…but a mystery remains. A stranger is buried in his grave, and nobody knows if his death was accidental…or murder. As Theo resumes his former life, the dead man’s sister shows up on his doorstep to hold him accountable. If he helps this Irish spitfire solve the mystery, will she finally leave him in peace?
Ruse & Romance (The Beaucroft Girls Book 1) Page 14