Her Sudden Groom (31 page)

“
Say, Sinclair, I believe I owe you an apology,” the duke broke in, rendering the entire group silent. The duke never made apologies. “I seem to remember Andrew and I once accused the two of you of cheating, and we may have acted, shall we say, irrationally?”

“
Thank you, Gateway,” Marcus said offhandedly. “But it’s of no consequence now. We all suffered something unpleasant or embarrassing at school. Some of us were tied to a bed so we could clear our names of being accused of cheating, and others had to sink to their knees and render all of their allowance to Alex, declaring him the smartest boy at Eton in the process.” He shrugged. “It’s the past. What I was going to tell Caroline was—”

“
He let me win,” she finished for him flatly, making all the blood rush from Alex’s head.

“
You’ve already played?” Marcus shifted his weight from one foot to the other and mouthed something in Alex’s direction that looked oddly like the word: sorry.

“
Yes,” Caroline clipped. Her earlier smile was a mere memory now. “On Sunday. We played for more than an hour.”

“
Sorry, Alex,” Marcus said aloud this time. “I didn’t know you’d played, or I wouldn’t have said anything.”

“
It’s quite all right,” Alex said tightly, wishing everyone would just disappear. He turned to face Caroline. “Yes, I let you win. Which proved to be more difficult than winning. You’re a good player.”

“
Why did you do that?” Her eyes bored into his.

“
I was looking for an excuse to get on my knees in front of you.” It was partially the truth. He
had
planned to propose to her that day. His losing chess—and consequently getting that ridiculous slip of paper from Brooke—created the perfect opportunity. But she didn’t need to know that insignificant detail.

“
I see,” she said slowly. “Well then, now that you’ve no ulterior motive, I demand a rematch.”

His jaw clenched and his mind spun. This was not how he pictured the ending of his wedding. His bride was upset he’d let her win a chess game, and now he was facing a rematch that, no matter what the outcome, could render his wedding night a disaster.

An idea popped into his head.

“
All right. I’ll give you a rematch.” He leaned close so he could whisper in her ear. “I’ll bring a chess set with me when I come to your bed tonight.”

Chapter 17

Caroline’s skin grew warm from the roots of her hair to tips of her toes. Had he really said that? The wolfish smile on his face cleared up any doubt. Yes, he’d really said it. She could scarcely believe it. Alex never did or said
anything
scandalous.

Wait. That wasn’t true. Less than a week ago, he’d admitted to stripping at a nitrous oxide party, and only a few days before that, they’d shared a horse while she rode to spend the night alone with him. And, if that wasn’t enough, he’d even touched her breasts. Granted it was nighttime and only a light caressing of the sides and a few brushes past her nipple, but he’d done it all the same.

She cleared her throat and tried to force herself to say something, but nothing could come out. She couldn’t form a single word, let alone a coherent thought. His three cousins and their husbands appeared to be quite amused at the current situation. One of the men even muttered something under his breath that was definitely
not
meant for mixed company. She flushed. They all knew what Alex said. They may not have been close enough to hear his exact words, but they’d all understood his message. Likely, Alex had stunned them once again and probably moved up a little more in their regard. She couldn’t help but smile at the knowledge. Always being thought weak or unmanly or too cautious for one’s own good had to be hard on Alex. It was good his friends were seeing him for who he really was.

As if to emphasize Alex’s remark had been understood by the entire group, she caught sight of Marcus’ scowl, and a slightly sad, shuttered look on Drake’s face. Alex’s aunt, uncle and mother were the only ones not openly showing any understanding of his words. Instead, they’d all taken to either studying their nails or gazing at the clouds in the sky.

Her new father-in-law, on the other hand, was the only one who openly acknowledged what had just happened. “I’m not sure I’ve ever been prouder,” Edward said. “Not only have I gained a daughter, but I think I was just given the assurance that I just might be a grandpapa nine months from today.” When his wife gave him a sharp look, he shrugged. “It gives me something to live for,” he said unapologetically, quieting everybody’s laughter from his earlier remark.

“
Sorry, Caro,” Alex said softly. “I didn’t think anybody would hear.” His face looked so sweet and apologetic, she dared not deny him forgiveness.

“
I don’t think they heard you. I think I gave it away when I turned as red as a beet.”

“
Exactly so,” Andrew agreed. “I was standing the closest and I didn’t hear your words.”

Alex relaxed remarkably. “Good. They weren’t meant for you. Only Caro.”

“
Enjoy your night, you two,” Andrew said. “We really must be off.”

“
Can I see you a minute in my room, son?” the baron said as Alex escorted Caroline inside once all the guests had gone.

Alex went off with his father and Regina invited Caroline to the drawing room. “Mrs. Crofter sent a note this morning saying she wasn’t quite finished with some of the personal things you’d ordered and it would be a day or two before they arrived. If you’d like, I have some things you may wear until then.” She poured them each a cup of tea.

Caroline took the tea, trying in vain to ignore the blush she knew had to be staining her cheeks. “Thank you, but I don’t wish to impose on your generosity.”

“
No imposition.” Regina waved her hand. “You’re my daughter now. I look forward to becoming further acquainted with you. Even allowing you to borrow my things if need be.” Her smile was so soft and warm, it left no doubt in Caroline’s mind she was being sincere.

“
Thank you but I shan’t need anything, I don’t think.” Caroline selected a biscuit.

“
Yes, I suppose you won’t require a nightrail.” Regina held her teacup in a way that would have hid her smile if it wasn’t as big as Scotland.

“
No. Remember, I came wearing one,” Caroline said with a lopsided smile.

Regina’s eyes went wide. “I do remember. But you’re not planning to wear that, are you?”

Caroline’s face flushed yet again. “Yes,” she said quietly, tamping down her anger for what Olivia had done and the embarrassment of having to arrive today in her best—but still awful—nightrail. With any luck, this was the last thing Olivia could ever do her. How unfortunate the seamstress hadn’t been able to deliver her dress an hour earlier to Ridge Water. Then nobody would have ever known.

“
Oh, but you can’t wear that one,” Regina protested, bringing Caroline back to present.

Caroline ducked her head in embarrassment. She had known Alex’s parents would be there tonight. It was custom that families all shared the family estate. With how large the estate was there was no reason not to. However, it still did nothing to ease the embarrassment that his parents would know what they were doing tonight.

“
Caroline, I don’t know how to say this.” Regina put her teacup on its saucer with a soft clink. “About tonight…um…that nightrail…” She bit her lip and smoothed her skirts with her fingers. “Caroline, dear, you will not be able to wear that nightrail tonight.”

Caroline froze. Her mother-in-law of less than four hours was about to have the wedding night talk with her. Not that she needed it. She didn’t. She’d practically grown up on a farm and had seen almost every species of animals procreate. She had no questions about what would happen tonight in that regard. Unfortunately, she couldn’t think of a tactful way to tell Regina this.

“
I’m so sorry,” Regina said quietly, twisting her wedding ring nervously. “I didn’t realize you had an attachment to that particular nightrail, and I had it thrown out.”

A burble of laughter built up inside Caroline. “That’s all?”

Regina nodded. “As I said, I’m sorry. If I’d known it was a favorite, I would have just ordered it washed.”

“
It’s not a problem, Regina.” She tried not to laugh at the look of worry on her mother-in-law’s face. “I’ve no great fondness for that dirty, old thing.”

“
Good. Let’s go upstairs so you can pick out what you might need before Alex returns.”

“
Truly, I don’t need anything. I can wear what I have until the things arrive tomorrow.”

Regina eyed her skeptically. “If you say so, but you’re still coming up to my room. I have something to give you up there that you will not refuse.”

Caroline nodded.

Regina brought her to a room that looked a bit small and too disheveled to be a baroness’ room. Caroline sat on an empty chair as she was instructed while her mother-in-law went to her wardrobe. Regina turned around holding a pair of soft sided cream slippers that would not only be comfortable, but would also match Caroline’s current gown. She nearly groaned with relief. She’d forgotten to bring an extra pair of slippers from Ridge Water under the assumption that the modiste would send her new ones today. Which, of course, she hadn’t.

“
Take those stiff slippers off and put these on, Caroline. No protests. You may deny borrowing my chemises and stockings, but you
will
wear my slippers. Those things you’re wearing are going to blister your feet in the worst way. Come now, Caroline, take them off.”

Caroline obeyed. She had no desire to refuse this request. “Can I borrow something else?” she asked quietly, causing Regina to pause.

“
Yes. Anything. What do you need?”

“
A nightrail,” she said uncomfortably. “Now that the other one is gone...”

Regina opened a drawer in her bureau and pulled out a brown package tied with a strand of white twine. “This one is new. I’ve never even worn it.”

Holding the package to her chest, she smiled at Regina. “Thank you again for all your generosity.”

“
Think nothing of it. I’m more than happy to share my things with you. My son is very lucky to have married you.”

Caroline blushed with embarrassment. She wasn’t used to this much attention and praise.

Caroline reached down to pick up her discarded slippers when Regina’s hand fell to her wrist. “Do you know what to expect tonight?” No discomfort or embarrassment sneaked into her voice.

“
I think so, yes.” Caroline tried not to sound like a lightskirt, but still did what she could to avoid having an uncomfortable discussion with her mother-in-law.

“
I thought you might, growing up in the country and all,” Regina said with an assuring smile. “However, I’ll say this and nothing more. If something makes you uncomfortable, you have to tell him. Gentlemen aren’t very perceptive at times.”

Flushing, Caroline murmured an agreement.

“
Shall I show you to your room?” Regina offered.

“
No need. I’ll take her,” came the familiar voice of her new husband.

“
Very well,” Alex’s mother agreed, taking the slippers and package from Caroline’s hands and giving them to Alex as fast as she could. “If she needs anything else, just come and get it. She’s being bashful.”

“
Come along, Caro. I’ll show you to your room.”

“
Where are we going?” she asked after a few minutes of navigating the halls.

“
As far away from them as possible.”

“
I believe it. I feel as if we’ve traveled to another shire.”

He chuckled. “No. Just the opposite end of the house. We’ll have the entire wing to ourselves.” He stopped in front of a large oak door and swung it open. “We’ll put your things in here for now.”