The Bride's Secret by Bolen Cheryl

Author:Bolen, Cheryl [Bolen, Cheryl]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Regency romance
Published: 2011-05-28T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Though he was vexed with his wife, at dinner that night James attempted to put his anger behind him. He would put from his mind Carlotta's stubborn silence that afternoon and treat her as if they had chatted contentedly all the way back to Yarmouth. His plan worked. Once Carlotta realized James was not going to dredge up the afternoon's disagreement, she readily returned his amiable banter throughout the remainder of the dinner.

“I see that you've been successful in removing the coal from your skin,” she remarked while spooning potatoes onto her plate.

“A bath is all that was needed.”

“Yet I perceive the colliers certainly do not bathe every day.”

He shrugged. “They're used to the soot, and I daresay their families are, too.”

Carlotta grimaced. “Then I'm thankful my husband is of a different ilk, for I could never get used to the horrid blackness. Did you see how grimy Mr. Hastings's house was? I declare, everywhere you looked was either black or gray. It's so dreary.”

James smiled at hearing himself addressed as her husband. A short time earlier, though, he had been unable to smile. When she had glided into the dining room, the sight of her and the lavender scent of her had nearly overpowered him. Her graceful movement and the intensity of her beauty caused a profound physical reaction in him. He had thought that by now he would have become immune to her, but she still wielded an almost magical power over him.

Even now, as she cut the mutton on the plate before her, he hungrily watched her. Soft candlelight from one of the overhead chandeliers cast a circle of light where she sat. Her glossy hair was swept back from her pensive face, and her lashes swooped down as she concentrated on her cutting. His eyes trailed over her flawless, milky skin from her brow, down her romanesque nose, to her slender neck, to the plunging bodice of her orchid silk gown.

“I beg that we avoid discussion of the mines tonight,” he said. Eventually, he knew, they would have to discuss their differing views on the mines, but not tonight. Not after this afternoon's estrangement. Tonight he only wanted peace.

Next, he directed his attention to Stevie, whom they had agreed could continue sharing their dinner until his nurse arrived. James had warned Carlotta that Stevie would likely be uncomfortable in another new setting and should be permitted to dine with them during his first week at Yarmouth.

“To make up to you for not taking you to the mines today,” James said to the boy, “tomorrow you'll have my full attention. Should you like to go angling?”

Stevie's eyes grew large, as did the smile which seemed almost too big for his small face. “I should love it above all things!”

James tossed a glance at Carlotta. “I don't suppose angling appeals to you, my love?”

She shook her head. “About as much as sitting and watching my grandmother read the Bible,” she said with a wink and a giggle. “Tomorrow should be a day just for the males.

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