The footman bowed and departed, leaving Anne and Leo standing alone in the chill of the vaulted foyer.
Do you wish to bathe before eating, sir ... Leo? She caught the scent of fresh sweat from his skin, musky and clean, and fought to keep from drawing closer to his wool coat and inhaling deeply.
His smile turned rueful. I did not know you had a supper prepared.
It is a wifes duty to have meals ready.
And a husbands folly if he forgets. Consider me chastised.
Ill do nothing of the sort, she answered. You arent chastised in the slightest.
He chuckled. Perhaps a little.
Anne gestured toward the stairs. A bath? And then something to eat. Im given to understand that is the common order of things.
Behold your obedient husband. He turned to the stairs and brushed past her, his body large and warm. A shiver of awareness passed through her, like a fingertip drawn down her throat and between her breasts. She remembered the sensation of his hands on her, and the insistent press of his arousal. No, this was not to be a chaste marriage, but as to the when of its consummation ... The promise filled her with dread. And eagerness.
At the foot of the stairs, he paused, his hand on the newel post. He gave a low laugh.
A wife. A bath. A meal at home. He shook his head. Im becoming damned civilized.
As he continued up the stairs, Anne understood that no matter what Leo Bailey did, he would never be domesticated. He was, and always would be, wild.
This is where were supposed to eat?
Anne noted the appalled expression on Leos face as he surveyed the capacious dining chamber. He had bathed and changed into fresh clothes. In his pristine stock, snowy against his jaw, expertly cut green woolen coat, his hair dark, gleaming gold in the candlelight, he had transformed from a bruised brawler. But he didnt look a gentleman. No, in his restrained evening finery, he seemed a pirate prince contemplating future pillaging.
You found no fault with the room yesterday.
Because there were people everywhere. This. He waved his hand at the chamber, where a collation awaited him at the vast dining table, and two footmen stood in disinterested readiness. All we need is a bear to bait.
One of your footmen is a very big fellow. Perhaps hed be willing to play the part of the bear.
With Anne on his arm, Leo brought them farther into the room. All the chandeliers had been litan expense she could scarcely fathomyet this only illuminated how large and empty the dining chamber truly was. He frowned at the walls as if displeased by their distance, and the look was so commanding, she half expected the walls to simply get up and move closer just to please him.
No wonder I never ate at home. Who could dine in here?
I did.
Her quiet words snared his attention. Today.
Yes, today. I broke my fast in this chamber, and dined, as well.
Alone.
There was a footman.
He shook his head, his frown deepening. God, Im an ass. He quirked an eyebrow at her. This is the point in the exchange where you contradict me.
I was given to understand that a good wife does not contradict her husband.
His scowl transformed into a smile that glittered in his eyes. I think Ive married an impertinent hoyden.
Her own lips curved. No one has ever called me a hoyden before. And she rather liked it, for as a daughter of parents with little means, subdued obedience had been her byword. Being poor and an unmarried woman did not improve ones chances of being abided. I suspect its the low company I now keep.
The moment the words left her, she wanted to call them back. Leos face shuttered at the perceived insult.
I didntthats not what I mean. She gripped his sleeve. It was a jest. Nothing more. I dont think of you as low.
But I am, he said, words cool and impersonal. He withdrew his arm.
Not truly. Low is defined by deeds, not blood.
His smile returned, only now it had a dark and cynical cast to it. To repeat: I am.
She did not understand to what he referred, but the shadows in his eyes made her think perhaps she did not want to know. Blast. They had been heading toward something, a connection as tenuous as it was vital, and a few thoughtless words had torn it asunder.
Another realization dawned: he claimed not to care what others thought, and in many ways, he didnt, but there was still some part of him that bristled and brooded when his origins were derided. He lashed out when hurt, like a wounded beast. To keep her hand from being bitten off, she must proceed carefully.
Grand though this chamber is, she said, searching for another topic, it doesnt lend itself well to intimate suppers. She turned to one of the footmen. Remove the collation to the parlor upstairs. The servant bowed, and he and the other footman began gathering up the plates and platters of food.
Theres a parlor upstairs?
She exhaled. At the least, Leos voice had lost its cold timbre. This house has a saloon, two parlors, a promenade, study, drawing room, and three bedchambers. I can draw you a map. Im very good with them.