Page 69 of Charlotte's Kisses

“I do,” Hugh said. “’Tis the most wonderful present I have ever received. Billy can take the sign with him and hang it up tomorrow. For now, we should be on our way. Traveling with our barnyard will probably take us an extra day.”

Charlotte giggled. “One kitten, one puppy, and two birds are hardly a barnyard.”

“Let us see if you still say that after four days in a carriage.” Hugh placed the sign against the wall and took the basket fromAlexander. “Mrs. Fletcher, you had better gather the rest of our party so that we can begin our long journey.”

Charlotte hugged him so tightly that she squeezed a breathy gasp from him. Thereupon, she dashed up the stairs to retrieve Lucy and Snowball.

The ride across the countryside in her father’s carriage with her new family was delightful. Lucy proved quite helpful with the animals, and the three of them never ran out of things to talk about. At night, once Charlotte and Hugh were locked in their chamber, in whatever coaching inn they were staying at, they made love and whispered sweet sentiments to each other. At other times, Hugh cooed filthy things in her ear. Somehow, he always knew which she was in the mood for. Her only hope was that Lucy and their coachmen could not hear her screams of pleasure and the headboard slamming against the wall from wherever their chambers happened to be.

They arrived at the Crown Jewel Inn one day behind schedule because they had traveled at a leisurely pace and changed horses quite often. They had also overslept a couple of times after nights filled with sensual gymnastics.

As complementary as Hugh’s description was, it did not do justice to the stately four-story inn or its extensive gardens. A half dozen bay windows and wrap-around balconies jutting from the front of the building gave it a relaxed feel despite its grandeur.

Hugh’s mother exited the inn, her skirts billowing in the sea breeze as she descended the stairs and greeted them on thefront walkway. A few members of her staff followed behind her.

“Honey bear, I was so worried that something had happened. We expected you last evening.” Cradling his face, Hugh’s mother gave him the once over. “I dare say, marriage suits you.”

“The trip was without incident. We simply traveled slowly.” He kissed his mother on the cheek and then placed his hand on the small of Charlotte’s back. “Mama, this is Charlotte.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mrs. Fletch—” was all Charlotte got out before being embraced in a hug that practically lifted her off her feet.

“I hope you will call me Mama Justine and think of me as your second mother.”

“I would love that.” Charlotte patted at a sentimental tear dripping from the corner of her eye.

“And this is Lucy,” Hugh said. “Charlotte’s companion.”

Lucy stood behind Charlotte, holding the large birdcage. She curtsied.

“Welcome, Lucy,” their gracious host said. “That appears to be quite cumbersome.” She waved for one of her staff to take the birdcage from Lucy.

“I am afraid we have more guests in the carriage,” Hugh said.

Charlotte’s new mother held her hand to her eyebrow to shield her eyes from the setting sun as she peered over Lucy’s shoulder. “Of course. I have also prepared a room for your coachmen.”

Hugh hesitated before announcing, “That is wonderful, but we also have Snowball and Pepper with us.”

“I have a puppy and a kitten,” Charlotte added.

“Oh, how delightful,” Mama Justine said.

A lovely woman about Charlotte’s age flew down the stairs, throwing herself at Hugh, almost knocking him off his feet. Between her giggles, she managed to call out, “Hughey Bear.”

“Itsy Bitsy Betsy.” Hugh steadied himself, picked her up, and spun her around.

Once he set her on her feet, she covered Charlotte’s face with kisses.

“Charlotte, meet my sister, Elizabeth,” Hugh said.

“I have always wanted a sister and she is as beautiful as your letters said.” Elizabeth linked arms with Charlotte. “Come. Let me show you your honeymoon chamber. ’Tis our grandest room. You even have a private bath.” She winked. “And I filled your space with fresh flowers and rose petals. There are so many rose petals.”

Giddy with excitement, Charlotte allowed herself to be led into the inn. Meanwhile, their mother waved a hand above her head, setting a whirlwind of activity into motion. Within no time at all, Charlotte and her traveling companions were settled in.

Chapter twenty-nine

Lucy finally left, soat long last, Hugh was alone with Charlotte, who stood with her back to him, humming as she hung her dresses in the wardrobe.

He stalked toward her. Snarling like a hungry beast, he moved a strand of her hair to the side and nipped at the back of her neck. She squealed and dropped the dress she was wrangling onto a hook. The pretty garment landed at her feet.