Page 59 of Once Upon a Reckless Rogue

“Yes, did you make the fire or did one of the girls?”

“Girls? I have seen no one except the old lady.”

“Mrs. Wilcox is her name. Did she start the fire for you?”

“No. I did it myself and took all the covers off. I am still feeling dizzy and wobbly on my feet and so tired.”

“That happened to me the first time I went on a ship voyage. First your body has to get used to the swaying of the ship and then it has to readjust again once on land. It may take a day or two before you feel better.”

“I hope it is soon. What did you bring me?”

“Flowers. Sorry, no carnations were available. Something to eat and something sweet as well. And of course, wine.”

“Are these…English roses?”

“They are indeed.”

She sat up, and Tomas went over to the small round table and laid out the food. Swinging her feet over the edge of the bed, she soon joined him, making her way slowly so as not to fall. She eyed the fresh bread and the wine with happiness, but when she saw the apple-glazed pastry, she salivated. They had a merry little picnic by the fire.

“I have an appointment with the archbishop tomorrow morning for the special license and I have organized a modiste to come and fit you with some new clothes.”

“What is wrong with my clothes?”

“There is nothing wrong with your clothes, but it is cooler here so you will need coats and warmer dresses. Dresses for dinner parties and for balls.”

“So many clothes. What is a ball?”

“A fiesta, but held inside, usually, but once we move to the country there will not be that many balls. The village does host a dance now and then.”

It was then that she realized that Tomas came from a whole other world to her. In Spain, she was the one who knew how things went; here, she knew nothing. She was not born of his class. This could be more difficult than she expected.

“So, this modiste will come here or do I have to go to her?”

“I have arranged for her to come here in the first instance, to get your measurements and show you some material and patterns and such. You will have a whole new wardrobe of clothes. I need to look after my wife after all.”

“So, I must dress like a doll for you? Now my clothes are not good enough?”

“I thought you would like the idea of new dresses,” he said, a frown between his brows. “Ones you choose, in the colors you like. You don’t have to throw away your old clothes, you know. We are in London, so we must be prepared for everything. Once you see them, you will love how clothes that are especially for you will feel.”

“If you think so.”

“Come now, Elena. I did not dress like an Englishman in Spain.”

“Huh! When I met you, you had no clothes at all. If not for my brother, you would still be naked.”

“That is true. I needed clothes, and you provided them. Now I am doing the same. Let me indulge you in this manner. Once your clothes come, I will take you out to see the church we will marry in and show you some of the sights of London.”

He was right; she did need new clothes. Hers were fine for traveling in but not for the grand sights of London, and she did not want to embarrass him if he met a friend. She desperately wanted to get out of this room, so she would do as he asked.

“Thank you for arranging the modiste,” she said and leaned over and kissed him. “Please be patient with me.”

“Of course.” He smoothed down her hair. “You are so beautiful, Elena. I just want to give you everything.”

“I don’t need everything, Tomas. I just need you.” This time she leaned over and kissed him, scooting across the short distance between them to wind her arms around his neck and run her fingers through his hair. His hands moved to her waist, pulling her fully against him. Tomas broke the kiss and stood up, taking her hand and pulling her to her feet.

He led her to the bed and pulled back the covers. Undid the buttons at the front of her gown and pulled the sleeves down, then awkwardly undid the laces that kept her gown together, letting the whole thing fall to the floor. Left in only her chemise, she tugged at his cravat and the buttons of his waistcoat. Elena pulled his shirt over his head.

“Sit down and I will take your boots off.” Tomas obeyed her command, his eyes riveted on her bare shoulder and neck. She tugged them off and then his stockings.