And the afternoon was wearing on. If they didn’t get home soon, his father would likely send a search party.
Gwen turned and smiled at him, her eyes languid, her smile curved into a sweet knowing expression that melted his heart. “That was fun,” she said.
“I’m very pleased to hear that.” And relieved.
“Now I know why Amber and Diana are always giggling about it.”
He raised his brows. “Always?”
She shrugged and her breasts moved enticingly against him. “It seems so sometimes, but they could just as easily be talking about china cabinets.”
“Because they giggle about china cabinets?”
“Because they giggle, and I never know why.”
“Maybe because they are happy.” He pressed a kiss to his temple. “I look forward to the day I can hear your giggle.”
She laughed lightly in a way that was more of a low chuckle than a giggle. “You may wait a long time for that, my lord. I am not the giggling type.”
That was something he already knew. “We should get home soon. They will be wondering where we are.”
“And what we are doing?”
He nodded. “Most likely. Tell them that you lost yourself in the plants around the castle.”
“I definitely did that,” she said. Then she touched his cheek. It was a tentative caress, but he cherished it all the more since she chose the connection. “Thank you,” she said. “I understand so much more now.”
“I am happy to expand your education as much you want.” He blew out a breath. “But there may not be many opportunities before—”
“Yes, I know we will have to return to London. I much prefer it here.”
He was going to say before they were married, but he didn’t argue. “I have thoughts for the next few days as a way to help you prepare for returning to London. We can discuss them now, if you like.”
She smiled and stretched against him. She wasn’t being seductive. He doubted she knew how. But it was the single most erotic thing he’d ever experienced. “I know how to pack, my lord.”
“I wasn’t talking about packing. You’re to be the vision of our magical daffodil. You need to practice becoming enchanting.”
She frowned at him and he felt the withdrawal in her body as she eased away. “I’m supposed to be enchanted, not enchanting.”
“No one cares if you are bewitched. They care that they are.”
She opened her mouth to argue, but then stilled. “You are serious about this?”
“Deadly.” Because if she failed at this, it would be the death of his financial dreams.
“You want me to practice?”
“Yes.”
“And you will teach mewhatto practice.”
“Absolutely.” Then he added, “My sisters will help.”
She blew out a breath. “I suppose you believe this is vitally important. As important as making sure there is enough aeration in the transportation boxes, but not enough room for vermin.”
“Yes.”
She pushed him back before she sat up. “Then I suppose I must bow to your greater wisdom.”