Chapter Twelve

Rebecca eyed the master suite with wide eyes as she followed Alex inside. Like the rest of the house, it was exquisitely furnished. She failed to take in the general details in more than a cursory way. Her attention was immediately drawn to the large bed in the middle of the room. A white coverlet covered its expanse, and heavy curtains had been drawn back.

“Rebecca?”

She blinked, returning her attention to him. “Yes?”

“Your room is through this door.”

She frowned at the way her stomach dipped. It was indigestion from their luncheon; certainly not disappointment at finding they had separate rooms. She followed him through the door, passing through the dressing room and another doorway before entering her room.

The bed was considerably smaller, without the posts and privacy curtains. A dark-blue velvet spread covered the bed. The rest of the room was bare except for a cheval looking glass, a set of shelves, a gilt chair, and a table near the bed. A fire already burned in the gray stone fireplace in the corner of the room. A thick, white rug lay before it.

“Will it suit you?”

She nodded.

Alex stood by the door for a moment. “Do you require anything further?”

Rebecca shook her head.

“Georgina has already unpacked most of your things.”

“Georgina?”

“The upstairs maid. She shall be your personal attendant until Nora rejoins you. If you need anything, please summon her or Bentley.”

“Thank you.” His reminder left Rebecca wanting to cry. She longed for Nora to join the staff, but her companion had insisted on remaining with Elizabeth until the baby came. She had seen the excitement on her face and suspected Nora would once again return to the position of nanny. It was irrational to feel abandoned, but she did.

He sighed. “I shall see you at dinner.”

“Would you please send up a tray?”

Alex frowned. “Are you unwell?”

“I am tired. May I also have a bath?”

“Of course.”

“Thank you,” she said again as he left. Once he had gone, Rebecca collapsed into the chair near the fireplace, hoping to ease the chill inside her. It was a chill that came from fear rather than cold. Would he want her tonight? Could she lie with him without revealing how she felt?

She closed her eyes, wishing she had someone to counsel her. Marriages without love were commonplace, but she had hoped for more. If she had to settle for such a state, why must she love her groom? Damn her traitorous heart.

Rebecca jumped when someone knocked on her door. “Enter.”

A plump woman in her late-twenties entered, curtsying. “M’lady, I am Georgina. The master said you wanted to bathe?”

“Yes.”

She inclined her head. “Bentley is seeing to it now. Would you prefer to eat before your bath?”

“No.” The special luncheon had left little room for a meal anytime soon.

“Yes, m’lady.” With another curtsy, Georgina left the room, returning soon with two men, who filled a tub for her.

After they had left, Rebecca slid into the hot, rose-scented water, glad to have a larger tub than the one on the Margaret. She was able to sink down and brace her head on the rim, allowing some of the tension that had built up during the day to melt away. It was only the water turning tepid that forced her from the bath.

Georgina had laid a sheer white nightdress on the bed—a wedding gift from Elizabeth, sewn by Madam Brovay. Once she had dressed and Georgina had brushed her hair, she slid into the soft bed, laying her head against the feather pillows. To her surprise, Rebecca found herself slipping easily into sleep. Despite her turbulent thoughts, her body craved sleep. She did not resist or try to keep her lids open, seeing no reason to stay awake. It was doubtful Alex would come for her tonight.