Blixford was so large, it followed his member would be proportionate, didn’t it? She shifted in her saddle, praying she would be able to accommodate him, that it wouldn’t be too painful.
When the Red Lion was within sight, he abruptly changed the subject, though she was unclear which subject he’d been on. Something about sheep?
“Jane, you’re a world away.”
“Never say it. I’ve followed along most studiously.”
“Now it’s you who lies. I just suggested we attempt to crossbreed a Merino ewe with a Hereford bull, that the resulting animal would be significantly large. Complete balderdash, and you merely nod and say, Yes, excellent notion, Blixford.” He urged Pendragon closer. “Tell me what’s on your mind.”
“I’d rather not.”
He reached over and squeezed her shoulder before dropping his hand. “I’m not a brute, you know. We’ll take our time and nothing will happen that you don’t wish to happen.”
“I’m sure I don’t know what you’re implying,” she said with what she hoped was convincing astonishment.
“Ah, I see, and mere hours ago, you gave such a pretty speech about how our marriage would begin with truth and honesty.”
“Bloody hell,” she mumbled.
He looked off down the road. “I’m quite hungry and looking forward to luncheon. Wonder if they’ll have steak and kidney pie? It’s a favorite of mine.”
Jane scowled at Grendel’s ears. Dash it all, she had the insane feeling she might cry. What was wrong with her? It vexed her to be this intimidated. She tried to think of other things, but she invariably came back to the matter at hand, that as much as she wanted Blixford, she was scared to death of him. Oh, what a tangle! He’d never stay in her bed if she was a cold fish, a frightened little rabbit.
“Ah, here we are.”
Jerking her head up, she realized they were, indeed, approaching the yard of the inn. A groom ran out to greet them, tipping his hat as he came. “Would ye be stayin’ the night, m’lord, or would ye be here to partake of the mistress’s tasty victuals?”
“Luncheon, my good man,” Blixford boomed with a wide grin. “We’ve only just married and I desire to impress my bride with a feast.” He dismounted and reached for Jane, his large hands circling her waist to swing her clear of the saddle. When her feet were upon the ground, Blixford tossed a coin to the groom and offered his arm to her.
Inside, the public room was crowded; mingled voices forming a dull roar. The proprietor, a portly man with a florid face and bulbous nose, smiled as he approached. “Welcome to Red Lion, sir, ma’am! I’m Bertram Osgood, proprietor.” He sketched a brief bow and summed them up, all at the same time. “How might I be of service to you?”
Blixford handed Mr. Osgood his card. “The duchess is quite exhausted from our journey, and I believe it would suit her to rest a while. Perhaps a spacious room in which we might enjoy luncheon and a rest?”
“I’m honored, Your Grace! Please, step this way.” Posthaste, they were escorted to the stairs and shown to a room at the farthest end of the first floor hallway. It was spacious, bright and airy, with windows along two walls, it being a corner situation. The bed was an old fashioned canopy with light, muslin hangings and what appeared to be three mattresses beneath the tester. A floral patterned rug stretched across the polished floor, just to the edge of the hearth. “I’ll have a maid bring up hot water, Your Grace, and be back shortly with some of the wife’s victuals. I’m a cobbler without shoes if you don’t agree she’s a fine cook.” He bowed himself out, and they were alone.
“Are you tired, Jane?”
She stared out the window at the countryside behind the inn and shook her head.
“Hungry?”
“Vaguely, but I’m not sure.”
He went to the window and threw open the sash. “How fortunate we are to enjoy such lovely weather. Are you up for riding the remainder of the way to Beckinsale House?”
“Yes, Blixford.”
He glanced over his shoulder. “You’ve no idea how far it is.”
Moving to stand beside him, she sighed. “It can’t be too terribly far, for we’ve already traveled a good distance into Kent, have we not?”
“Yes. We’re but five or six miles from our destination.”
“Why, then, did you agree to stop here?”
“Because you wanted it, and I’m beginning to believe your theory is correct.”
She jerked a startled look to his face. He stared down at her with a strange intensity. “You do?”