She nodded and said gamely, “I’ve had some experience with men’s breeches, growing up with a father and six brothers.”
He stared at her, dumbfounded. “Why would you have anything to do with their breeches?”
“Laundry, sir. It’s a massive undertaking, of which you wouldn’t be aware, being a man and such things beneath you.”
“You’re the daughter of an earl! Why on earth would you have your hand in laundry?”
She shrugged and presented her back for him to undo her buttons. “Mostly for demonstration purposes. We rotated housekeepers on a regular basis because my brothers were so slovenly and difficult. I was always very particular about the laundry. Ruining garments is a horrid waste. So I demonstrated to each new housekeeper how I preferred it to be done. In all that, I learned to handle fastenings and buttons with great dexterity.” She glanced over her shoulder.
He stepped close and his warm fingers soon had her naked of all. He summarily picked her up and set her into the tub, then stood back and gazed at her. “Is the water to your liking, my little laundress?”
“It’s perfect, thank you.” She gazed up at him, flushing as much from his heated look as from the warm bathwater. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think there’s something about me having a hand in laundry that’s appealing to your masculine nature.”
“Damned if it isn’t appealing, and I haven’t any idea why. Can’t say I’ve ever found the concept of a woman performing menial labor alluring.” He shrugged and turned to divest himself of his coat and waistcoat. He returned and rolled up his shirtsleeves before kneeling beside the tub and reaching for the soap. While he lathered her back, he spoke softly. “I’ve been thinking about when we return to London. Would you be averse to hosting a small affair of some type, a soiree or musicale, perhaps, to test the waters?”
“I’d be delighted.” She wished he’d continue soaping her back for another year or so. His big hands upon her were positively wonderful, such an ease to her tired muscles. “If we choose to hold a musicale, however, I’ll politely decline to perform. It would dampen any hope of easing back into the fold. In fact, I’ve no doubt we’d be run out of town by an angry mob.”
“You’ll forgive me if I agree?”
“Of course. It’s a stretch to call my ability at the pianoforte ability at all. We should call it an attempt and leave it at that.” She leaned forward and moaned. “You’ve a talent with your fingers, sir. I daresay I’ll be unable to repay the kindness in like manner.”
“Ah, Jane, having your hands on me in any capacity is pleasurable. Is this good?”
His fingers rubbed firm circles against her shoulder blades and she nearly fainted with pleasure. “Oh, it’s far better than good. Wherever did you learn to do this?” She realized what she’d asked the moment she said it, and hastened to say, “Never mind, Blixford. I’d rather not know.”
“Actually, it was Lucy. I’ve long had muscle spasms in my back, and she eased the discomfort just like this. I believe she learned the technique from her husband, who spent some time in India and came home with a wealth of foreign notions.”
“I shall have to ask her to teach me then, so I can ease your discomfort.”
“You would do that?”
Turning her head, she met his eyes. “Why would I not? You’re my husband and I’m committed to providing you a comfortable life, a happy home and hearth, a restful sojourn at the end of every day.”
He startled her when he threw his head back and laughed.
“Really, Blixford, I fail to find any amusement in my vow to be kind to you.”
Instantly, he sobered, though laughter still lurked in his eyes. “Forgive me, it’s just that this picture of domesticity, of you chafing your lovely hands in laundry, fetching my slippers and brandy come time for bed, and massaging away my aches gives me pause. I’d not thought it of you, Jane.”
She sniffed and turned her back to him again. “You know so little of me, really. Blinded, I suppose, by my pistols and horses and talk of sheep. Did I not say, only recently, we are all perhaps dominated by certain characteristics, but none of us are all of one thing and none of the other? I find the lure of domesticity rather enticing, if you’d know the truth. I look forward to children, and supervising servants and seeing to your welfare. Mayhap I’ll ride neck-or-nothing at dawn, visit tenants of a morning to check on their crops and sheep, and shoot pistols in the afternoon, but I’ll be a grand duchess and take my responsibilities and duties to heart. You’re unkind to laugh at me, sir.”