He gathered her into his arms, and then they slept.

Chapter 19

The next week was pure bliss. Ellie and Charles spent more time in bed than out, and when they did venture downstairs, it seemed as if life was conspiring to send only the good things their way. Ellie had her first dress fitting, Claire finished cleaning the orangery and told Ellie she'd very much like to help in the planting, and Judith painted four more water-colors, one of which actually resembled a horse.

Ellie found out later that the painting was in fact meant to be a tree, but Judith's feelings didn't seem to be hurt.

In fact, the only thing that could have possibly made Ellie's life any more perfect would be if Charles were to fall prostrate at her feet, kiss each and every one of her toes, and declare his undying love for her. But Ellie was trying not to dwell on the fact that he hadn't told her he loved her.

Fair was fair, after all, and she hadn't summoned up the courage to tell him, either.

She was optimistic, though. She could tell that Charles enjoyed her company immensely, and there was no denying that they were extremely compatible in bed. She had only to win his heart, and she spent a lot of time reminding herself that she'd never failed at anything she really put her mind to.

And she was really putting her mind to this. She'd even started composing lists of her own, the most active of which was called “How to Make Charles Realize He Loves Me.”

When Ellie wasn't dwelling on the fact that her husband hadn't yet told her that he loved her or working hard to ensure that he would, she spent her time poring over the financial pages of the newspaper. For the first time in her life, she had real control over her savings, and she didn't want to make a muck of things.

Charles seemed to be spending most of his time plotting ways to drag Ellie back into bed. She never put up more than token resistance, and she only did that because he kept writing up lists to coerce her, and they were always terribly amusing.

He presented her with what she would later declare her favorite one night as she mulled over investments in the study.

FIVE WAYS ELLIE CAN MOVE HERSELF
FROM THE STUDY TO THE BEDROOM

1. Walk quickly
2. Walk very quickly
3. Run
4. Smile sweetly and ask Charles to carry her
5. Hop on one foot

Ellie raised her brows over the last one.

Charles shrugged. “I ran out of ideas.”

“You realize, of course, that now I will have to hop all the way upstairs.”

“I would be happy to carry you.”

“No, no, you have clearly thrown down the gauntlet. I have no choice. I must hop or forever lose my honor.”

“Mmmm, yes,” he said, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. “I can see how you might feel that way.”