On the second day George sent for her horse, Sultan, who she’d missed. Though the duke already had some lovely horses in his stables, none were suitable for small boys, so they took the boys off to a nearby farm and selected two well-mannered ponies suitable for boys just learning to ride. And when she heard about a litter of springer spaniel puppies in the neighborhood, she took the boys to choose a puppy each.

*   *   *

The following month was like nothing the duke had ever experienced. It wasn’t at all how he’d imagined his honeymoon. Faint visions of gondolas and canals faded before the brisk domesticity of life at Everingham Abbey.

The arrival of two small energetic boys and one slender, energetic bride had livened up the old house considerably. It wasn’t what he was used to, but he had to admit he enjoyed the change.

George had very decided ideas on how they would all spend their time. It was to be a holiday, she insisted. A holiday, not a honeymoon.

Acknowledging that Hart needed to deal with his correspondence and see to the supervision of the various estates he was responsible for, she graciously allowed him the mornings for that. The rest of the day—and the nights, she said with a sultry look—were hers.

Hart had no quarrel with that. Their lovemaking was . . . He had no words to describe it. Richer. Deeper. Moving him in ways he’d never dreamed possible.

Phillip, having discovered an interest in the pianoforte, was taking music lessons in the mornings, while George herself gave Danny his first lessons in reading, writing and arithmetic. The plan was for him to be caught up to Phillip by the time they would both go to school. Together, she told Hart firmly. When they were twelve or so.

After luncheon, the activities were all outdoors, making the most of the good weather. George and Hart were teaching the boys to ride—and to care for their own ponies. At first Danny had objected to having to groom and muck out his pony, thinking he was somehow being demeaned, but Hart had raised a brow and said coolly, “A gentleman cares for his animals first. There are times when a groom will care for your horse, but you must first know how to do it yourself—properly.” After that, Danny had fallen to the work with a will.

Hart had never taught anyone to ride and he was surprised how proud he felt at each boy’s progress. Phillip was careful and precise in following instructions, Danny was eager and occasionally reckless, but both boys were doing well.