There.

That should satisfy the two women. God, is this what all married women did when given the chance? Discussed the merits of marital relationships and what occurred between man and wife as though it were part of everyday conversations?

Her cheeks pinkened at the thought of her friends learning exactly what she’d done last night.

“Oh, thank goodness,” Ivy breathed in relief. “If you are blushing, then I’m convinced you found it pleasurable and my worry for your welfare is all for naught. We are very lucky women, Celia. We have husbands who care for our pleasure and will do anything to ensure it. Not many wives have this luxury. Treasure it.”

Sara squeezed Celia’s hand. “The best part is that it gets even better after the first time. I imagine the marquess will be hard pressed keeping his hands off you now. Lucky girl.”

Celia could only nod as though in complete agreement, then with a silent sigh of gratitude, turned toward the drawing room as the door opened and the men filed out, Gabriel at the forefront. Seeing her father emerge with a pleased smile, Celia hurried to him and accepted his embrace.

Lord Darby pressed a kiss to Celia’s temple. “It appears your mother’s worries these past few years were unfounded, daughter. You’ve caught yourself a marquess. And a fine man at that.” He nodded at Gabriel where he waited for them to join him for breakfast. “I know you will be very happy.” Then Lord Darby winked at Celia and said under his breath, “And I’ve informed your husband that marquess or no, should I receive word of your unhappiness, it will be dealt with swiftly. But I doubt it will ever come to that. Your mother informed me, and I see it for myself. Rosenthorne is already enamored of you.”

The following day, Celia and Gabriel prepared to climb into the carriage which would carry them to Rosenthorne Park.

Gabriel’s personal items in his suite of rooms were being packed up and prepared for transfer to their new home while Lady Darby assured Celia the same was already done for her own belongings.

“I shall make sure all of your favorite things are sent to Rosenthorne Park, my darling,” her mother said, dabbing at tears in the corners of her eyes. “I believe the marquess will take very good care of you, even if the circumstances of your wedding are a bit out of the ordinary. How I do wish I’d been here to see you walk down the aisle.”

Celia patted her mother’s arm, wishing her mother had been present as well. “I do regret the haste, Mother. And I do wish I could still travel with you to see Grace and Richeforte before the season begins. Perhaps, Rosenthorne and I may visit them after we are settled.”

Lady Darby sniffed back more tears and enveloped Celia in a warm embrace. “I know this is all part of you having your own life, but it is still quite difficult to think you will no longer be at Darby Woods. I shall miss you dreadfully.”