Only one more night to endure, this one spent in a sleepy inn on the road to Rosenthorne Park, and then he would find out for himself if his wife would do anything he asked of her.

Celia napped cuddled against Gabriel as the coach moved in almost a measured cadence. The drivers called out to the horses occasionally, and the popping of a whip interspersed their shouted commands. The vehicle’s rocking motion was often jolted by a wheel landing in a hole and rolling through it, but it was a much smoother ride than it might have been.

How Celia slept at all was a mystery. This journey was an excellent reminder of why Gabriel preferred riding as a means of travel. While traveling by coach was intended as a comfortable way of reaching one’s destination, the brawniness of his size made that impossible. His shoulders took up most of the seat’s cushioned back, and his legs, when stretched, reached the opposite bench with no room to spare.

He shifted in an attempt at becoming more comfortable, and in doing so, disturbed Celia’s slumber. Her brow creased in a tiny frown as she tried readjusting her cramped position.

I should move to the opposite bench. She’ll have more room and I can watch over her.

But even the thought of riding in reverse made Gabriel’s mouth water with sour nausea. This particular weakness was a curse. It was not just carriages which had this effect on him. Traveling by boat did as well. He’d thought he would actually perish when crossing from France to England alongside Sebastian two years ago.

“So, it’s seasickness bringing the mighty Gabriel Rose down to his knees?” Sebastian had laughingly asked while Gabriel hung his head over the side of the ship that first hour on board. He’d not had the strength or willpower to dispute the earl’s assumption then.

The memory brought a wry grin to Gabriel’s features. That was the last time he’d been on the water for any reason. Even now, he was loathe to even try paddling a rowboat around a small pond.

Celia sighed, making a little sound of frustration as she moved her shoulders until she sat upright rather than snuggled under Gabriel’s arm. There was a simple solution. He could move, giving her the entire bench.

Gritting his teeth, Gabriel slowly slid Celia away from his body. He lowered her to the bench while at the same time, he moved to the opposite side.

For a long moment, he quietly sat as the coach rocked along. It was a beautiful day, the sun shining bright overhead as the noon hour approached. Soon, they would stop to water the horses and dine on the meal Ivy had Cook prepare for them and the coach drivers. Packed in an enclosed wicker basket, it barely fit in the baggage compartment when the luggage was also added.

Gabriel leaned against the seat cushion. Perhaps this wasn’t as bad as he remembered, this riding backward. If he concentrated hard, he could almost forget he was not facing forward.