“We both must, sugarplum. Together, of course.” Gabriel took her hand, pulling her up from the bed. Turning her around, he began slipping the buttons of her gown from the moorings.

“I have Katie to see to this, my lord.” Her voice trembled, but she allowed him to silently continue. His fingers were deft, and soon, the gown fell away from her bosom.

“Your maid is of no use to you right now, Celia. Nor to me. This is just between us.”

With her gown loosened, Gabriel began working on the laces of her corset.

Encouraged to step forward from the puddle of clothes left behind on the floor, Gabriel held her hand and helped her hop back up onto the edge of the mattress. Kneeling before her, he untied the laces to the delicate heeled boots she wore, slipped them from her feet, then slid her stockings down her legs as well.

Celia allowed him these liberties, but when she was left in nothing but her chemise and undergarments, she stopped him by placing her hands on his shoulders.

“I can remove the rest of my clothing, Gabriel.” Her eyes were shiny with surrender. “I want to do what pleases you.”

He stared up at her for a long moment, then shrugged out of his riding coat. “And so you shall, pet. But not tonight. Tonight, you will rest and we shall address these matters tomorrow.”

She stuttered in disbelief. “You mean you aren’t… I mean, we will not—”

“What kind of husband would I be if I took advantage of your weakness right now? But do not fret, sweet wife. I will administer your correction tomorrow, and you will certainly remember the lesson. Now, keep your chemise on until I can retrieve your nightrail from the lady’s chamber adjoining this one. I believe Katie is already there putting away your belongings.”

Celia watched silently as he padded to the door connecting the two suites together and disappeared. He returned very quickly with a flimsy concoction of soft pink muslin.

“I will not complain if you were to visit Madam Maurer’s shop in the near future,” he murmured, slipping the garment over Celia’s head.

“What do you know of Madam Maurer?” Celia asked, a hint of amusement in her voice as he began pulling the pins from her hair.

“What every other red-blooded male in London knows, of course. Her creations for women’s lingerie are sinful and certainly more to my liking than these virginal gowns you possess. I give you full rein to purchase whatever strikes your fancy there. In fact, I insist upon it. I’ve already set aside pin money for your use, but whatever the cost, I will cover all of your expenses.”

“Would you go with me?” Celia asked breathlessly, touching Gabriel’s arm with the tips of her fingers. She gripped his muscles as he swung back the bedclothes, encouraging her to slide beneath them.

“Would you like me to?” When she nodded, Gabriel teased her, “How scandalous of you, Lady Rosenthorne. I think I would enjoy it as well. Perhaps after I’ve concluded my meetings in the House of Lords, we can arrange a day to spend together in the city.”