Richard heard the reprimand in his friend’s voice and scrubbed his face guiltily. Daniel had been there listening at the door when the women had gone past. He too knew about the drink and how it had affected Christiana, so knew exactly what state she’d been in. And while it hadn’t seemed that important last night when he’d thought her an experienced woman, now, in the bright light of day with his manhood finally quiet, it seemed rather shameful behavior.

Shaking his head, he muttered with self-disgust. “I took advantage of an inebriated virgin.”

Woodrow did not let him off the hook, but left him to wallow in his guilt for several moments before finally clearing his throat and saying, “Well, at least you are going to do the right thing and stand by the marriage.”

“Which isn’t even a legal one,” Richard muttered, and then his eyes widened suddenly. “What if she is pregnant from last night’s tumblings? Technically, the child would be illegitimate.”

“Well, one time isn’t likely to bring about a child,” Daniel said soothingly.

Richard grimaced. “True, but it wasn’t one time.”

“Well even two . . .” He paused as he noted his expression and then said, “Three?”

Richard merely stared back.

“Four?”

Richard remained silent.

“Oh,” Daniel said, looking impressed. “Well, she must be very . . . er . . . inspiring. We must just hope she is not equally fertile.” When Richard’s shoulders slumped, he added, “Or you could marry her to ensure everything was legal.”

“We are already supposed to be married,” Richard pointed out dryly. “How the devil do I explain the need to marry again?”

Daniel opened his mouth, but then glanced to the door. In the next moment, he’d risen and crossed the room to close it. As he returned to his seat they exchanged a grimace at having said so much before thinking to close it, and then Daniel suggested, “Rather than present it as a need, perhaps you could suggest to Christiana that you want to do it again, as a sort of fresh start to the marriage to make up for this last very bad year. She will think you are the most romantic bugger alive, and you will be assured that any heirs are legal.”

Richard raised his eyebrows. “That is actually a good idea.”

“I have been known to have a good idea or two on occasion,” Daniel said dryly, no doubt a bit insulted by his surprised tone.

Richard merely grunted, his thoughts on what exactly he would say to Christiana and how he could convince her.

“And then you could travel to Gretna Green with Suzette and me when we head off to do the deed.”

“Yes, we could leave—” Richard paused and blinked. “You and Suzette?”

Daniel cleared his throat. “Er . . . yes.”

“You’re marrying Suzette?” he asked, just to be certain he wasn’t misunderstanding.

“I haven’t quite made up my mind, though I am leaning that way,” Daniel muttered, picking imaginary lint off his trousers.