CHAPTER36
The wedding breakfast passed quickly, cheerfully, and afterward, while she knew Jeffrey was itching to begin the wedding night, despite it being the middle of the afternoon, she found her friends, leading them into the drawing room for a moment alone.
“Oh, Phoebe, I can hardly believe this is your home now,” Sarah said, sighing at the romanticism of it all as she flounced onto the settee, her skirts billowing out around her. Julia nodded in agreement, placing a hand on Phoebe’s arm and squeezing it gently.
“You have always been determined, Phoebe Winters — or should I say Worthington. I am so very proud of you and all that you have accomplished.”
Elizabeth sat down next to Sarah, shaking her head in wonderment.
“I never thought it was possible, Phoebe, and I am sorry for it. I suppose I underestimated both you and Lord Berkley,” she said.
“I can understand your feelings, Elizabeth. And you are correct. I myself underestimated Jeffrey from the very moment I met him, so I can hardly blame anyone else for doing the same,” Phoebe said from her seat on the corner chair. “And I thank you for always being honest with me. If nothing else, you are a moral compass that we are all fortunate to have as part of our lives.”
“That is a very kind way of telling me that I am a pessimistic busybody who should keep her nose out of others’ business,” said Elizabeth with a sigh, but the rest of them quickly assured her that she was being far too harsh on herself.
“And, oh, Phoebe, the wedding was ever so beautiful,” Sarah continued, and as her friends continued their chatter, Phoebe was silent for a moment as she took in all that surrounded her. She was fortunate to have friends like these, and she was determined that despite now being married, she would always make them a priority.
“What of Aurelia?” Elizabeth asked. “Will she move with you?”
“No,” Phoebe shook her head. “We asked her if she would like to, but she said she would prefer to be on her own, so she will maintain the house. I believe she rather enjoys her independence and her ability to come and go as she pleases. Which is why she made such a terrible chaperone, although the perfect one for me. She will likely accompany us when we return to Jeffrey’s country home for the summer, but here in London she will retain her own residence.”
“That is actually lovely,” said Julia, “For then your parents’ home will remain within your family.”
“It will,” Phoebe said softly. “I do not think I could ever let it go.”
“Nor must you,” Elizabeth agreed, and Phoebe smiled, so glad she had women in her life who completely understood her.
* * *
“Have they finally gone?”
“Who, all of my loved ones?”
“Yes,” Jeffrey said, as he stood beside his wife at the entrance to their home, where they waved at the departing carriages. “Now if I could only get rid of my own loved ones so easily.”
Maxwell clearly understood his words, for he was soon standing at attention at his master’s side.
“Oh, Maxwell,” said Phoebe, dropping down beside the dog, oblivious to the fact that her satin skirts were all over the floor and Maxwell had no qualms about stepping upon them. “I hope you do not mind that I will now be monopolizing much of your master’s time. However, you should be pleased as now you have a mistress as well.”
“You do not truly believe he can understand you, do you?”
“To an extent, I suppose he likely can,” Phoebe retorted. “Where does he sleep?”
“Originally he was supposed to sleep in the stables behind the house,” Jeffrey began, already inwardly sighing at his lack of control over the damn dog. Or his family. Or his wife. “But he spent all night crying at the door, so we allowed him inside, where he was supposed to remain on a dog bed in the drawing room. But then…”
“He sleeps in your bed, doesn’t he.”
“He does.”
Phoebe began to laugh at his vexation, and Jeffrey couldn’t help but smile along with her.
“Well, Maxwell, you are going to have to move over tonight,” she said, patting his head as she stood.
“I believe, wife,” Jeffrey said dryly, “Maxwell will have to remain on the floor.”
“Oh?” Phoebe said as he drew her in closer. “And why would that be?”
“Because I have plans for you involving the bed.”