You're My Best Friend

Chapter 18

"I figure you and Caroline can live in our Surrey home until the time comes for you to take over the title." the count said

Geoffrey, his father, his brother, and the duke sat in his father's study, the air thick with smoke and the smell of brandy. The talk of the evening seemed to be the only person not in the room, who was planning the aesthetics of the wedding with his mother and her own.

"Yes of course" Geoffrey felt partially disinterested. He felt a growing need to be with Caroline at all times, and as the wedding was now only three weeks away, he dreamed of moments when she would be his wife.

"I suppose we should discuss my daughter's dowry," the Duke added in, taking a sip of his brandy.

Geoffrey held up his hand, "Sir I could care less about what you have for me as a financial reward. I am marrying your daughter because I have never met a woman so perfect."

"As nice as it is to hear you say that," the duke began, "some things must be discussed."

"I understand," Geoffrey lied.

As the duke spoke, Geoffrey found himself fantasizing the life he would soon have with Caroline. He wondered what common routines they would share, or what they would name their children. He hoped for at least one son to carry on the title, but the thought of having a daughter with Caroline's gentle nature was not a bad option. Besides if all else had failed, he was sure that William would make a suitable if not rakish count.

Of course Geoffrey could not deny the more physical urges he had towards his soon to be wife. While he had been with other women before, as all men of high society had at some point, the thought of laying with one you felt such deep passion for excited him. Oh the things he would do to her... and for her. A more devilish part of him wished that they could elope at this very moment, but he could see how much Caroline had enjoyed all of the prewedding plans.

"I suppose that sums it all up" Geoffrey was brought back from his hypothetical world by the duke's last remark.

'I propose a toast" the count raised his glass, "To Geoffrey and Caroline, may they have a long and fruitful marriage."

"Here, here!" the men clinked their glasses together

"Now William," Geoffrey said in an intoxicated manner, "when will you be marrying?"

"We could settle affairs now," The duke laughed, "and we can arrange for you and Belinda to be married"

Geoffrey nearly choked on his drink

"Good sir," William answered, "I beg your sincerest pardons, but I would rather do anything else then marry Belinda"

"Oh damn!" the duke laughed, "that would have made our lives a lot easier"

"Simon," the count said, "do you remember what it was like getting married?"

"Oh Daphne and I relive that night almost every week!"

"Every week? You lucky man, It's been quite a while since Victoria and I relived that night."

Despite being intoxicated, Geoffrey hated to think of his parents making love. "Father, I do not want to hear about you and mother engaging in sexual intercourse."

"Then think about the time that we haven't been having any of it" the duke and count let out a deep laugh.

The next morning, Geoffrey had the worst headache he could ever remember having. The rest of the night had been filled with laughter and more booze. Geoffrey was glad to have not remembered most of the evening. Today he was supposed to meet with Caroline to plan some sort of wedding detail, so he found himself taking an extra pot of tea with breakfast to clear his head.

"Dear god my head is screaming!" William joined his brother for breakfast, "I never knew father could drink so much." William's words echoed in Geoffrey's head as if he had screamed them.

"Keep it down won't you" Geoffrey exclaimed, rubbing his temple, "You're too loud"

"I never knew you could be so grouchy when intoxicated." William laughed, taking a piece of toast from Geoffrey's plate, "I'm glad we never partied together in University."

"Ha" Geoffrey laughed halfheartedly.

Planning for the wedding with Caroline sobered him up quickly. Geoffrey noticed that Caroline's love for the small details did not diminish when planning their union.

"I wish to have a bouquet of fresh hyacinths..." he hung on to her every word.

"Uh-huh" Geoffrey answered.

"Are you alright?" Caroline asked him

"Yes, just a dreadful headache" Geoffrey felt no need to lie to his soon to be wife.

"I can imagine," Caroline replied, "My father came home last night singing loudly and rather off key. He nearly woke up Edward, let alone half of London."

"He was rather rowdy before he went home. I never realized he had such a vulgar tongue," Geoffrey hoped he had not accidentally tarnished her father's reputation for her.

"Mother says that he was like that when they first met."'

"Is that so?" Geoffrey raised an eyebrow.

"If your head hurts so," Caroline began, "I can figure the rest of this out on my own."

"Then what should I do? I don't want to leave just yet." Geoffrey replied

Caroline readjusted the way she was sitting, then patted her shoulder, "You could rest your head on my shoulder."

Geoffrey obliged, cradling his head onto her shoulder. At this moment he could smell her. He had never smelled someone so sweet before. Like fresh daisies and the sweetest candies.He wanted to smell that smell for the rest of his life. God, he thought closing his eyes and taking a deep inhale, who knew a smell could be so erotic.

Erotic thoughts in mind, Geoffrey fell asleep.