Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 86167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 86167 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 431(@200wpm)___ 345(@250wpm)___ 287(@300wpm)
The third day after the wedding, before breakfast, he received a note card from the duke with a gold A embossed upon the front.
Dear August,
We have spoken to Elizabeth about the possibility of a marriage between you. Her mother and I believe she might be convinced. You are free to proceed with your proposal.
Arlington
“You are free to proceed” meant something more like “I expect you to proceed at once,” but August was prepared for speedy action. Ever since the parents had converged on him in his chambers, he’d been silently rehearsing genteel proposals, as well as arguments in the event she should resist.
When the tables were cleared after luncheon, he nodded to his friends and expressed a desire to take the air. It would be cold air, but privacy must be secured. In the time it took the butler to bring his coat and hat, his friend Wescott was able to alert the duke and duchess.
So, shortly after he walked, alone, to the edge of the balustrade overlooking Cairwyn’s back gardens, he heard the door open. He turned and regarded Elizabeth, who was bundled up for the weather in a fur-lined bonnet and elegantly trimmed winter-blue cape.
How easy things were made, when marriages were arranged. She was sent out to him just like a pretty package delivered to his door. He considered her as she walked to him. Slow steps, hesitant, halting. Still a bit pale and sad.
A wife. His wife.
Why not? Why the fuck not, if it would solve their problems and lift the gloomy droop to her shoulders? He would worry about the rest of it later—whether it would work, whether they could successfully navigate the path from friendship to romantic love. If things went awry, he’d just spank her. That was proven to work between them, at least.
He blinked away a stab of carnal lust, a memory of her trembling arse cheeks as he’d switched her a week ago. There was always that to build on. Discipline, structure, the infliction of pain and the comforting afterward. He could spank her, then hold her and whisper to her, cradling her in his lap. How far was it from that to…?
Well, he really shouldn’t think too far ahead this cold, bright afternoon. His tastes were regrettably base and perverse, but he could govern those impulses if necessary, to be a proper husband.
Not that any of this mattered if she told him no.
He managed a natural smile as she came to stand beside him. “Good afternoon, Lisbet.”
She turned into the wind, blinking at the sun’s brightness. “Good afternoon. Did you enjoy lunch?”
“Very much.” He watched her, noting what the past few days had done to her soul, her spirit, and felt confirmed in his purpose. “I thought I might have a walk around the back gardens. Perhaps you’ll join me?”
“Of course. If you like.”
She said this with rather tepid energy but accepted his offered arm and walked with him down the stairs to the cobbled stone path. He tried to relax, tried not to think about the curious onlookers hiding behind the multipaned glass windows along the south face of the keep. He took a deep breath and turned toward her, patting her hand.
“Well, Elizabeth. It seems there’s been a new and unexpected development.”
“Has there?” Her tone was dark and light, like cold air together with sun.
“Indeed.” He forged on despite her obvious ambivalence. “Both your parents and mine have asked me to marry you. To propose marriage to you, anyway. They crowded right into my parson’s room at the chapel to put forth the request.”
“That must have been daunting.”
“It was. And vaguely threatening, though your father assured me he found me deserving of your hand. Which is an important part of this.”
She stared down at the wintry grass, suddenly interested in the desiccated blades. “How silly of them, to cajole you into proposing to me.”
“Surprising, but not silly. They care about you and wish you to be happy.” He stopped their forward progress and nudged her chin up until her eyes met his. “I care about you, too. I would like you to say yes to my proposal. They advised you to say yes, didn’t they? When they sent you out here to talk with me?”
“They did.” She swallowed hard, her throat working against emotion. “Poor August. They mean to trap you with me, since no one else has worked out.”
“I don’t think of it like that, like a trap. As it happens, I should very much like to marry you. It would be my honor.”
She shook her head, though not enough that the watchers in the window could see. “Of course you’re willing to marry me for honor, August, but you’re not in love with me.”
“How many are in love when they marry?” he countered. “Not many. Did you love Fortenbury?”