Page 39 of The Duke and the Runaway Bride

“Dashing,” Edwin repeated. “You will not marry because you don’t know a man, but you will marry if he is handsome enough?”

Beatrice stopped below one of the fuller apple trees and pressed her lips together. “You are twisting my words. Is that all you got from what I said? Yes, you are handsome, but that was not the deciding factor. I mean, perhaps it was when all was said and done, but I entered into this marriage to help my family and restore our reputation, and I believe I have done that so far.”

The Duke reached past her and plucked an apple from the tree. Beatrice caught his earthy scent as he came close. He seemed to have trouble picking the apple before he finally pulled back.

“I have put you in a bad spot with your business associates, and I want to help you make that right. Your mother spoke of you being a man who fixes things, and I would like to be such a person, too. We will go to the garden party together, and I will do whatever it takes to fix what I broke. You have my word on that. Whatever it takes,” Beatrice promised.

“Whatever it takes?” the Duke echoed.

Beatrice felt her heartbeat quicken. When he had invited her on the walk, she had sensed something was bothering him, and perhaps it still was, but he had thoughts of other things now. And she felt it, too. She had felt it when he had leaned in close, and she saw it in his eyes as he stood before her.

“I will do whatever it takes,” Beatrice asserted, keeping her voice low and even.

“I am not a man who likes to leave things to chance,” the Duke noted. “If we are to do anything it takes, we should make sure we know what we are doing.”

It was an invitation and an obvious dare for her to take the lead, and Beatrice was unable to stop herself. She leaned forward and clumsily kissed him, but that didn’t matter. The only thing that mattered to her was feeling his lips once more, and the only thing that mattered to Edwin was pushing her to make the first move.

The clumsy kiss lasted little more than an instant before Edwin took control. He took her by the shoulders and backed her up against the tree’s rough bark. Beatrice immediately lifted her arms and wrapped them around the trunk, submitting to her husband.

Edwin took her face in his hands and kissed her properly, pinning her between the tree and his body—Beatrice was unsure which felt harder. She didn’t move and let him guide her with his hands and lips. She parted her lips slightly, but he didn’t use his tongue this time. The kiss was passionate but not rushed—it was sensual.

She was pinned to the tree, but she was safe, protected by the Duke as they kissed. She did not know yet how she would fix everything in her life, but she knew the Duke was happier when she gave him her body, and that was enough for now.

It is not only for his own good but for mine, too.

The Duke loosened his grip on her, and she was a little disappointed that the kiss was over so quickly. She had a fleeting hope that it might turn into something more again but was glad not to be in a state of undress in the middle of the apple orchard.

Edwin ran a finger down her cheek. “You must learn to be more patient, my dear. Your pleasure will come in good time, but you must wait.”

Then he turned and strode off toward the manor.

Beatrice was left breathless for many reasons. She could see how much enjoyment he got from pleasuring and teasing her, and she found enjoyment in both, too.

If everything went as planned, the Duke would resume his usual business dealings, and he would take her to his bed. It was only a few days until that happened, but it felt like an eternity.

The Duke was right to tease her. It was hard to wait for what she knew would be the greatest pleasure she would ever experience.

ChapterFifteen

The Garden Party

Pemberton Manor

The day had finally come. For both the garden party and Beatrice and Edwin’s delayed wedding night.

Even with all the people around and the chatter and food and music and drinks, Beatrice could not focus on anything. All she could think about was the Duke.

With him by her side, dressed in his finest, it was impossible to focus on anything save what was below his clothing. Beatrice was terrified—the type of fear that had to be overcome and soon would.

“Greetings,” Robert said as he approached the couple. “I am sure I don’t need to show you where everything is—and if you do need anything, please ask—but I must ask that you stay out of my bedroom on this occasion. I do enjoy how much talk there was about the ball hosted here, but I believe one scandal per Season is quite enough.”

Beatrice had blushed so much over the first few days in the Duke’s residence that she was able to control herself better, so she did not blush at Lord Pemberton’s teasing.

“I shall try,” she replied. “I was looking for the retiring room that night, and the smell must have drawn me in.”

Edwin guffawed at her joke.

Lord Pemberton showed no offense, his eyes lighting up at the retort. “I like you more each time I meet you, Your Grace,” he said.

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