Page 55 of Taken By the Beastly Duke

" Well not for this lady" she said drily coming to sit beside him on the long bench.

He sat down before answering her

" I would agree that you are not the typical lady. You have my mother eating from your palm. That in itself is a miracle in itself. What sorcery do you possess. I just might need some of it for the future " he said a sly smile curving his lips

She let out a surprised huff if laughter.

" There is no sorcery involved I assure you. I just happened to spend more time conversing with her that's all"

The way Anthony looked away at her statement told her that he had not missed the slight jab at him for his continuous absence at home leaving his mother perpetually lonely. The air on the room became tense with the weight of his guilt and she sook to break the tension

" Your mother seems to want to join Society again and reclaim her status among the ton, but she had not hosted a society event for so long that she is afraid that if she throws one, she might not attract the kind of guests she want. So I came to a compromise with her" she said pausing to allow him understand her request

" May I ask what this compromise entails" he asked as the silence prolonged

" I have decided to change how a societal ball as the new Duchess of Devlin

Apart from making the estate alive. We could also introduce ourselves to the ton as a new couple and change the narrative about us as a family. I believe this is my duty as your duchess"

" Well, I agree that it is a marvelous idea, I also happen to think," he said leaning closer to her and dropping his voice to a deep silky whisper " You have other... duties as a duchess that you are presently neglecting "

With the tone of his voice and the luminous glint of mischief in his eyes it was difficult to miss the innuendo his statement implied.

" I..I do not believe I take your meaning " she spluttered

" But you do wife. You do" he said in an amused tone.

And she did know. He was speaking of the kind of duty that involved twisted sheets and naked limbs and mind numbing kisses. The same duty that he did not seem to be interested in. The same duty he was resolved to torture her with.

" I hope you got your trousseau complete. I would expect more of those lacy night rails of yours. An abundance of them in fact" he continued close to her ear his voice lowered in that infernal whisper that did terrible things to her composure.

Clearing her throat, she shifted a little hoping to separate herself a little from the sheer intensity of his presence, so she could think clearly.

" I believe I have enough night rails. You grace"

" But clothing of that sort could never be too many " he replied slyly obviously enjoying the crimson color of her face that deepened with embarrassment.

" Come, " he said standing and offering his outstretched arm

" I am sure the modiste would have something that you like".

She took his hand reluctantly standing up and following him back to the fitting room.

" Is there any problem, Your Grace?" Katarina asked obviously surprised to see her back in the fitting room

"" My duchess requires some pretty undergarments " Anthony said.

The modiste exchanged questioning look with her clearly remembering their first conversation and her insistence on the adequacy of her undergarments. At her subtle nod of approval, she turned back to the duke with a wide smile

" Certainly your grace, we have several samples here, I f you could give us specific designs, we promise to deliver the best way we can"

Nodding, Anthony turned in the room inspecting the samples in the room. The fact that he was inspecting women underthings with no hint of embarrassment was proof enough that the man was a veritable rake in his former life before he became injured.

He stopped at a sheer black creation that seemed to have just pieces of lace at some strategic spots to give a semblance of modesty.

" This he said. I want it made in crimson and gold" he said to the woman patiently waiting beside him.

The blush on her face spread farther down and she was convinced that she would die of embarrassment

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