Page 44 of The Duke's Inconvenient Bride
“Oh?” Emma straightened. Her lack of knowledge about what to expect tonight had been weighing on her. Fortunately, with how many other things she had to worry about, she hadn’t had much time to dwell on it.
“How much do you know about what happens between a man and a woman when they become husband and wife?” Lady Carlisle asked.
“Almost nothing,” Emma replied. “I’ve heard they may undress together.”
“Yes.” Lady Carlisle turned toward her. “In order to get an heir, the duke will, erm, insert his male parts inside you and plant his seed within.”
Emma bit her lip, completely confused. “I don’t understand.”
Lady Carlisle rubbed her temples and groaned, as if Emma was purposefully being difficult. “You know that men and women have different… appendages, correct?”
“Yes,” Emma said. She’d also seen as much herself when it came to horses. It was impossible not to notice that stallions had parts that mares did not.
“Well, your husband will insert his shaft inside you. It will feel good for him, and after a while, he will spurt liquid seed from his shaft into your channel, and that is how you get with child.”
Emma cocked her head. “Will it feel good for me too?”
Lady Carlisle frowned. “Why would you ask that?”
“Because you said it would feel good for him.” It didn’t seem fair that it wouldn’t feel good for both parties, although Emma had serious doubts that it would because the idea of anything being shoved inside her orifices did not sound pleasant.
“It may,” Lady Carlisle said. “Some women find pleasure in the act, but most don’t. If it lasts longer than you would like, I find it helpful to mentally organize my wardrobe.”
Emma hid a grin. She hoped her mother had never told Lord Carlisle that.
“Thank you, Mother. I think I understand.” She only hoped that the duke had a better concept of the act than she did.
“Good. Good.” Lady Carlisle stood and wiped her palms on her dress. “Then let’s get you into your gown.”
She summoned Daisy, and together they held the dress while Emma stepped into it. Her mother fussed with the front while Daisy set to work fastening the row of tiny buttons that lined Emma’s spine.
“You’ve never looked more beautiful.” Lady Carlisle’s voice rang with sincerity. “The duke is going to be thrilled to have you as his bride.”
Tears pricked Emma’s eyes. Her mother wasn’t often sentimental, and for her to say something so lovely…. Well, Emma wished she could believe her.
Lady Carlisle glanced at the clock. “The carriage will be ready.”
“Good luck, Lady Emma,” Daisy said as Emma and Lady Carlisle departed.
Emma took one last look over her shoulder at the pale blue walls and ornate mirror, knowing that this room would never be hers again. Sorrow infiltrated her heart, making it heavy. She would have a new life as a duchess, and it would be full of excitement, but leaving her old life behind was harder than she’d anticipated.
“Come along,” Lady Carlisle urged. “We want to be fashionably late, but not so late that people begin to gossip.”
Emma’s lips hitched up, and she was grateful for the ridiculous statement. They hastened down the stairs. Lord Carlisle and Sophie waited near the main entrance. Sophie glanced up and smiled as she saw them.
“Emma, you look wonderful,” she said. “Like a princess.”
“Thank you, Sophie.” Emma studied her younger sister, whose dress was a darker shade of pink than the lace overlay of her own gown. “So do you.”
“Emma.” Lord Carlisle offered her his arm, and she took it and allowed him to guide her down the outside stairs and to the carriage. White flowers and ribbons adorned the carriage, making it obvious to anyone they passed that a bride was inside.
The family gathered inside the carriage and rode to St. George’s church on Hanover Square. They’d needed a large venue to host the many people that Lady Carlisle had insistedon inviting. Emma would have preferred a small wedding, but her mother seemed to think that having a large guest list would render the union less scandalous.
When they arrived, a footman opened the carriage door, and Lord Carlisle assisted each of the ladies as they exited. From inside the church, music began to play. Emma reached for Sophie’s hand and squeezed it, then their mother ushered Sophie toward the entrance.
Emma kept herself out of view as Sophie made her way down the aisle. Lady Carlisle darted around the back of the guests, and then Lord Carlisle held Emma’s arm and escorted her into the church.
The almost overpowering scent of flowers wafted through the space. Emma’s breath caught at the sight of the duke standing in front of the altar with the Earl of Longley beside him.
