Page 116 of The English Duke
“Actually,” he said, coming to sit on the edge of the bed, “I don’t. Your frank amorality is almost refreshing.”
When he reached out and touched her shoulder, smoothing his hand down to her elbow, she slid away from his grasp.
“There’s no time for that now,” she said.
“It’s barely dawn.”
He pulled the sheet free until her entire body was revealed. She made no move to cover herself. After today, she would have to maintain a certain decorum, at least for a little while. She would be the Duchess of Roth and expected to behave in a certain manner.
There would be no taking of mongrels to her bed.
“I know you don’t love him,” he said. “But I suspect you feel something for me.”
She allowed herself a small laugh. “Gratitude,” she said. “Last night was pleasant.”
“Is that all?”
Was that disappointment in his eyes? Or was he just teasing her? She had the feeling Reese was quite adept in handling women. She found she didn’t want to be just another conquest. Instead, she wanted to remain in his mind and memory for a long time.
When he reached for her, she planted her hand against his chest.
“You don’t seem upset about Jordan finding my sister’s ship.”
He shrugged. “There’s always a way to get what you want, if you really want it.”
She moved her hand to the back of his neck and pulled his head down for a kiss.
There was time, before she dressed as a bride, to enjoy herself once more.
Martha sat in her room, reliving the events of the past hours. She didn’t feel as guilty as she had the first time she’d loved Jordan. Did sin become natural after a while? Did you lose all perspective of whether you were committing a shocking act?
Why didn’t it feel scandalous? Why wasn’t she ashamed?
It hadn’t felt wrong. What felt wrong was Jordan’s marriage to Josephine later today.
Yet he’d said nothing to her about changing his mind. He couldn’t, could he? He was obligated to carry through with the ceremony, just as she was to attend it.
If she could, she’d find a reason not to be in the congregation. She’d come down with a sudden fever, perhaps, or a stomach upset. Something she could claim might be contagious. From the information she’d overheard, most of the inhabitants of both villages were going to attend either the ceremony or the reception or both.
But she had to be there for Gran’s sake and because she was a York.
Would hundreds of eyes be on her? Would they be speculating as to her feelings?
The girl didn’t have a good season, did she? How does she feel to have her younger sister marry before her? Is she destined to be a spinster?
Not one of them would know she’d spent the night in the groom’s arms, that she bore the marks of Jordan’s night beard on her breast.
She really should be ashamed of herself.
Instead, she wondered if Jordan had met with Reese. Had he recovered theGoldfish?
What on earth had inspired Josephine to help Reese steal the vessel? Did her sister hate her that much? Didn’t she realize that making theGoldfishwork wasn’t Martha’s victory as much as proving their father’s success? If nothing else, she’d get the answer to that question today.
She left her room, intent on talking to Josephine.
Chapter 33
Josephine wasn’t in her bed. Martha was surprised since her sister had never been an early riser. She knew Josephine was not briefing the housekeeper or visiting with Gran who did have a tendency to wake with the sun.
